An under-strength Hurricanes team has been defeated 47-14 by the Crusaders to open Super Rugby's final round - a result that has no implications on the Hurricanes' top spot ahead of next week's playoffs.
But the biggest talking point is the future of the Super Rugby's leading tryscorer Fehi Fineanganofo.
The Hurricanes wing has signed to join Newcastle at the end of the season, but there is growing speculation in the UK that New Zealand Rugby may look to block his offshore move in a bid to keep the 23-year-old in New Zealand, and eligible for the All Blacks.
Following the loss to the Crusaders, Adam was joined by Hurricanes assistant coach Brad Cooper.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
All the Crusaders have been too strong for an understrength
Hurricanes side under the roof down in christ Church there
to open the final round of Super Rugby last night.
Now the Canes, of course, we're without some injured players
and other players being rested, went down forty seven to
fourteen in a relatively messy contest the game. Of course,
that had no implications for the Hurricanes, given they've already
sealed that top spot for next week's qualifying finals. For
(00:23):
the Hurricanes, now that's a waiting game to see if
either the Reds or the Brumbies will be their opponents,
and the qualifying finals next Friday at Henry Stadium certainly
looks as though the Reds most likely. Well, let's enter
the Canes camp now, how are they reflecting on last night?
But more importantly looking ahead to assistant coach Brad Cooper
is with us.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Morning to you, Brat, Yeah, morning Adam, How are you
very good?
Speaker 1 (00:42):
Thanks? Yeah? Scrappy game is there? I guess anything you
take out of that as you look ahead to the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (00:48):
Now, yeah, definitely, but some pieces to take out of it.
There was a good opportunity for guys like Cam Mooigard
and Tyler Max that haven't had a lot of footy
that needed to get some minutes under their belt for
those boys to get a good run around, but also
young guys that have been toiling away since November to
(01:11):
get an opportunity that they hadn't had. So you will reflect, Well,
we obviously want to make those boys better, so we'll
we'll review as we normally do. But also, yeah, we're
playing around either the reads or all the Brumbies. You
should say.
Speaker 1 (01:28):
Yeah today just on Tyrell. I mean, we know it's
been a frustrating period for him, what three surgeries in
the last sort of six to twelve months, a tough time,
but you know, just give us your insight into how
pleased pleasing it was for him to be out there.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
Yeah, you had to look at the scrumb and how
well that went to see how big of an impact
he has. I'm sure as lungs were blown by the
back end of that first half, but yeah, great to
have him around around the boys and back in the
changing room and we all know what he can do.
So yeah, really pleased with what he did out there
(02:04):
through forty minutes.
Speaker 1 (02:06):
Was there any risk that you guys felt you were
taking by resting a lot of your non injured players
last night.
Speaker 2 (02:14):
Yeah sometimes yeah, Yeah, you got momentum and you might
lose that if you don't have a good performance. But
we put out a team on the park that yeah,
we've got plenty of niggles as you as you'd expect
at the end of eight tough weeks with no buy
and a lot of New Zealand Derby. So it was
just around doing what was best by the group. Anyone
(02:35):
that was Karen niggles or we didn't probably need to
risk we didn't. But also boys that needed to play,
we played. So here's a balancing act. But yeah, the
next three weeks will tell us, I'm sure exactly.
Speaker 1 (02:49):
And forty minutes for both Cameroy Guard and Tyrol Lomax
was at always the plan.
Speaker 2 (02:54):
Yeah, there were thereabouts. There was no real fremd plan,
but as you saw with Ken coming back from Acalf
and probably Will Jordan the week before, the Crusaders who
didn't want to go too much past forty if we
were going to keep them out.
Speaker 1 (03:06):
There, Brad, your specialty with your assistant coaching role is
the attack, and obviously the Hurricanes have have been widely
credited for a brilliant attack this year. You've scored five
hundred and sixty two points. That's one hundred more than
any other team in this competition. How pleased are you
with what you've been able to achieve this year so
far with the utilization of some great backs, but also
(03:27):
I guess how the forwards have contributed to the attacking
moments as well.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
Yeah, it's been it's been great Freshly and ye tool
credit to Alpha and Shim who also worked on the
attacking side with himself. But in terms of the players, mate,
we knew we're going to have a good roster in
terms of wherever and was at, we think we could
probably achieve what we did. Yeah, we were optimistic, but yeah,
(03:56):
having guys like Jordan Barrett come back into the foldero
has been huge. The growth of Billy and Reuben and
Cam has been outstanding, and then some great finishes with
Kenny and Fee and MORBs and the likes. So, yeah,
the attack's been evolving all year and been going really well. Yeah,
(04:20):
we stayed to where we sit at the end of
the regular season.
