Squad gets attitude adjustment

The Mark Hammett factor will be under the microscope for the first time when the Hurricanes Super 15 rugby squad play a "friendly" match against fellow Kiwi side, the Chiefs, at Mangatainoka on Saturday.
While both teams are sure to chop and change their playing personnel during what should be an entertaining 80 minutes, there will still be keen interest in the effect former All Black and Cantabrian Hammett has had on their mindset as head coach.
Often in the past the Hurricanes have flattered only to deceive with inconsistency being their biggest bugbear. For a team with so many high profile players in their line-up they should have done better.
What blame should be attributed to former head coach Colin Cooper for this state of affairs could be debated at length, but you can wager Hammett won't be dwelling on any perceived weaknesses in the performance of his predecessor.
As a player Hammett was everything you would expect in a Canterbury hooker - tough and uncompromising - and you can expect he will demand the same from the players now under his control.
That kind of attitude could be just what the Hurricanes need to ensure that once again nobody could question their potential.
Few, if any, of the Super 15 sides have a more exciting backline (Cruden, Nonu, Smith, Jane, Savea) and while they certainly don't have the same strength up front there is still plenty of experience and good enough skills there to do a decent job.
While the Hurricanes will want to express the attacking skills of their backs they will look to do so in a structured fashion, which places emphasis on teamwork rather than individual brilliance.
And you can safely wager if the forwards don't copy the Canterbury trademark of head down and bum up, right from the word go, then they will have their coaching staff to answer to. Prima donnas have no place in the heart of any good southern man.
It is unlikely Hammett will play favourites and reputation will surely count for little in his selection process. Form will be everything and that is why Saturday's game will be important to a healthy list of newcomers, including Michael Bent, Laurence Corlett, Chris Eaton, Jack Lam, Charlie Ngaitai, Mark Reddish and Julian Savea.
They need to make every post a winner and Mangatainoka is as good a place to start as any.
Before Saturday's fixture local Hurricanes supporters will have the opportunity to watch training at the Marist grounds at Memorial Park tomorrow night from 4pm to 6pm, and also to acquaint themselves with the team mascot, Captain Hurricane, who will be handing out giveaways and enticing fans to take advantage of the free barbecue.