"Different beast" - Hurricanes prepare for tough away test against Fijian Drua

The Hurricanes are fully aware of the challenge posed by the Fijian Drua’s formidable home record. Back in Lautoka, the Drua are desperate to ignite their season after back-to-back defeats, first at home to Moana Pasifika, then away to the Waratahs, leaving them winless and pointless after two rounds. For a side that prides itself on making Churchill Park a fortress, the urgency is already building.

Fresh from a commanding 52-10 win over Moana Pasifika, the visitors have adjusted their lineup as they prepare for the conditions in the west. The Hurricanes have named a reshuffled squad for Round 3, making four changes to the starting XV and naming a potential debutant on the bench.

Two of the changes are in the front row, where props Pouri Rakete-Stones and Tevita Mafileo join vice-captain Asafo Aumua. The rest of the forward pack remains unchanged, with Hugo Plummer partnering Warner Dearns at lock, while the loose forward trio of Devan Flanders, Peter Lakai and Brayden Iose is retained.

All eyes will be on Lakai, who made his international debut for the All Blacks off the bench in a 64-19 win over Japan during their 2024 Spring Tour. His athleticism could prove key in matching the Drua’s explosive style.

In the backs, a new halves combination sees Cam Roigard promoted to the starting side alongside Callum Harkin, who moves from fullback to first five-eighth (fly-half) and makes his first start in the No.10 jersey for the Hurricanes. Injuries to Brett Cameron, Harry Godfrey and Ruben Love have stretched depth at fly-half, but Clark Laidlaw’s side still boasts serious attacking threat, provided they manage the heat and tempo.

Lakai goes into this match with confidence, but well aware of what Drua will throw at them.

“Felling pretty confident, especially after last week, got off on the right step but we know Drua is going to be a different beast so we're excited for the opportunity and we feel like if we execute our game plan and play the way we want to it will give us the extra step to get that win.”

The Drua challenge is unique. “Crowd plays a big part, and heat and weather and stuff. We're just going to control what we can control and that's our efforts around the park. They like to play with ball in-hand and get offloads away so we have to try and negate that as best as possible.”

Laidlaw understands that the journey is part of the challenge, with this match marking the first of back-to-back fixtures away from New Zealand, followed by a trip to Sydney next week to take on the Waratahs.

“The first thing we're going to get is a tough trip rugby-wise. Tough conditions, two good teams, certainly at home both teams will play particularly well. Drua have had a slow start so I'm sure they're fired up this week to get back on track… We knew when we saw the draw that it would be a tricky trip but what we do get is time together… Looking forward to a good chance to continue to improve our performance on the field and get time off the field."