A THRILLING GAME lies in store tomorrow as the Hurricanes meet the Highlanders in the Super Rugby final at Westpac Stadium [KO 08.35 Irish time].
Neither of the New Zealand franchises has won a Super Rugby title before, adding another element of intrigue to a contest that pits two of the greatest attacking club teams in the world against each other.
All Black hopefuls
The likes of Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu and Aaron Smith are established All Blacks, but this final game of the Super Rugby season is the latest chance for the next tier to show Steve Hansen how much they offer.
Sopoaga has had a brilliant season. Source: Photosport/Dianne Manson/INPHO
The Highlanders Waisake Naholo has been sublime on the wing all season, earning a place in the Kiwis’ 41-man squad alongside out-half Lima Sopoaga. Centre Malakai Fekitoa already has eight caps, but now has the chance to upstage Smith at 13.
On the Hurricanes side, new All Blacks squad members James Broadhurst and Nehe Milner-Skudder have an opportunity to add to the exceptional impressions they have made in 2015.
From those who are already internationals – such as TJ Perenara, Victor Vito, Dane Coles and Jeremy Thrush – Hansen will be watching out for signs of their growing maturity and leadership.
Plumtree’s defence vs. Brown’s attack
John Plumtree may have spent less than a year with the Ireland set-up but he won the respect of the likes of Paul O’Connell in that time. Having returned to New Zealand to take up an assistant coaching role at the Hurricanes, his reputation has only grown.
Plumtree with Brian O’Driscoll last year. Source: James Crombie/INPHO
Charged with overseeing the forwards and defence, Plumtree has improved both aspects of the Canes’ game. Their defence has been particularly superb, only the Brumbies having had a sterner during the regular season.
But Plumtree’s men face a hugely demanding task in keeping the Highlanders’ attack quiet tomorrow in Wellington, particularly with the ingenuity of Tony Brown driving their systems and starter plays.
The former All Black turned down an approach from Leinster recently and, like Plumtree, his standing within the game looks set to continue on an upward trajectory even if the Highlanders can’t cut the Canes apart.
Unsung Highlanders pack
The likes of Naholo, Ben and Aaron Smith, Sopoaga and Paddy Osborne garner many of the Highlanders-related headlines, and justifiably so. They make up a scintillating backline, but this Highlanders pack has been impressively durable all season too.
Josh Hohneck has made some massive hits this year. Source: Photosport/Dianne Manson/INPHO
Josh Hohneck has battered into tackles with glee, while 33-year-old Alex Ainley has been outstanding in what is, remarkably, his first season of Super Rugby. Co-captain Nasi Manu has led with his ball-carrying strength and hooker Liam Coltman has been combative throughout.
Importantly, the Highlanders pack have married their muscular effort with some impressive ball handling, although the same could be said of the majority of forward packs in New Zealand.