Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw has been swift to claim the underdog tag for his team ahead of their Super Rugby Pacific final against the Chiefs next Saturday.
The ‘Canes finished top of the regular season table and posted big wins in their knockout games, against the Brumbies and Blues, which has secured them a home final.
The 57-21 success over the latter on Saturday demonstrated the Hurricanes’ stunning attacking game that has seen them score 104 tries this Super Rugby Pacific season.
Hurricanes-Chiefs final
They will face the Chiefs next weekend in Wellington in a battle for the title, with the men from Hamilton having blown the Crusaders away 49-12 in their semi-final tie.
It might sound like mind-games from Laidlaw to claim his team are underdogs but the Hurricanes coach highlights the Chiefs’ recent final outings as the reason why.
“The Chiefs are rolling into their fourth final, so they know what it takes to get there,” he told AAP.
“It probably makes them favourites I guess, having been there the last three times.
“We’ve got to try and make sure we put enough pressure on them to see how that feels, being in their fourth final after losing a few.
“They were exceptional at taking opportunities against the Crusaders.”
The most recent meeting between the teams saw the Chiefs come out on top in a 22-17 ‘Super Point’ victory and it promises to be a similarly close game next Saturday.
There will be fascinating All Blacks match-ups galore in Wellington, not least at inside centre where Jordie Barrett will collide with in-form Chiefs star Quinn Tupaea.
Barrett praise
Barrett’s return to the Hurricanes following last season’s stint in Europe with Leinster has been a huge fillip for the team, something Laidlaw has openly acknowledged.
“Jordie’s ability to keep his feet moving, keep talking, keep putting other people in position is genuinely world class,” the head coach praised.
“He’s an outstanding rugby player. We missed him last year. You can feel the difference, can’t you, off the ball.”
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