May 06, 2011
Fresh from knocking the Reds off the top of the Super Rugby table, the Hurricanes host the new overall competition leaders at Westpac Stadium.
It's another tough assignment for the home side, but they were at least handed a massive confidence-booster after beating the Reds in a thriller last weekend.
With their play-off hopes dashed, the men in yellow only have pride left to play for and showed they still have plenty of it in stock against the Queenslanders.
Much of the same will be required against the Blues who have now gone eight games unbeaten - their sole defeat to date was against the Sharks in Durban back in Round Two - and are coming off a 15-10 win over the Highlanders in Dunedin.
The Aucklanders have won their last five matches against Kiwi sides and their last nine straight in New Zealand. So it's fair to say the 'Canes will have a mighty battle on their hands come kick-off on Friday.
This is the second clash of the season between the Hurricanes and the Blues, the latter having won 41-17 when they met at Albany seven weeks ago. The large scoreline belied a much closer contest that saw the Blues pull away with three converted tries over the last 13 minutes.
Friday's match promises to be just as hard fought between two sides that both bring steely resolve to the close quarter exchanges and attacking flair out wide.
Expect a big battle up front, especially with the tussle at hooker between the two skippers and Super Rugby centenarians Andrew Hore and Keven Mealamu.
Overall the Hurricanes have played the Blues 16 times and only won five times and all five of those were in Wellington as they have never won in Auckland.
The Bookies have given the Hurricanes a 5 point start for this match - with an offer of Bet 10 and Get 20. We think the high-flying Blues will be too strong for the Hurricanes they the Blues should win by 6.
This match will be shown on the SkySports web site in the UK.
Last five results
19 Mar 2011 Hurricanes v Blues 17-41 Auckland
12 Feb 2010 Hurricanes v Blues 34-20 Auckland
01 May 2009 Hurricanes v Blues 45-27 Wellington
16 May 2008 Hurricanes v Blues 17-19 Auckland
17 Feb 2007 Hurricanes v Blues 23-22 Wellington
19 Mar 2011 Hurricanes v Blues 17-41 Auckland
12 Feb 2010 Hurricanes v Blues 34-20 Auckland
01 May 2009 Hurricanes v Blues 45-27 Wellington
16 May 2008 Hurricanes v Blues 17-19 Auckland
17 Feb 2007 Hurricanes v Blues 23-22 Wellington
Hurricanes overall record against the Blues
Played 16 , Wins 5, Losses 10, Draws 1
Played 16 , Wins 5, Losses 10, Draws 1
Match Officials
Referees: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Keith Brown (New Zealand), Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
Television match official: James McPhail (New Zealand)
Referees: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Keith Brown (New Zealand), Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
Television match official: James McPhail (New Zealand)
Teams
Hurricanes:1. John Schwalger ,2. Andrew Hore (c) ,3. Neemia Tialata ,4. Jason Eaton ,5. James Broadhurst ,6. Faifili Levave ,7. Jack Lam ,8. Victor Vito ,9. Chris Eaton ,10. Aaron Cruden ,11. Hosea Gear ,12. Daniel Kirkparick ,13. Jayden Hayward ,14. Alapati Leiua,15. Andre Taylor
Reserves :16. Dane Coles ,17. Anthony Perenise,18. Jeremy Thrush ,19. Mark Reddish ,20. Tyson Keats,21. Julian Savea ,22. Beauden Barrett
Blues :Jared Payne, Joe Rokocoko, Rene Ranger, Benson Stanley, Lachie Munro, Stephen Brett, Alby Mathewson, Peter Saiili, Luke Braid, Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Chris Lowrey, John Afoa, Keven Mealumu (captain), Tevita Mailau.
Reserves: Tom McCartney, Pauliasi Manu, James King, Sean Tolwart, Chris Smylie, Aaron Bancroft, Sherwin Stowers.
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