Rugby: Stats set gremlins on Canes bets

Julian Savea. Photo / Getty

The smart money is on the unbeaten Hurricanes claiming the competition points tomorrow, especially as they are playing at home against the can't-win-a-match Blues.

The Canes would like to believe that, anyway, before their latest Super Rugby game at Palmerston North, but statistics offer a few gremlins.

The Blues have lost four straight including their limp display against the Lions last weekend but the Hurricanes were on a bye last week and their return from a layoff has to be factored into this match.

Blues fullback Lolani Visini and centre Charles Piutau bring an attacking thrust the Canes have yet to meet, although Julian Savea has brought his usual danger down the left flank.

Savea has beaten 12 defenders this season and easily leads his side's strike-force and Piutau brings the most venom for the Blues with 18 defenders falling to his attacking tricks.

Savea has carried the ball 28 times, the most for his side, and lock Mark Abbott is also a strong contributor in that area. The Blues rely on Visinia, Piutau and workhorse loosie Luke Braid to develop the bulk of their momentum.

In fewer games, the Canes trio of Brad Shields, Ardie Savea and Beauden Barrett have higher tackle counts than any of the Blues.

Does that point to the Hurricanes searching for territory then backing their defence or their inability to win enough possession?

Their lineout counts are low, even with five steals, and are shared between Abbott and Shields. In comparison, the Blues have used Josh Bekhuis a great deal with support from Jerome Kaino and Hayden Triggs.