Hurricanes alert to Chiefs' deadly backline and powerful pack

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Assistant coach Cory Jane said the Chiefs were a side that liked to move the ball more.

"They're more dynamic in the backs, and when I say dynamics, probably not man for man [than the Blues] because they're both as good, but the Chiefs like to play a little more.

"They use their backs and skill sets a little more than the Blues, but they've also got a big pack that doesn't mind trying to beat you up.

"It's a good challenge for us because it's threats all over the park and, if we get it wrong, they can score from anywhere, and at any time."

Moana Pasifika's physicality smothered the Hurricanes after their good start in getting a 19-0 lead.

"The boys struggled to get momentum. Defensively, they [Moana Pasifika] ran hard, and we soaked a few tackles, which made life hard for us. They were the better team.

While the win was not as the Hurricanes wanted, it served as a lesson for many less experienced players about how the side needed to play better.

"We targeted these last couple of games heading into the playoffs if we could get there. Every team needs to, especially with the way the ladder looks.

"It's important to go out there and win, but it's also important to keep the confidence going."


At the same time, it was necessary to give players who had been training hard an opportunity for game time.

"We've been trying to do that at times and get them in there. It's also backing them to do a job."

Jane said threequarter Bailyn Sullivan's return had gone well after six months out with injury.

"The luxury of him is that not only does he play at centre, but he covers the wing well. We've just got to continue building on how he's playing."

Centre Bailyn Sullivan said they didn't take Moana Pasifika too lightly, as they always knew they were challenging at home or away.

"We didn't do what we said we were going to do during training and it showed."

 Sullivan said he was settling into regular play since his return.

"I've just got to perform in areas where I can have an impact. Compared to the Blues game, last week I couldn't impact as well as I should have. You've got to your job and do it well, and doing it on repeat."

Preparing to face the Chiefs will be another challenge; they are like no other team.

"It's going to be brutal, and we've got to front up. We've got to take some, and we've got to give some.

"We've got to do what we do well, and play with the ball."

With two rounds of the regular season to play, their mindset was on improving.

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