Wynne Gray: Highlanders may have what it takes to stop Hurricanes

Marty Banks of the Highlanders celebrates with teammates. Photo / Getty Images

Who's going to stop the Hurricanes? It's a question which may not have been voiced - not above a murmur unless the advocate has shifted a few sherberts - in the previous 19 years of Super Rugby history.

That makes sense as the Canes and tonight's rivals, the Highlanders, are the New Zealand sides who have not cracked a title since the professional tournament kicked off.

However there has been more than a lift of the eyebrows about the Hurricanes' work this season as they have produced a crisper style and results which suggest a playoffs berth or more is in their reach.

They got off to a flyer in four games away from the Cake Tin and are the only unbeaten side in the tournament. They have a backline which is the envy of most and a pack which has welded hard to working and gives their attacking force room and possession to use.

The Canes are away for this next combat with the Highlanders, who have been tenacious in picking up three wins on the bounce, including an away win against the Chiefs.

Are the Highlanders up for another rumble? Can they produce the resistance they showed against the Tahs last round before the game turned on its head and they outlasted the visitors?

You felt you were watching a rugby version of Muhammad Ali's rope-a-dope strategy where the Highlanders buckled against the Tahs' onslaught before the invaders tired and the Highlanders nicked the victory. It was a reminder of how much resolve and skill the Highlanders have. They irritated the Chiefs and knocked them off their patterns and did the same against the Tahs.

The Highlanders' pack carries diligent men whose exploits are regular rather than five-star, while the backline has pockets of power and class leavened by steady link men. That mix is working.

Aaron Smith, Malakai Fekitoa, Ben Smith and the dangerous Waisake Naholo and Patrick Osborne down the flanks present problems for any defence.

However, the Hurricanes can match those backline threats and more. Nehe Milner-Skudder is the only non-All Black behind the pack and he looks an uncommon menace as well.

Danes Coles (injury) and James Broadhurst (suspended) have gone from the tight five with the rugged Blade Thomson asked to join the second row with Jeremy Thrush.

Those glitches might hurt more against a formidable scrummaging unit like the Crusaders or Blues unit but should not make much difference tonight. They will need to be busy to match the Highlanders for defensive work and breakdown efficiency.

The Hurricanes' loose trio could be the basis for another victory. Victor Vito, Brad Shields and Ardie Savea have all upped their work this year and that is giving their side an extra sting.