Speaker 1 (04:23):
Yeah, the Hurricanes have obviously made the playoffs the last
two years, as well that you've been here Sin's twenty
twenty four and just kind of fallen it at last
Hurdles Chiefs defeat and a Brumbie's defeat. Is the team
this year? Do you feel in better shape to go
further in the playoffs in twenty twenty six?
Speaker 2 (04:41):
Yeah? I do think so. The group's really matured together,
I suppose across those three years. Obviously results will tell
them the next three weeks, but there's definitely a real,
I suppose calm sort of feeling across the group in
terms of big games that we've had, and we're really
clear on our identity and tactics. So yeah, I think.
Speaker 1 (05:04):
So does the focus change on how you've produced that
that that attack this year? I mean we saw that
Crusaders game, not the one last night, but a month
or so ago, just how game plans kind of changed.
And as we get closer to playoff rugby, are you
going to have to do anything differently? Do you think
to be competitive in the playoffs?
Speaker 2 (05:23):
Oh, there's always different tactically each week you go into it,
but we're still pretty clear on our mindset is we've
got some real powerful athletes and athletes that can drive
I suppose in one on one situation, so tacking and
creating the best space for those boys and then yeah,
letting them do their work. So yeah, I can't see
(05:44):
it changing a huge amount, but obviously tactics each week
and to who we play will change slightly.
Speaker 1 (05:50):
The likes of duples c Jordy, Barrett, Fechey, Finniang Andov
were all injured from last night. They went on the
rested list, They had a few niggles. How likely are
those three in particular to be playing in the qualifying
final next Friday?
Speaker 2 (06:02):
Yeah, I think all three will be touching and go.
We won't take any risks if we don't have to.
But yeah, they all have been out on the park
sort of doing running and working their way back. You know,
we'll be touch and go sort of week to week propositions.
Speaker 1 (06:21):
Is it frustrating a bit, Brad, because you know that
the Canes have gone through the whole season pretty much
without too many major injuries picked up during the course
of the year, and then you get to this point
where you need your best players and if you go down,
is it frustrating or just just the luck of it?
Speaker 2 (06:36):
Yeah, it can be frustrating as you say, we've had
a great run during the year and we knew just
the way the draw was that come this time, you know,
we're highly likely there could be the case with eight
games and and a whole lot of New Zealand derbies.
But more than all, I think the medical stuff and
(06:56):
the mid fifth team have done a good job keeping
bodies out on the park, and I think everyone at
this time of the year is feeling the effects of
bruises embedded. So yeah, it's probably every team is in
the same situation.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
Unless the my one PACIFICA King team can cause a
hell of an upset tonight and potentially their last game
against the Brumbies. I guess you'd be looking at the
Reds being that the most likely opponent has that a preference.
I mean the Brumbies have been a bit of a
bogie team for the Canes and playoff rugby over the years.
Speaker 2 (07:31):
Yeah, you're not wrong. There a lot of those have
probably been over in camera, So yeah, we're not too
worried who it is. We're prepared. We'll prepare both, obviously
coaches have, but as a group we'll prepare for both
or whatever one we know. But no real preference and.
Speaker 1 (07:51):
Just as you know, you mentioned just that physicality and
you know, it's been a lot of games in a row.
I think if you make the final, it will be
eleven weekends in a row of rugby for the Hurror.
So you've obviously taken your chance to rest a few players,
but in general, are your top players in prime condition
right now to contest the playoffs and be competitive?
Speaker 2 (08:11):
Yeah, a lot of those names you mentioned before some
of our top players. So yeah, like the rest that
we've given the boys, and we've tried to sort of
spread it across the last three or four weeks. Hopefully
that's put a lot of those boys in the best
neck they can be at this time of the year.
