Last Saturday’s demolition of the Chiefs brought the Hurricanes back into the top six race. Can they carry that momentum into tonight’s clash with the Blues? Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 5:35pm (AEST).
The Hurricanes produced arguably the best performance by any side in the competition last week, embarrassing the defending champions by 45-8.
But a lack of consistency has been an issue this season, and so are injures heading into this contest.
The Hurricanes have lost live-wire fullback Andre Taylor with a ankle sprain, so Matt Proctor comes in for him.
Prop Ben Franks (groin) is also being monitored, while back-up hookers Ash Dixon and Motu Matu’u are under injury clouds as well.
That means Reggie Goodes could either replace Franks or act as back-up hooker to Dane Coles, with Mike Kainga and Brendon Edmonds coming onto the bench if required.
The Blues are seemingly out of playoff contention, but are always difficult to beat at Eden Park.
The Blues have beaten both the Waratahs and Crusaders at home this year, and thrashed the Hurricanes 28-6 at the same venue last year.
The Blues have made three changes from last week’s side. First-five Ihaia West will make his first Super Rugby start.
West is a product of the Napier Boys’ High School, Hawke’s Bay and the New Zealand under-20s. He was brought into the Blues squad last month following the season-ending injury to Baden Kerr.
George Moala is named on the left wing ahead of Tevita Li, who has been stood down for a breach of internal team protocols, while veteran halfback Piri Weepu has overcome a groin strain to be named on the bench.
The Blues hold a 7-4 advantage over the Hurricanes at home, but the visitors have won four of the past seven matches.
Jason O’Halloran scored three tries in the 1998 fixture, making him only the second player to score a hat-trick against the Blues.
The Blues recorded the biggest winning margin by any team over a New Zealand side with their 60-7 win in 2002, while Doug Howlett equalled the competition record with four tries.
Howlett scored 10 tries against the Hurricanes, a record against a single opponent.
Tana Umaga played his 100th Super 12 match at Eden Park in 2005 and celebrated in style, as the Hurricanes recorded their first win over the Blues in the competition’s 10 years.
Beauden Barrett plays in 50th match for the Hurricanes. He has scored 573 points.
Hurricanes by 7
Daws
Guest
Oh no, I thought it read hurricanes 37 - blues 24! Such a crazy win/loss pattern from you guys over the ditch!
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Not sure why Nonu is a factor... it shouldn't be... if it is a problem then I'd suggest that Barrett will not make the AB side while Nonu is playing at No 12...
Bobbo7
Guest
Agree re Chris Cairns. There might be a big conspiracy but hard to believe McCullum would make it up.
Terrosilops
Guest
Well yeah... it is pretty open to who will make the wildcard spots. Travel between Aus/NZ to SA are a killer, whoever travels will find it tough to make the final. And the Kiwi teams are pretty even atm. Most likely the Sharks will win unless a SA team beats them at home during the playoffs. Then it is on.
Common Sense
Roar Rookie
Why would Nonu have an impact in the decision?
Tigranes
Guest
Good win for the Blues, but not good for New Zealand rugby
Debz
Guest
Barrett will not move to The Blues if Nonu is still there.
Common Sense
Roar Rookie
Bloody Jedi mind trick...
Common Sense
Roar Rookie
The Chiefs are doing a Blues.
Digby
Roar Guru
And the Force ;)
El Gamba
Roar Guru
The Force Digger.
Common Sense
Roar Rookie
I'm really struggling to see an NZ side in the final this year, might not even make the semi finals...
Digby
Roar Guru
Hope so, but he only resigned for one year I believe and with a new coaching structure to be appointed would it be that big of a change?? Time will tell I guess.... certainly hope he does stay.
Common Sense
Roar Rookie
You'd think he would like as little disruptions as possible during a world cup year. If he was going to change then he should have done it this year.
Digby
Roar Guru
For Tasman? Yes, thats right I think.
Common Sense
Roar Rookie
He ended up playing at first five and tom marshall was fullback, wasn't he? He looked better at 10 for the makos then he was fullback for the Canes.
Firstxv
Guest
being realistic...it is a good dream...
Digby
Roar Guru
Cant rule it out
Digby
Roar Guru
I always support the kiwi teams CS so no problems there for me, if we dont make it of course. ;) We could only end up with one team in it!!
Common Sense
Roar Rookie
We don't live in your dreams mate, we live in reality. :)