Rugby: Lowe cracks Canes Tens squad

TENS SELECTION: Jonah Lowe has cracked the Hurricanes Tens squad despite only being on an injury-cover contract in Wellington. PHOTO/FILE

Way to make the most of a limited window of opportunity Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby speedster Jonah Lowe.

The Magpies 2016 back of the year, Lowe, 20, has been training with the Hurricanes as an injury cover player since December 1. He has been so impressive he was yesterday named in the Canes 26-man squad for the Brisbane Tens on February 11 and 12.

"I was pretty stoked. If I went back to the end of the Magpies season last year I would not have thought I would be in this position," Lowe said last night.

"I've been told I've got two more weeks left at the Canes but if I do well at the Tens I could get an extension. I've got something to motivate me now and it will be awesome to play with a few of the All Blacks. Hopefully I will get a run around because it will be interesting to see what I can do with a bit more space Tens will bring," Lowe said.

The 2016 New Zealand Under-20 World Championship player has noticed a huge step up in intensity at trainings to what he has been used to in the past.

"I can see why they are the Super Rugby champions. They place a big emphasis on defence too."

Most of the All Blacks returned to Canes training this week and Lowe said he has learnt plenty off them.

"They know their positions inside and out. I was impressed with their ability to read the game ... they know exactly where to be at any given time."

Lowe is a younger brother of former Maori All Black and Magpies loosie Karl Lowe who made 41 first class appearances for the Canes from 2009 to 2013 and is now playing in France.

"Karl was home for a couple of weeks at Christmas. He was pretty proud of me and the way in which I've followed a similar path to him."

Lowe is an injury cover player for Magpies lock and 2016 MVP Geoff Cridge who is expected to start playing again in June after recovering from knee surgery.

He joined Hugh Renton, Mark Abbott and Taranaki-bound Ricky Riccitelli as the 2016 Magpies selected in the Canes Tens squad. Magpies halfback Brad Weber has made the Chiefs squad, loosie Gareth Evans has made the Highlanders squad and Magpies and All Blacks outside back Israel Dagg will travel with the Crusaders in his tournament ambassador role but will not take the field.

Former Magpie and All Black Cory Jane has been named in the Canes team after returning from a season in Japan. The 53-test veteran said he didn't hesitate when Hurricanes head coach Chris Boyd sounded him out about the tournament.

"Boydy asked me when I was in Japan and I said I was keen to have a run around. I've never played it before so I don't really know what to expect but it will be a bit of fun. I guess most teams are looking at it that way, go over there and enjoy some good weather and play some good footy."

With the likes of Jane, 2015 World Cup hero Nehe Milner-Skudder, Jordie Barrett, Vaea Fifita, Maori All Blacks Matt Proctor and Otere Black and former Warriors NRL player Ngani Laumape it's easy to see why the Canes will travel across the Tasman with the favourites' tag for the tournament which will involve all 10 professional franchises from Australia and New Zealand, French powerhouse Toulon, Japanese Top League side Panasonic Wild Knights, the Blue Bulls from South Africa and the Samoan national team.

Before playing in the tournament the Chiefs will play a pre-season fixture against the Bulls in Brisbane on February 9. Former Magpies and All Black hooker Hika Elliot is in the Chiefs squad.