Rugby: Hurricanes aiming to accomplish rare feat against Crusaders

The Hurricanes won their last meeting in Christchurch. Photo / Photosport

The Hurricanes find themselves knocking on the door of a rare feat, but they don't want to fixate over the glamours of consecutive wins over the Crusaders.

The visitors famously claimed a major scalp in last year's Super Rugby Aotearoa – defeating the Crusaders 34-32 at their home stadium, and ending their longstanding unbeaten run at home which had stretched to 36 games.

Aside from the departure of All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara, the Hurricanes will field a relatively similar team for their clash in Christchurch this afternoon, but coach Jason Holland says he and the players have done little to hone back to that wintry night in Christchurch in 2020.

"We know that if we play well we can win down there, it's not as if we need to make it a habit – it's not a massive surprise if we win down there. We know it's going to be tough and we know what a great side they are.

"A lot of their systems and structures haven't changed too much from last year... she's going to be a massive battle, but we know if we play well we can win."

In order to topple the title favourites, the Hurricanes will need to work on their discipline which emerged as their Achilles heel a week ago in their opening loss to the Blues. The Wellingtonians copped two yellow cards and gave away 15 penalties.

"[Discipline was a] major part of our chat - life becomes really hard with 14 on the park," Holland says.

"[It's] been a major focus for us, initially trying to get on the same page as referees, and then adjust and make sure we play our part and don't give away the soft easy penalties."

The Crusaders welcome back Will Jordan – who will come off the bench - and utility back David Havili, who's been named to start at fullback. Havili missed last week's opening win over the Highlanders having suffered a head knock in their preseason game of three halves against the Chiefs.

Despite putting his feet up a week ago on the sidelines, Havili took note of how the Hurricanes looked.

"They're physical, got some great ability and X-factor, Ardie Savea I thought was fantastic and also, Asafo Aumua was great on the weekend as well. They've got some great individuals."

Christchurch's drop to alert level 1 means fans will be allowed at today's contest.

While that means their opposition get a boost with their home fans behind them, Holland is just happy to see rugby fans get the green light to attend.

"The bigger the occasion the better it is."

Crusaders v Hurricanes - 4.35pm, Orangetheory Stadium

Crusaders: David Havili, Sevu Reece, Jack Goodhue, Dallas McLeod, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Richie Mo'unga, Mitchell Drummond, Cullen Grace, Tom Christie, Ethan Blackadder, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett (c), Michael Alaalatoa, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody. Reserves: Brodie McAlister, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Quinten Strange, Sione Havili, Bryn Hall, Fergus Burke, Will Jordan.

Hurricanes: Jordie Barrett, Wes Goosen, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Ngani Laumape, Julian Savea, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Jonathan Taumateine, Ardie Savea (c), Du'Plessis Kirifi, Reed Prinsep, Isaia Walker-Leawere, James Blackwell, Tyrel Lomax, Asafo Aumua, Fraser Armstrong. Reserves: Ricky Riccitelli, Xavier Numia, Tevita Mafileo, Liam Mitchell, Devan Flanders, Luke Campbell, Billy Proctor, Salesi Rayasi.