The biggest clash of the Super Rugby season so far takes place in Wellington tomorrow night with joint favourites the Hurricanes and Crusaders doing battle in a mouth-watering local derby.
The Barrett brothers (L to R) - Jordie (Hurricanes), Scott (Crusaders) and Beauden (Hurricanes). Photo: PhotoSport
As Joe Porter writes, it's the first real litmus test of both team's title credentials, and the scene of of a special night for Hurricanes first-five Beauden Barrett, who'll play his 100th game for the club.
Last year the Crusaders conquered all before them, except the Hurricanes, who ruined what would have been a perfect season for coach Scott Robertson's champions.
Sam Whitelock of the Crusaders lifts trophy after winning the 2017 Super Rugby Final against the Lions last year. Photo: Photosport NZ
"Good learning for us, got us in good stead going into the finals and for us we took that learning as a chance to end up winning the competition so that was at the right time, they (Hurricanes) deserved that win and it's a new year and a new group and this is why we play, for these massive games and the Crusaders and Hurricanes have always had massive games," Robertson said.
Crusaders lock Scott Barrett stands dejected following their final round loss to the Hurricanes in Super Rugby. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
However more recent history is on the Crusaders side.
They opened their campaign with a convincing win over the Chiefs in Christchurch, before brushing aside the Stormers at the same venue.
The Hurricanes however fell to a shock loss to the Bulls in Pretoria, before beating the Jaguars in a far from flawless performance in Buenos Aires and assistant coach John Plumtree describes tomorrow night's match as a must win.
Hurricanes assistant coach John Plumtree alongside head coach Chris Boyd. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"You don't want to drop those home games and it's obviously a derby game as well and it's a game we've got to win because we've got to keep applying the pressure at the top of the conference and the top of the table as well. We feel like we got off to a pretty average start so we've got to go out and perform in front of our home fans this weekend," Plumtree said.
The game has been robbed of an enticing match up between Beauden Barrett and one of the contenders for his All Blacks throne, the Crusaders first-five Richie Mo'unga, who's set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after having surgery on a broken jaw.
Richie Mo'unga runs in for a try. Photo: Photosport Ltd 2018
The former Ireland international now Crusaders assistant coach Ronan O'Gara believes Barrett is so talented he could usurp Dan Carter as the best first-five of all time.
Ronan O'Gara played 128 games for Ireland. Photo: Photosport
"He fills grounds he excites people, everything good about rugby is what Beauden Barrett does. He's nearly redefined number 10 play. I think Dan was and probably still is the best over all the decades but Beauden Barrett is very exciting and could go on to challenge him for that title, so, by god he's up there."
Barrett will bring up 100 games for the Hurricanes and with brother Jordie alongside him and brother Scott lining up against him, it will be a Barrett family affair at Westpac Stadium.
Beauden Barrett and Jordie Barrett Photo: Photosport
Brothers Jordie, Scott and Beauden Barrett of New Zealand pose for a photo with their parents after the match. All Blacks v Samoa at Eden Park, 2017. Photo: photosport
"Growing up I remember Dad playing for the club so it's always been a dream of mine to play one game for the Hurricanes and for it to be my 100th this weekend is very special and my family will be there. We've got Scott there in the opposition so it will be a great family occasion."
And Barrett concedes the result of the match could shape the rest of their season.
"You can look at it as being doubles points these home derbies are sort of like that. We want to play well and win ultimately. The are the benchmark , the defending champs and they've have two good wins so far so we know we're up against it," Barrett said.
The bookies can't split the teams this weekend, while form suggests the defending champs will get up, history and home advantage go with the Hurricanes.
Plumtree claims a win would be a massive boost for the Canes, and believes the result will hinge on a few crucial moments.
"The local derbies are always great spectacles and they bring out the best in each other (Crusaders and Hurricanes) these teams. The matches are high tempo, physical, there's big moments, they sort of have it all these games. There's a lot of mate versus mate situations out there and All Blacks playing All Blacks and the rivalry is pretty intense. It's a game everyone looks forward to."
While tomorrow's match in Wellington is the pick of the round the Highlanders and Blues are also in action, the former hosting the Stormers in Dunedin tonight, with the latter taking on the Lions in Johannesburg.
-RNZ
