Super Rugby Pacific: Blues, Hurricanes prepare for heavyweight showdown

With only one competition point between them, the Blues are hoping to jump to the top of the table, when they host the high-flying Hurricanes this weekend.

Both teams know what's at stake, with the match not only a chance to sit atop of the table but also set the scene for competitions playoffs only four rounds

There was plenty of buzz at Blues training on Tuesday, trying to drown out the noise around what's being hyped as the biggest game of Super Rugby Pacific so far.

"It's a tough match and It's obviously that top of the table clash," said Blues hooker Ricky Riccitelli. "There's going to be lot of talk about it through the week but we just want to focus on us."

Saturday will be a rematch of their round three encounter that saw the Blues suffer their only loss of the season so far.

"We didn't nail a few things that we pride ourselves on," Riccitelli reflected. "We're looking forward to righting a few of our wrongs and we've looked at a couple of areas that we can get better in."

"I think the boys are excited for it," added Hurricanes back Billy Proctor. "A top-of-the-table clash. It's always fun playing the Blues."

The Hurricanes have also lost only once this year and with just one point separating the two teams, every match is critical to cementing a home playoff.

"We want to be at the top of the table come playoff time," said Proctor. "Home advantage is huge, especially with the crowds we've been getting."

The Canes have received a boost, with hooker James O'Reilly poised to return from his concussion stand-down period.

Meanwhile, the Blues will be without star midfielder Rieko Ioane who is out due to those same protocols, suffering a head knock during last weekend's win over the Rebels.

"You always want to verse the best players," said Proctor. "It's unfortunate for him, but they've got more than capable players of jumping in ahead of them."

Alongside Ioane, Proctor has been one of the competition’s best centres in 2024 and is shaping as a contender for the All Blacks.

"I just focus on playing my best footy for the Hurricanes and the rest is up to whoever else to make those decisions," he said.

Selectors will surely have a close eye on the proceedings at Eden Park on Saturday.

With only one competition point between them, the Blues are hoping to jump to the top of the table, when they host the high-flying Hurricanes this weekend.

Both teams know what's at stake, with the match not only a chance to sit atop of the table but also set the scene for competitions playoffs only four rounds

There was plenty of buzz at Blues training on Tuesday, trying to drown out the noise around what's being hyped as the biggest game of Super Rugby Pacific so far.

"It's a tough match and It's obviously that top of the table clash," said Blues hooker Ricky Riccitelli. "There's going to be lot of talk about it through the week but we just want to focus on us."

Saturday will be a rematch of their round three encounter that saw the Blues suffer their only loss of the season so far.

"We didn't nail a few things that we pride ourselves on," Riccitelli reflected. "We're looking forward to righting a few of our wrongs and we've looked at a couple of areas that we can get better in."

"I think the boys are excited for it," added Hurricanes back Billy Proctor. "A top-of-the-table clash. It's always fun playing the Blues."

The Hurricanes have also lost only once this year and with just one point separating the two teams, every match is critical to cementing a home playoff.

"We want to be at the top of the table come playoff time," said Proctor. "Home advantage is huge, especially with the crowds we've been getting."

The Canes have received a boost, with hooker James O'Reilly poised to return from his concussion stand-down period.

Meanwhile, the Blues will be without star midfielder Rieko Ioane who is out due to those same protocols, suffering a head knock during last weekend's win over the Rebels.

"You always want to verse the best players," said Proctor. "It's unfortunate for him, but they've got more than capable players of jumping in ahead of them."

Alongside Ioane, Proctor has been one of the competition’s best centres in 2024 and is shaping as a contender for the All Blacks.

"I just focus on playing my best footy for the Hurricanes and the rest is up to whoever else to make those decisions," he said.

Selectors will surely have a close eye on the proceedings at Eden Park on Saturday.

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