Big job for Hurricanes midfield to contain Chiefs

RUGBY: Accuracy has to be at the heart of everything the Hurricanes’ backline does.

Without Julian Savea on the wing there’s nothing intimidating or physically imposing about the combination that’ll confront the Chiefs in Saturday’s Super Rugby semifinal at Westpac Stadium.

Halfback TJ Perenara is always a threat from the base of scrums and rucks and the pace and vision of first five-eighth Beauden Barrett can embarrass even the best defenders. Otherwise the Hurricanes’ back division derives its success from making good decisions and skills well.

Fullback James Marshall, wing Cory Jane and centre Matt Proctor are typical of that. READ MORE: * * * The 23-year-old Proctor tips the scales at just 90kg and is unlikely to run in many length-of-the-field tries. But he rarely makes an error and has proven a good foil for second five-eighths’ Vince Aso and Willis Halaholo.

Halaholo has taken ownership of the No.12 jersey in recent weeks, after Aso dropped out of the starting side due to a calf strain.

‘‘Willis is good. Obviously he’s pretty potent on attack, he’s got some pretty sharp footwork and executing their it’s good to have another player who can beat defenders one-on-one and it definitely gives us some goforward ball,’’ Proctor said.

‘‘I just try to support him and make the most of his linebreaks and run off him.’’

Aside from Aso, Ngani Laumape has also had a crack at second five-eighth.

‘‘My role doesn’t really change, they’re all quite similar players. They’re quite big and carry the ball hard and get us over the gainline,’’ said Proctor.

Defensively, Proctor and Halaholo are likely to be busy against the Chiefs. From first fiveeighth Aaron Cruden, through centre Seta Tamanivalu and full- back Damian McKenzie and wing James Lowe, there are any number of Chiefs to be wary of.

They’re not tied to any part of the park and it will be up to someone such as Jane to spot how the Chiefs are looking to launch and communicate that to his teammates.

The other way the Hurricanes can limit the effectiveness of the Chiefs is through field-position. Perenara and Barrett get plenty of praise for their running games, but Proctor says the pair’s gamemanagement has been just as important lately.

‘‘There’s periods in a game, like crucial times, where if you can put the other team in their part of the field it builds pressure on them and takes the pressure off you at the same time. That’s how we’ve been getting on top of teams,’’ Proctor said.

Wellington born-and-bred, Proctor says the Hurricanes are thrilled to have ‘‘another shot’’ at the title after losing to the Highlanders in last year’s final. Defeated teams always tell themselves they can get back to a decider, so there’s a degree of pride in the camp that they’re in contention again.

They just want a different out come this time.

‘‘Everyone’s definitely pleased and excited about the opportunity,’’ said Proctor.