Canes out to make statement in opener

All Hurricanes’ pre- season roads have led to Tokyo and, after the Blues’ demolition of the Rebels, fans will be expecting a similar statement of intent from the defending Super Rugby champions tonight.

The Hurricanes, minus several locks, Nehe Milner- Skudder, and with Beauden Barrett and Dane Coles wearing the high numbers, will still be expected to win comfortably with a tryscoring bonus point against the Sunwolves, who propped up the Super Rugby table in 2016.

Much interest will centre on Jordie Barrett’s debut from fullback, but he will have help at the back from wing Cory Jane, as adept under the high ball as any, and familiar with the Japanese surrounds after his recent stint with Toshiba Brave Lupus.

Of equal import will be how Blade Thomson imposes himself at No 8, filling the considerable shoes of Victor Vito, while Ricky Riccitelli will hope to wear the No 2 jersey with as much aplomb as he did at the business end of 2016 when Coles’ ribs prevented him from starting.

Ardie Savea will play his 50th match for the franchise.

TJ Perenara is always sparky, and the 25- year- old will skipper the team, seeking to lead by his example at a level where he has dominated for the last two to three seasons.

“I’m excited about getting out there . . . this is the first time I have played against a Japanese team, so that’s a different kettle of fish. We have a good game plan in place, so if we can do our job we should be alright.

“In their last game against the All-Stars [ last weekend], they threw the ball around a bit.

“We can expect them to throw the ball around with a few trick plays when they have the opportunity. They don’t give up, they work really hard on defence.

“We need to put a lot of work in to make sure we do get over the line,” Perenara says, charitably.

The Sunwolves should certainly be a tougher proposition on home soil, having won one and drawn one of their last four games at home last season.

The Sunwolves are skippered by Australia flanker Ed Quirk, and include New Zealanders in secondfive Derek Carpenter and lock Liaki Moli. Former Highlanders halfback Fumiaki Tanaka is injured, but 2015 Auckland No 9 Kaito Shigeno will act as back- up.

“We’ve got some players who are injured but we are pretty positive with who we have chosen,” coach Filo Tiatia told Kyodo News. “But we are under no illusion we are playing a very good team.”