Hurricanes not interested in being lucky loser
Coach Clark Laidlaw of the Hurricanes
Photo:
Masanori Udagawa / PHOTOSPORT
The Hurricanes are only thinking about winning as they prepare for Saturday's Super Rugby play-off game against the Brumbies in Canberra.
The
Hurricanes scored a big win
over
Moana Pasifika
on Saturday to finish fourth in the standings.
It means they will travel to Canberra this weekend, while top qualifier the Chiefs host the Blues and second seeds the Crusaders play the Reds.
The schedule has the Brumbies-Hurricanes game last.
If results go to seedings in the earlier games and the Chiefs beat the Blues and the Crusaders beat the Reds, then the Brumbies and Hurricanes will play each other knowing that no matter what the result they will both qualify for the semi-finals.
Under a new format this season, the highest ranking loser from the three games will qualify for the semi-finals.
Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw said that situation is not something he is thinking about.
"That's seven days away and two games away that scenario might play itself out," Laidlaw said.
"If the Crusaders lose and we win, we got a home semi so there's another scenario we might have to think about.
"I've never gone into a game of rugby thinking we might want to lose, so it will be all guns blazing and we'll get ready for it.
Raymond Tuputupu of the Hurricanes celebrates his try.
Photo:
Elias Rodriguez / www.photosport.nz
Laidlaw said injuries to backs Ruben Love and Peter Umaga-Jenson from the Moana Pasifika game appeared minor while he could have the use of hooker Asafo Aumua, lock Caleb Delany and winger Ngane Punivai after they missed that game.
The Hurricanes beat the Brumbies earlier this season having not won in Canberra since 2017.
Super Rugby play-off games:
Friday, 7.05pm: Crusaders v Reds; Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch
Saturday, 7.05pm: Chiefs v Blues; FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Saturday, 9.35pm: Brumbies v Hurricanes; GIO Stadium, Canberra
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