Hurricanes must cut loose now to avoid being typecast

The expectation is that some time soon, maybe even this afternoon, the Hurricanes and Waratahs will revert to type.

Certainly if the Hurricanes can rediscover their passion for the instinctive, expansive football they have become renowned for, it may induce the mid-season collapse which has become synonymous with the Waratahs.

So far this season the Hurricanes have survived by graft. They have been gutsy, played the percentages. It's all been so very un-Hurricanes. Surely it can't last? Surely we will see Tana Umaga and Conrad Smith cut loose?

Ma'a Nonu looks desperate to have a go, as does Lome Fa'atau. And Rodney So'oialo, despite his new-found love of donkey work, must be hankering for a gallop in the wilds.

A sunny afternoon in Wellington seems as good a time as any to start hurling the ball around, to start playing to the obvious strengths of the side.

Probably no one would want to see that more than the All Black selectors who will be watching how Conrad Smith copes against the very much in-form Morgan Turinui. Because of his relatively light frame, Smith will always have his defence questioned.

It doesn't matter how many times he knocks down the frustrated flankers he usually has to confront in the No 13 jersey, the questions still persist.

For different reasons the same questions are asked of Nonu, whose defensive issues are positional and technical.

Up against Lote Tuqiri, Nonu faces one of the toughest defensive assignments in world rugby.

If Nonu can contain Tuqiri, the Waratahs could become frustrated. They have been a tight unit up until now. But they always look potential champions in Sydney.

Today's game, their first away from home against a serious opponent, will help to give us a real indication of whether they are potential champions or the age-old chokers who flatter to deceive in the early rounds.

Just as there must come a time when the Hurricanes will cut loose, there must surely come a time when the Waratahs hold their form at the business end?

It might not be 2005, though. The Hurricanes are due a very good performance.

They might be too streetwise at the breakdown, too skilled and incisive in the midfield.

And, after the Hurricanes, come the Brumbies and Highlanders. The prospect of four consecutive defeats for the Waratahs is a very real one.

But don't go feeling sorry for them. The people of Sydney love the drama, expect it even. The competition wouldn't be the same without it.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY