It’s do or die for Hurricanes a
History of the competition reveals travel fatigue is crippling for all teams in Super Rugby playoffs even if th h
Acase can easily be made that this weekend is do or die in regards to the Hurricanes’ and Chiefs’ title hopes. History tells us travel fatigue is that crippling.
Last year, the Hurricanes timed their run to perfection, scoring five tries to bank a crucial bonus point in their finalround 35-10 win over the Crusaders in Christchurch. That surprising result launched the Hurricanes to the top of the table and, ultimately, set up their maiden title with three successive playoff games in Wellington to follow.
To have a decent chance of defending the crown, victory over the Crusaders in Wellington tomorrow is again paramount. Here’s why. Every year since Super Rugby moved to 15 teams in 2011 the travel factor has, one way or the other, claimed a casualty.
That year the Crusaders went close to defying all odds during their earthquake odyssey which forced them to play every match outside Christ- Waikato Stadium, 5.15pm, tomorrow Reserves alone won’t hold fears but the compromised week that follows has consistently proven to be a killer. This year’s playoff format has been tweaked slightly with the semifinals determined along these lines: the winner of 1 v 8 against the winner of 4 v 5 while the winner of 2 v 7 plays 3 v 6. But the long-haul intensive travel schedule remains.
The scenario for the Hurricanes is simple enough on paper: beat the Crusaders tomorrow and the prize is a much easier trip to Canberra for the quarter-final. Any wonder they have named their strongest team which features T J Perenara, Beauden Barrett, Ngani Laumape, Julian Savea, Jordie Barrett and Nehe Milner-Skudder in the backline.
The Chiefs have taken a more cautious approach for the game against the Brumbies in Hamilton, keeping hard-working All Blacks trio Brodie Retallick, Sam Cane and Anton Lienert-Brown on ice for the playoffs but are helped by the fact the Brumbies are playing a similarly guarded game and will also be under-strength.
Dominic Bird is out with injury and utility back Tim Nanai-Williams is on international duty for Samoa, who face