17 Jul 2012

Hammett says NZ conference the toughest

6:24 am on 17 July 2012

The Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett says the strength of the New Zealand Super Rugby conference will always affect the number of local teams that make the play-offs.

The Hurricanes just missed out on the top six with just the second-placed Chiefs and third-placed Crusaders in the play-offs.

Three South African and one Australian teams made the top six.

Following the completion of their season, where they were able to beat every other New Zealand side at least once, Hammett says the competitiveness of the New Zealand conference hurts them in the end.

This weekend the Stormers and Chiefs have a bye, while the Crusaders host the Bulls and the Queensland Reds host the Sharks.