Laumape ‘pumped’ for chance to flex his muscles

Ngani Laumape has changed; at least a little bit.

As expected, Laumape and fellow All Blacks squad members Julian Savea, Jordie Barrett and Vaea Fifita were released from their national duties, to appear for the Hurricanes in tomorrow’s tour match against the British and Irish Lions.

The Hurricanes had known for a week that the quartet were coming, provided no-one broke down during Saturday’s first test at Eden Park.

Injuries to All Blacks starters Ben Smith and Ryan Crotty threatened to scupper that plan. But Hurricanes head coach Chris Boyd got a text at fulltime to say the foursome were still coming and they soon joined their Super Rugby team-mates for a Sunday morning gym session.

‘‘Ngani had his top off in the gym and you can see that he’s been doing a lot of work over the past week up in Auckland. He’s definitely ‘pumped’ to be back in the mix for Tuesday,’’ wing Nehe Milner-Skudder joked of his Manawatu and Hurricanes team-mate.

While Laumape is looking decidedly more muscled, Milner-Skudder doubted the second five-eighth’s belief in his ability had been bolstered by his elevation to the All Blacks’ ranks.

‘‘He’s a pretty confident fella in general, so it would be hard to get more over-confident. But he’s had a huge year and he’ll be excited and looking forward to this challenge against the Lions,’’ said Milner-Skudder.

Between Laumape, Milner-Skudder, Savea, Jordie Barrett and Vince Aso, the Hurricanes have the makings of a terrific backline. All that’s missing is halfback TJ Perenara and first fiveeighth Beauden Barrett.

But, as we’ve seen already on this trip, back divisions can battle to fire a shot against the Lions. The tourists’ pack have tickled up a succession of Super sides, as well as New Zealand Maori, and it’s men such as Ben May, Ricky Riccitelli and Jeff To’omaga-Allen who hold the key to any chances of a Hurricanes victory.

Aside from their strength in set play and on the ground, the Lions have expertly contested box kicks. Teams rarely kick deep to the Hurricanes and you doubt the Lions suddenly decide it’s a good idea.

This is Boyd’s third crack at the Lions, having been an assistant to John Plumtree with Wellington and the Sharks in 2005 and 2009. Plumtree is now Boyd’s understudy, with the pair yet to beat the tourists.

Hurricanes wing Cory Jane came off the bench for Wellington in 2005 and has been named in the same spot tomorrow.