(Reuters) – The Wellington Hurricanes found themselves at the top of the Super Rugby Pacific standings after a successful fourth round, with a record of 4-0 for only the second time in the history of the capital club. In 2016, the Hurricanes were the last team to win the Super Rugby championship before the Canterbury Crusaders began dominating under Scott Robertson’s leadership.
Rumors of a potential dip in the Crusaders’ performance arose after Robertson left to coach the All Blacks, but few expected the Hurricanes to thrive in his absence. Key players like Ardie Savea, who was on sabbatical in Japan, and Jordie Barrett, who was suspended for three weeks, were absent in crucial moments.
Despite these challenges, the Hurricanes managed to secure victories over the Queensland Reds in overtime, the Auckland Blues, and the Crusaders to hand them their worst start to a season. Coach Clark Laidlaw expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “Delighted with the win.”
Although scrumhalf Cam Roigard and backup TJ Perenara are well-known for their All Blacks contributions, many other Hurricanes players have yet to gain international recognition. Laidlaw, who led New Zealand to a Sevens silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, comes from a rugby family with a strong pedigree in the sport.
The Hurricanes’ rising stars, such as fullback Ruben Love and forward Brayden Iose, have been making a name for themselves with their exceptional skills and work ethic. Number eight Iose praised the coaching staff for creating a competitive and inclusive environment that brings out the best in the players.
Laidlaw attributed their success in the recent match against the Crusaders to assistant coach Cory Jane’s work on discipline and defensive strategies. Despite facing pressure in the second half, the Hurricanes managed to maintain their composure and limit their penalties.
(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, editing by Peter Rutherford)
