Cory Jane: Hurricanes bracing for 'angry' Blues team

The Hurricanes know they've got an intense challenge on their hands as the reigning champions come to town, hungry for their first win of the season.

While the Wellingtonians have split their opening two games with one loss to the Crusaders, followed by a tight win over the Fijian Drua, their round three opponents have fallen in both their Kiwi derbies to begin the season.

Against the Chiefs in the 2024 final rematch, the Blues were held scoreless in the second half. In the following game, they managed to claim one try after leading narrowly at the break, but it wasn't enough to cling onto that lead, even with their opponents down to 13 men.

The Hurricanes remain wary of their Auckland counterparts despite their failure to fire in their opening games. Assistant coach Cory Jane said the Blues are dangerous and will be treated as such.

"They were when they hadn't won the Championship, and now, with the style of rugby they played [to win last year], they'll be angry and will come hard," the former All Black said.

"The Blues have been playing a little more than last year. They want to play with more width and that may be the Beaudy [Beauden Barrett] effect, so they are challenging teams there as well as being dominant with their carries and cleans. It's a challenge."

Focussing on themselves, the Hurricanes have a star in the making starting his third game at No. 10 against the Blues. Harry Godfrey has been in superb form over the opening two rounds and helped cover the club's playmaking deficit as Brett Cameron and Ruben Love watch from the sidelines.

The young utility back scored the Hurricanes' game-winning try against the Drua on Saturday, touching down in the 75th minute just moments after the Drua took the lead in Napier. The 13-point performance was good enough to earn the 22-year-old backs' player of the day.

"We gave it to him as coaches because we saw he's stepping up in that general role and trying to run the team as best he can. That helps when you've got a guy who is confident in his role, and he is. He's impressive, but there is a long way to go.

"We've got some young guys in the backline as well who are having to step up early in the competition, but the play from Harry has been good."

The late-game heroics showed character after an exhausting, high-paced and high-scoring game. However, while the fans were treated to a dramatic spectacle, the Hurricanes coaches were less impressed. They know a step up is needed with the Blues in town.

"Everyone else enjoyed watching but the coaches. We're just trying to get better, and against a team we know is going to come down and try to play."

Starting behind Godfrey in the Hurricanes' No. 15 jersey will be Kade Banks, the former Blues flyer who moved down to the Wellington club this offseason.

Banks had an immense NPC campaign in 2024, scoring at will for North Harbour. With 55-time All Black outside back Jane in his corner, Banks has been growing his game.

"He's got great footwork and speed, and he has embraced some of the skill sets we've been doing together about beating people with fends and using his hips," Jane said.

"It's an opportunity for him to go out there against his old team and show his skills."