Canes keen to tackle Crusaders at home

The Hurricanes find themselves knocking on the door of a rare feat, but they don’t want to fixate over the glamour of consecutive wins over the Crusaders.

The visitors famously claimed a major scalp in last year’s Super Rugby Aotearoa — defeating the Crusaders 34-32 at home.

Aside from the departure of All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara, the Hurricanes will field a relatively similar team for their clash in Christchurch this afternoon, but coach Jason Holland says he and the players have done little to hark back to that wintry night at Orangetheory Stadium last season.

“We know that if we play well, we can win down there, it’s not as if we need to make it a habit — it’s not a massive surprise if we win down there. We know it’s going to be tough and we know what a great side [reigning champions] they are.

“A lot of their systems and structures haven’t changed too much from last year . . . she’s going to be a massive battle, but we know if we play well, we can win.”

The Hurricanes will need to work on their discipline which emerged as their Achilles heel a week ago in their opening loss to the Blues. The Wellingtonians copped two yellow cards and gave away 15 penalties.

“[Discipline was a] major part of our chat — life becomes really hard with 14 on the park,” Holland says.

“It’s been a major focus for us, initially trying to get on the same page as referees, and then adjust and make sure we play our part and don’t give away the soft, easy penalties.”

The Crusaders welcome back Will Jordan, who will come off the bench, and utility back David Havili, who has been named to start at fullback.

Christchurch’s drop to level 1 means fans will be allowed in today.