25 May 2015

Kirwan backing Canes to "go all the way"

11:38 am on 25 May 2015

The Blues coach Sir John Kirwan believes the Hurricanes can go all the way and claim a maiden Super Rugby title.

The Super Rugby leaders showed no signs of letting up their sizzling pace, after inflicting the Blues' first loss of the season at Eden Park.

The Hurricanes dominated the Blues to win 29-5 on Saturday night to maintain their 13 point advantage at the top of the table and secure their place in the Super Rugby playoffs for the first time since 2009.

Only four other teams have won 11 of their 12 opening games before in the competition's history, and both the Blues and Crusaders went on to win the title, with that record behind them.

The Blues coach Sir John Kirwan thinks this version of the Hurricanes are more than capable of winning their maiden Super Rugby title.

"Yeah they're a very good side, really physical, you know I thought the physicality around the break-down, they physicality defensively, gang-tackling. You know and then they've got Ma who's probably having his best season of Super in a while, I thought he played well for us last year but he's certainly taken it to another level. They're playing well right across the park, lots of confidence, so yeah they'll be hard to beat."

The Hurricanes have 57 points, with the second placed Chiefs on 44 and the third placed Highlanders on 43.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs

We have regular online commentary of local and international sport.