And as I said earlier that no one's going to
(08:34):
have a full strength squad. Everyone's Karen niggles. But hopefully, yeah,
that the luxury we've had to rest a few bodies
across the last three weeks, we'll have them where to go.
Speaker 1 (08:46):
And just finally, Brad, there are some growing noise overnight
just around where the fifty fit, the young and offer
will actually be heading to Newcastle after the season. Some
reports suggesting New Zealand Rugby is looking at adoptions or
blocking the movie. You're aware of any of these developments.
Speaker 2 (09:00):
No, it come as news last night when our media
manager mentioned it to us, So certainly nothing else as
Hurricanes coaches that have been across or heard, So yeah,
it comes as news to us as well.
Speaker 1 (09:14):
Would you expect to know if there was something happening?
Speaker 2 (09:18):
No, not particularly a lot of this seasons this season
and we've we're sort of just left for heat, you know,
on his own, and haven't tried to get too involved.
So yeah, what will be will be. We've just crossed
the last or five weeks. We've obviously just prepared and
we think that he was going to Newcastle when nothing's
really changed.
Speaker 1 (09:39):
Just in general on his form this year. How's he
coped with? I guess the I don't know. I guess
some might say it's a bittersweet kind of thing. A
sensational form competition's tops struck triscorer has known all year
he's leaving. How's he kind of coped with that? From
from what you've seen behind closed doors?
Speaker 2 (09:54):
Yeah, he hadn't changed as personality. He's a bubbly bubble
person that loves coming into work every day and certainly
hasn't been any different. Yeah, you'd suggest that it hasn't
affected as form where he's been a consistent performer weekend
week out, So no, I don't think it is.
Speaker 1 (10:15):
And obviously hoping that he'll overcome this injury to be
set to go for what the semi finals maybe.
Speaker 2 (10:20):
Yeah, he's a pretty positive person, so they're half the
battle as long as the medical team care and then
I'm sure he'll want to be a part of it.
Speaker 1 (10:30):
Brilliant Brad. Hey, well, thanks for your time here on
News Talks. He'd be this morning. Congrats on the season
and obviously finishing the round robin and that the top spot,
which is what everyone goes out to achieve at the
start of the season. So yeah, thanks for your time
and all the best for these next few weeks.
Speaker 2 (10:43):
No where Exidam, thanks for the support. Mate. For more
from News Talks, there'd be listen live on air or
online and
Speaker 1 (10:50):
Keep our shows with you wherever you go with our
podcast on iHeartRadio.
All the Crusaders have been too strong for an understrength
Hurricanes side under the roof down in christ Church there
to open the final round of Super Rugby last night.
Now the Canes, of course, we're without some injured players
and other players being rested, went down forty seven to
fourteen in a relatively messy contest the game. Of course,
that had no implications for the Hurricanes, given they've already
sealed that top spot for next week's qualifying finals. For
(00:23):
the Hurricanes, now that's a waiting game to see if
either the Reds or the Brumbies will be their opponents,
and the qualifying finals next Friday at Henry Stadium certainly
looks as though the Reds most likely. Well, let's enter
the Canes camp now, how are they reflecting on last night?
But more importantly looking ahead to assistant coach Brad Cooper
is with us.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Morning to you, Brat, Yeah, morning Adam, How are you
very good?
Speaker 1 (00:42):
Thanks? Yeah? Scrappy game is there? I guess anything you
take out of that as you look ahead to the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (00:48):
Now, yeah, definitely, but some pieces to take out of it.
There was a good opportunity for guys like Cam Mooigard
and Tyler Max that haven't had a lot of footy
that needed to get some minutes under their belt for
those boys to get a good run around, but also
young guys that have been toiling away since November to
(01:11):
get an opportunity that they hadn't had. So you will reflect, Well,
we obviously want to make those boys better, so we'll
we'll review as we normally do. But also, yeah, we're
playing around either the reads or all the Brumbies. You
should say.
Speaker 1 (01:28):
Yeah today just on Tyrell. I mean, we know it's
been a frustrating period for him, what three surgeries in
the last sort of six to twelve months, a tough time,
but you know, just give us your insight into how
pleased pleasing it was for him to be out there.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
Yeah, you had to look at the scrumb and how
well that went to see how big of an impact
he has. I'm sure as lungs were blown by the
back end of that first half, but yeah, great to
have him around around the boys and back in the
changing room and we all know what he can do.
