KEY POINTS:
The Hurricanes are bracing for a battering from the Bulls but have a few ideas on how to punch a few holes in their game when the two teams meet in Sunday's (NZ time) ninth round Super 14 rugby competition.
Try-scoring hooker Andrew Hore and halfback Piri Weepu say they're expecting a backlash from the defending champions after a poor season so far, as they're back at home this week.
"These guys are twice as physical and emotional when they play at Loftus (Versfeld) because their fans get them really charged up," Hore said today.
"They haven't had a flash season so far and now that they are back home we can see them holding nothing back."
The Hurricanes pack is quietly grateful to coach Colin Cooper for shifting the powerful Ma'a Nonu to second five-eight from wing.
They are depending on the midfielder to help spark the much-needed forward momentum against the big Bulls team.
"It's easier (for the loose forwards) to latch on and keep it going when someone can start the roll forward," Hore said.
"That's what every team needs to do well - get over the advantage line and try to keep it rolling."
Hore, who has scored 15 tries in Super rugby, including a hat-trick against the Chiefs in 2006 and one each in the Hurricanes last two games, believes the Bulls will be strong in the scrum and lineout.
Weepu, playing his 50th Super game, has put his head down and worked on trying to improve his fitness and general game after being criticised following their 13-20 loss to Crusaders two weekends ago.
"You always try to improve. There is always room for improvement and I've been working pretty hard all round.
"I don't think the Bulls will make it easier for me or anyone. I'm just hoping our forwards play well - maybe like the second half in last week's game.
"But these guys (Bulls) have some size - it's going to be a pretty tough physical battle."
Weepu rated the Bulls' forward combination as perhaps the biggest in the world rugby - tests included.
He said an option for the Hurricanes will be to move the game around the field at speed so the big men tire out.
"We have a few ideas but I can't tell you all of them. If you move the big guys there will be gaps left."
Nonu is the second second five-eighth brought into the side over the last three weeks as Cooper looks for more punch from his midfield.
Conrad Smith's regular partner there, Tamati Ellison, was dropped for Tane Tu'ipulotu against the Sharks and this week Nonu gets an opportunity where All Blacks coach Wayne Smith believes he'd be more effective for the team.
"He's pretty dangerous no matter where he's on the field - he's one of those individuals who can create something out of nothing," Weepu said of Nonu.
"For sure, he'll add a bit more to our game."
Cooper has also dropped tighthead prop Neemia Tialata, possibly for an undisciplined display in the 13-13 draw with the Sharks. Tim Fairbrother has taken his place.
Jeremy Thrush replaces Craig Clarke at lock.
Bulls coach Frans Ludeke has kept his selection consistent, naming an unchanged team from the lineup who lost 14-15 to the Western Force in Perth last weekend.
The Bulls returned from Australasia with all losses from four games - to the Force, Queensland Reds, Chiefs and Blues.
Their captain Fourie du Preez conceded his team were in deep trouble, holding 13th place in the 14-team competition.
"How quickly we get out of it depends on ourselves," he said.
"The players feel worse than anyone else after returning without a single victory from Australasia.
"We are a proud team and no one has to tell us our 13th position on the log is unacceptable.
"Even though we played a lot better in our two recent matches we still have to change to a higher gear to break our losing streak and beat the Hurricanes."
- NZPA
