Southern men will test rising Hurricanes

IN BOXING they say styles make fights and the same could be said of tonight’s Super Rugby match between the Hurricanes and Highlanders at Westpac Stadium.

The obvious and, more subtle will be at play in a match that has high importance for each side as they look to build on promising starts to the season.

For the home side the word ‘‘respect’’ has been thrown about freely since they arrived home from a three-match tour that surprised most pundits.

Their first home match provides a chance to add substance to their promise in front of a fan base still more hopeful than convinced by coach Mark Hammett’s brave new world.

‘‘We’ve obviously prepared well, but it’s important that we front, that it’s clear for people to see that,’’ Hammett said this week.

Wins over the Lions and Force are easily dismissed, but add the Highlanders to the list and anything’s possible for a Hurricanes side still trading on low exterior expectations.

For the Highlanders, a fourth win would add to their growing aura after wins over the Chiefs, Crusaders, and Waratahs.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph is sure to zero in on the home scrum, in particular tighthead Jeffery Toomaga-allen, who must stand his ground against Jamie Mackintosh.

Rugged openside John Hardie