So yeah, really pleased with what he did out there
(02:04):
through forty minutes.
Speaker 1 (02:06):
Was there any risk that you guys felt you were
taking by resting a lot of your non injured players
last night.
Speaker 2 (02:14):
Yeah sometimes yeah, Yeah, you got momentum and you might
lose that if you don't have a good performance. But
we put out a team on the park that yeah,
we've got plenty of niggles as you as you'd expect
at the end of eight tough weeks with no buy
and a lot of New Zealand Derby. So it was
just around doing what was best by the group. Anyone
(02:35):
that was Karen niggles or we didn't probably need to
risk we didn't. But also boys that needed to play,
we played. So here's a balancing act. But yeah, the
next three weeks will tell us, I'm sure exactly.
Speaker 1 (02:49):
And forty minutes for both Cameroy Guard and Tyrol Lomax
was at always the plan.
Speaker 2 (02:54):
Yeah, there were thereabouts. There was no real fremd plan,
but as you saw with Ken coming back from Acalf
and probably Will Jordan the week before, the Crusaders who
didn't want to go too much past forty if we
were going to keep them out.
Speaker 1 (03:06):
There, Brad, your specialty with your assistant coaching role is
the attack, and obviously the Hurricanes have have been widely
credited for a brilliant attack this year. You've scored five
hundred and sixty two points. That's one hundred more than
any other team in this competition. How pleased are you
with what you've been able to achieve this year so
far with the utilization of some great backs, but also
(03:27):
I guess how the forwards have contributed to the attacking
moments as well.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
Yeah, it's been it's been great Freshly and ye tool
credit to Alpha and Shim who also worked on the
attacking side with himself. But in terms of the players, mate,
we knew we're going to have a good roster in
terms of wherever and was at, we think we could
probably achieve what we did. Yeah, we were optimistic, but yeah,
(03:56):
having guys like Jordan Barrett come back into the foldero
has been huge. The growth of Billy and Reuben and
Cam has been outstanding, and then some great finishes with
Kenny and Fee and MORBs and the likes. So, yeah,
the attack's been evolving all year and been going really well. Yeah,
(04:20):
we stayed to where we sit at the end of
the regular season.
Speaker 1 (04:23):
Yeah, the Hurricanes have obviously made the playoffs the last
two years, as well that you've been here Sin's twenty
twenty four and just kind of fallen it at last
Hurdles Chiefs defeat and a Brumbie's defeat. Is the team
this year? Do you feel in better shape to go
further in the playoffs in twenty twenty six?
Speaker 2 (04:41):
Yeah? I do think so. The group's really matured together,
I suppose across those three years. Obviously results will tell
them the next three weeks, but there's definitely a real,
I suppose calm sort of feeling across the group in
terms of big games that we've had, and we're really
clear on our identity and tactics. So yeah, I think.
Speaker 1 (05:04):
So does the focus change on how you've produced that
that that attack this year? I mean we saw that
Crusaders game, not the one last night, but a month
or so ago, just how game plans kind of changed.
And as we get closer to playoff rugby, are you
going to have to do anything differently? Do you think
to be competitive in the playoffs?
Speaker 2 (05:23):
Oh, there's always different tactically each week you go into it,
but we're still pretty clear on our mindset is we've
got some real powerful athletes and athletes that can drive
I suppose in one on one situation, so tacking and
creating the best space for those boys and then yeah,
letting them do their work. So yeah, I can't see
(05:44):
it changing a huge amount, but obviously tactics each week
and to who we play will change slightly.
Speaker 1 (05:50):
The likes of duples c Jordy, Barrett, Fechey, Finniang Andov
were all injured from last night. They went on the
rested list, They had a few niggles. How likely are
those three in particular to be playing in the qualifying
final next Friday?
Speaker 2 (06:02):
Yeah, I think all three will be touching and go.
We won't take any risks if we don't have to.
But yeah, they all have been out on the park
sort of doing running and working their way back. You know,
we'll be touch and go sort of week to week propositions.
Speaker 1 (06:21):
Is it frustrating a bit, Brad, because you know that
the Canes have gone through the whole season pretty much
without too many major injuries picked up during the course
of the year, and then you get to this point
where you need your best players and if you go down,
is it frustrating or just just the luck of it?
