![\"Warner](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4JOIWSZ_260516_BluesHurricanes_017_JPG.jpeg\")
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\nWarner Dearns of the Hurricanes celebrates his try with Billy Proctor and Asafo Aumua, at Eden Park on Saturday night.
\nPhoto: Photosport\n<\/p>\n
The original Hurricanes side adopted the mantra ‘expect the unexpected.’<\/p>\n
However, the 2026 version of the side has set very clear expectations – to win the title.<\/p>\n
After a record win over the Blues<\/a> at Eden Park on Saturday, ending a six year losing streak on the hallowed turf, the Hurricanes are now eyeing an end to their decade-long title drought.<\/p>\n “We want to be the best team, we want to finish first,” coach Clark Laidlaw emphatically declared following the demolition.<\/p>\n “We understand you’ve got to start again in the playoffs, but if you don’t have expectations you’re probably going pretty rubbish.”<\/p>\n Laidlaw stated anything short of a championship at this stage would be considered a loss.<\/p>\n “It would be disappointing, we’re not here to shy away from trying to win this competition.”<\/p>\n Skipper Jordie Barrett said they have been plotting their path to glory since pre-season, having fallen short in the semis at home two years ago.<\/p>\n “We sat down at the start of the year and understood some of the metrics it takes to win this competition. A lot of guys are carrying that with them and you see how motivated the boys are. We want to own this season and we’re not going to shy away from that.<\/p>\n “We got jumped two years ago at home against the Chiefs. We were quite loose with the ball and we got beat. That’s all it takes in do-or-die footy. Our main focus is to try [to] get there in the first place, try [to] qualify first, and then whoever we’ve got in round one of the quarter-finals, we’ll do what we need to do to them.”<\/p>\n After letting three tries in late against the Blues, Barrett admitted they may have taken the foot off the pedal somewhat.<\/p>\n “It doesn’t take much to be perceived as clocking off. You give a good side who’s third on the table some entries into your half and you get punished, and that’s the nature of this competition.”<\/p>\n Fehi Fineanganofo’s purple patch continued in Auckland, the try scoring machine now equal with Joe Roff and Ben Lam’s combined season record of 16.<\/p>\n “I’m super proud of him. I’ve known him since he was 18,” Laidlaw said.<\/p>\n “His growth, his ability to learn, his work rate and work ethic. He’s shouldered some amount of work through the season.”<\/p>\n However, he may have to wait a little while before his chance to break that record, having limped off the field late.<\/p>\n “He might need a wee break. He just pulled up a bit lame there, so hopefully he’s alright. But yeah, I’ll back him if he’s fit and healthy.”<\/p>\n Plenty of talk has surrounded the winger’s future, as he is set to leave our shores to join Newcastle after the season.<\/p>\n Asked if there was a chance of keeping him in the country, Laidlaw wasn’t overly optimistic.<\/p>\n “That’d be nice, wouldn’t it? I do get asked that most weeks. We’ve said at length, he’s made his decision and he’ll have made it for the right reasons for him and his family.”<\/p>\n Dave Rennie’s outside backs’ stocks took a major hit last night after Highlanders star Caleb Tangitau ruptured his achilles<\/a>.<\/p>\n “I’m not too fussed around higher honours, I just enjoy him in Super Rugby. You want good players, top New Zealand players, playing here. Who knows, he may come back in the future, but it’s not for me to worry about.”<\/p>\n