Hurricanes happy at home
Wellington-based team to face Highlanders in the capital with their top players firing
They all put their hand up at the weekend; it definitely helps, it definitely lifts the side. Carlos Spencer Hurricanes assistant coach
Knowing they face another of those demanding New Zealand derbies in the Super Rugby season, against the Highlanders on Friday, the Hurricanes are looking forward to also playing on Westpac Stadium for the first time this year.
It will also be a boost being able to field their full complement of All Blacks now that the initial restrictions on their starting times have been completed.
Assistant coach Carlos Spencer said the 43-13 win over the Brumbies in Palmerston North had been satisfying, especially with having Beauden Barrett back at first five-eighths and hooker Dane Coles back to his best form while flanker Ardie Savea had demonstrated what he could do at the breakdown, and all were invaluable for the side.
“They all put their hand up at the weekend; it definitely helps, it definitely lifts the side especially some of the young guys who just enjoy having those guys around,” he said.
Spencer said the way the Hurricanes bounced back against the Brumbies from their loss to the Crusaders in the previous week had been a reflection of the hard work they put in during the week.
“After their loss to the Crusaders there were some big learnings during the week, they worked hard early in the week and the results showed,” he said.
The performance of Chase Tiatia, at fullback on debut for the side, had been great. Spencer said he had been impressed by Tiatia throughout the pre-season and it had been great to see him get an opportunity.
“Some of the things he did out there were tremendous,” he said.
That resulted in more pressure going on Jordie Barrett, who was rested for the weekend, and that was typical of Super Rugby when a chance was provided for players to step up.
Spencer said the call-up of South African Lions lock Andries Ferreira as a replacement for injured lock Sam Lousi, who is out for the season after suffering a pectoral injury, would bring physicality to the pack.
Spencer worked with Ferreira during a stint in South Africa with the Lions and said he was a solid player.
“From his experience at the Lions, he’s a pretty physical ball player. He likes to carry.
“He’s good at set piece, which is what we need.”
Ferreira arrived in Wellington at the weekend and would be in consideration for selection for the Highlanders game on Friday.
Coach John Plumtree said he had a lot of respect for Ferreira’s approach and he would be an asset to the squad.
“We’ve been really happy with the work of our young guys in the first three games and we think Andries will bring some real experience and help develop the guys around him,” he said.