Speaker 2 (06:36):
Yeah, it can be frustrating as you say, we've had
a great run during the year and we knew just
the way the draw was that come this time, you know,
we're highly likely there could be the case with eight
games and and a whole lot of New Zealand derbies.
But more than all, I think the medical stuff and
(06:56):
the mid fifth team have done a good job keeping
bodies out on the park, and I think everyone at
this time of the year is feeling the effects of
bruises embedded. So yeah, it's probably every team is in
the same situation.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
Unless the my one PACIFICA King team can cause a
hell of an upset tonight and potentially their last game
against the Brumbies. I guess you'd be looking at the
Reds being that the most likely opponent has that a preference.
I mean the Brumbies have been a bit of a
bogie team for the Canes and playoff rugby over the years.
Speaker 2 (07:31):
Yeah, you're not wrong. There a lot of those have
probably been over in camera, So yeah, we're not too
worried who it is. We're prepared. We'll prepare both, obviously
coaches have, but as a group we'll prepare for both
or whatever one we know. But no real preference and.
Speaker 1 (07:51):
Just as you know, you mentioned just that physicality and
you know, it's been a lot of games in a row.
I think if you make the final, it will be
eleven weekends in a row of rugby for the Hurror.
So you've obviously taken your chance to rest a few players,
but in general, are your top players in prime condition
right now to contest the playoffs and be competitive?
Speaker 2 (08:11):
Yeah, a lot of those names you mentioned before some
of our top players. So yeah, like the rest that
we've given the boys, and we've tried to sort of
spread it across the last three or four weeks. Hopefully
that's put a lot of those boys in the best
neck they can be at this time of the year.
And as I said earlier that no one's going to
(08:34):
have a full strength squad. Everyone's Karen niggles. But hopefully, yeah,
that the luxury we've had to rest a few bodies
across the last three weeks, we'll have them where to go.
Speaker 1 (08:46):
And just finally, Brad, there are some growing noise overnight
just around where the fifty fit, the young and offer
will actually be heading to Newcastle after the season. Some
reports suggesting New Zealand Rugby is looking at adoptions or
blocking the movie. You're aware of any of these developments.
Speaker 2 (09:00):
No, it come as news last night when our media
manager mentioned it to us, So certainly nothing else as
Hurricanes coaches that have been across or heard, So yeah,
it comes as news to us as well.
Speaker 1 (09:14):
Would you expect to know if there was something happening?
Speaker 2 (09:18):
No, not particularly a lot of this seasons this season
and we've we're sort of just left for heat, you know,
on his own, and haven't tried to get too involved.
So yeah, what will be will be. We've just crossed
the last or five weeks. We've obviously just prepared and
we think that he was going to Newcastle when nothing's
really changed.
Speaker 1 (09:39):
Just in general on his form this year. How's he
coped with? I guess the I don't know. I guess
some might say it's a bittersweet kind of thing. A
sensational form competition's tops struck triscorer has known all year
he's leaving. How's he kind of coped with that? From
from what you've seen behind closed doors?
Speaker 2 (09:54):
Yeah, he hadn't changed as personality. He's a bubbly bubble
person that loves coming into work every day and certainly
hasn't been any different. Yeah, you'd suggest that it hasn't
affected as form where he's been a consistent performer weekend
week out, So no, I don't think it is.
Speaker 1 (10:15):
And obviously hoping that he'll overcome this injury to be
set to go for what the semi finals maybe.
Speaker 2 (10:20):
Yeah, he's a pretty positive person, so they're half the
battle as long as the medical team care and then
I'm sure he'll want to be a part of it.
Speaker 1 (10:30):
Brilliant Brad. Hey, well, thanks for your time here on
News Talks. He'd be this morning. Congrats on the season
and obviously finishing the round robin and that the top spot,
which is what everyone goes out to achieve at the
start of the season. So yeah, thanks for your time
and all the best for these next few weeks.
Speaker 2 (10:43):
No where Exidam, thanks for the support. Mate. For more
from News Talks, there'd be listen live on air or
online and
Speaker 1 (10:50):
Keep our shows with you wherever you go with our
podcast on iHeartRadio.
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