Rugby: Canes on lookout for nasty surprises

The Hurricanes know the Reds are a tricky opponent. Photo / Getty Images

The rub on the Reds goes something along the lines of: They're a team with good individuals, they play direct and have a solid scrum.

They're also a side who have won two from nine and are the worst attacking team in Super Rugby this season in terms of points scored.

It all adds up to the fact that tomorrow's game between the Hurricanes and the Reds at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane shapes as a banana-skin encounter for the Hurricanes.

The Canes were given a scare last weekend when they lost 29-24 to the Waratahs - their first defeat of the season. Tomorrow's match is their last overseas encounter this season.

"They've got some individuals who are really good on their feet and good ball players," Hurricanes skipper Conrad Smith said of the Reds. "They've still got the makings of a really good side."

The Hurricanes know the Reds are a tricky opponent.

"They've got a really good scrum," said coach Chris Boyd. "They're quite direct, quite powerful.

"They've been unlucky in a lot of their games but they're a good side and playing in Brisbane is a tough assignment, historically."

The Reds upset the Cheetahs 18-17 in Bloemfontein last weekend, which will have given them a boost.

The Hurricanes back three has a fresh look. James Marshall is at fullback, Matt Proctor will play on the right wing and Julian Savea is on the left. Veteran Cory Jane will play from the bench.

Boyd had envisaged resting a few of his All Blacks, including Jane, this week but last Saturday's loss to the Waratahs forced a rethink.

A calf injury to custodian Nehe Milner-Skudder and the loss of Jason Woodward (broken ankle) for the season, prompted another juggle, which means Jane is in in the reserves rather than taking a break.

"He's not been benched or dropped," Boyd said. "It's just to give Matty a chance to play."

Woodward was injured playing club rugby last weekend and has been replaced in the squad by exciting youngster Sam McNicol.

Boyd knows he has to manage resting a few more of his All Blacks, but said it was unlikely many would get a break during the next few weeks.

The Hurricanes could go close to locking up a playoff spot if they have more wins during the next month and they may be able to target a game later in the season for which several players can be given the day off.