Softly spoken Samoan international Tusi Pisi’s low-key approach brings a calm confidence to the Hurricanes as they target their seventh Super Rugby win of the season against the Brumbies in Wellington on Friday. Beauden Barrett has earned a rest for the match, warming the bench after starting in every one of the Hurricanes’ previous 11 matches. Pisi, back after a calf injury kept him sidelined for three weeks, says communication will be key to running the exciting Hurricanes back line. “It’s not about the team changing for me and how I play, but for me to come in and contribute,” he said. “I’ve got great talkers around me, like Tim Bateman and Conrad Smith, and T J Perenara’s come a long way. It makes my job easier.” Coach Mark Hammett says Pisi brings a wealth of knowledge to the paddock, and will slot in well. “We know Tusi plays a flatter game, and he seeks space in the back field really well. He’s very experienced, and certainly the players last week said he brought a cool head when he came on.” Leading the Australian conference, the Brumbies are coming off the bye, and will have a makeshift look about their inside backs. Christian Lealiifano broke his ankle two weeks ago, joining fellow No.10 Matt Toomua on the injury roster after he ruptured knee ligaments in round six. Brumbies coach Jake White has a few options at five-eighth, including youngsters Robbie Cole and Zack Holmes. Former Waratahs fullback Peter Hewat is another possibility, called into the Brumbies on a short-term contract from his Japanese club Suntory – the same club Pisi played for until last year.
