The warning signs might point to the Sharks’ firepower up front, but the Hurricanes need to be equally wary of a backline bristling with size, experience and speed in Friday’s Super Rugby match at Yarrow Park in New Plymouth.
Desperate for a win after squandering a 21-point lead in last week’s 47-38 loss to the Cheetahs in Wellington, assistant coach Alama Ieremia says the Hurricanes have addressed defensive weaknesses and ball retention problems as they chase a much-needed win.
It’s a victory they’ll have to secure without All Blacks loose forward Victor Vito, who will miss another two weeks with a calf injury.
The Hurricanes’ reshuffled back row has Faifili Levave at No.8, with Jack Lam at blindside breakaway and Karl Lowe at openside.
But while Ieremia acknowledges the importance of matching the Sharks up front, he says there’s a danger in concentrating too much on just one aspect of the game.
“Their backline is very formidable, and they’re big and physical as well,” he told AAP.
“They’ve got plenty of experience, especially with Frederic Michalak back, and there’s a few Springboks in there too. We’ve just got to make sure we’re up for that challenge.”
The Hurricanes’ priorities begin with making sure they win and retain enough possession, then work to take advantage of any opportunities on offer after a solid defensive effort laid the base for the Sharks’ 29-26 over the Brumbies last week.
The South Africans will be without Springboks hooker Bismark du Plessis, who’s on the bench after injuring a quadriceps muscle in training, but they’ll still fancy their chances of out-muscling the Hurricanes in the set pieces and at the breakdown.
Ieremia expects his team to front up in both those areas, and respond with an improved defensive effort and more patience in attack.
“They’re very basic components of the game, and they’re certainly areas we need to improve on,” said Ieremia.
“We’re under no illusions – it’s going to be a tough game.”