Lions Tour 2017: Hurricanes pack down but no pushovers

The Lions would be unwise to see the Hurricanes' tight five as a weakness, but that will not stop them targeting the home side there in tonight's clash in the capital.

Missing Ardie Savea and Dane Coles, plus the likes of Michael Fatialofa and Reggie Goodes, there is a less-imposing look to the Hurricanes' pack than in their star-studded backline, but men such as captain Brad Shields, Callum Gibbins, Vaea Fifita and Ricky Riccitelli have done the business most of the season for the franchise, who lie second in the New Zealand conference of Super Rugby. They may have been worked over by the Chiefs and Crusaders, but they have run in tries at will in most of their 11 wins this season.

Now they have a full house for a fixture which could give them a big boost for their final regular season match here on July 15 against the high-flying Crusaders.

Assistant coach John Plumtree knows the acid will go on the pack as the foundation of the Hurricanes' game.

"We haven't been entirely happy with how we've been going ... so if we don't bring it, it won't be a good night for us," Plumtree said, mindful of the lessons out of the Maori All Blacks' and Chiefs' defeats.

"The last thing we want to be doing is defending against this Lions side all night, so we have to secure our ball and impose ourselves on this game."

For all that, and feeling like yesterday was Friday after a rare Sunday training, Plumtree was enthused over the quality of his team, boosted by the release of the All Blacks triumvirate of Jordie Barrett, Julian Savea and Ngani Laumape.

"There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that this is the strongest side we've [he and Chris Boyd] taken into a Lions encounter. In 2005 [for Wellington] we were weakened and we were missing Springboks in 2009 with the Sharks. We think this side is a lot better," he said.

The 2005 Wellington side, which did boast six All Blacks, including Piri Weepu and Ma'a Nonu, were comfortably second to the Lions to the tune of 23-6.

The Lions pack, though second-string, contains some prime international performers such as captain Rory Best, lock Courtney Lawes, prop Dan Cole, and loosies Justin Tipuric and CJ Stander. The Hurricanes will need to be smart and accurate in all they do or they will end up as roadkill like the Maori and Chiefs. Wing George North will be eager to prove he should re-enter test selection conversations

"It's a superb side, and any international side wouldn't mind taking that into the Six Nations," Plumtree said.

"We are a lot different to the All Blacks. We're not as good, but what they bring against us will possibly be what they expect to improve on in the second test."

Should the Hurricanes struggle under the aerial assault, they can always wheel on reserve Cory Jane.