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Hurricanes say Chiefs favourites for Super Rugby final / Photo: Grant Down - AFP
Hurricanes say Chiefs favourites for Super Rugby final
Coach Clark Laidlaw says his Wellington Hurricanes will be underdogs in the Super Rugby final against the Waikato Chiefs despite re-writing the record books in a flamboyant campaign.
The top-qualifying Hurricanes will host next week's decider in Wellington after romping past the Auckland Blues 57-21 on Saturday night in a performance again laced with attacking verve.
Their 104 tries this season is a competition record, as is their 685 points.
The Chiefs were equally emphatic in a 49-12 semi-final romp against the Canterbury Crusaders.
While the 'Canes haven't contested a final since winning their only title in 2016, the Chiefs have lined up in the last three finals -- although they've lost them all.
Laidlaw said their opponents have a clear advantage in big match experience.
"The Chiefs are rolling into their fourth final, so they know what it takes to get there.
"It probably makes them favourites I guess, having been there the last three times," Laidlaw said.
"We've got to try and make sure we put enough pressure on them to see how that feels, being in their fourth final after losing a few.
"They were exceptional at taking opportunities against the Crusaders."
Laidlaw was also wary of a Chiefs side who have won 10 of their last 11 games, including a 22-17 victory in 'super point' extra time when the two teams met in April.
Both sides feature a host of contenders for inclusion in new All Blacks coach Dave Rennie's first squad of the year, to be announced two days after Saturday's final.
Much intrigue will surround the clash of the fly-halves.
Veteran playmaker Damian McKenzie was in supreme touch throughout the Chiefs' semi-final in Hamilton while vastly-improved 'Canes fly-half Ruben Love was forced off in the second half with a calf injury.
Laidlaw said the return this season of Jordie Barrett had been a major boost, after the influential All Blacks inside centre missed the 2025 campaign to play a season at Irish club Leinster.
Barrett's midfield combination with Billy Proctor has been dangerous all season, helping wings Fehi Fineanganofo and Josh Moorby score a competition-leading 16 and 15 tries respectively.
"Jordie's ability to keep his feet moving, keep talking, keep putting other people in position is genuinely world class," Laidlaw said.
"He's an outstanding rugby player. We missed him last year. You can feel the difference, can't you, off the ball."
M.Johnston--SMC
