The Hurricanes are putting a positive spin on their first loss of the season, with loose forward Du'Plessis Kirifi saying it could help ease the pressure on Super Rugby Pacific’s table-toppers.
Speaking today after Saturday’s 27-19 defeat to the Brumbies in Canberra which broke a run of eight victories, Kirifi said: “It has potentially come at a great time for us. It has given us the opportunity to maybe dig a little deeper and reflect on a few things with the bonus of there being five more games to improve on.
“The loss almost relieves that pressure that was building around being unbeaten. I would lean towards saying that’s a good thing. It’s a minor factor we no longer need to worry about. It should help us focus on more important details of our game.”
The Hurricanes fought back from a 24-12 halftime deficit, but their season-defining physicality and enthusiasm deserted them at GIO Stadium.
Kirifi said the reason for the defeat was straightforward.
“It’s pretty simple our end – just not physical enough. They did exactly what we planned for them to do and they did it really well because they’re a quality team.
“We’re disappointed with how we played.”
The Hurricanes will host the Waratahs on Friday ahead of a blockbusting fixture against the Blues at Eden Park a week later.
Assistant coach Tyler Bleyendaal said: “We enjoyed a good winning run to start the season and now we’ve encountered a bit of adversity so it will be great to see how the guys respond.”
Hooker James O’Reilly is undergoing head injury assessment protocols – a potential issue after the loss of Asafo Aumua the previous weekend with a knee injury.
The Hurricanes have a one-point lead on top of the table over the Blues, who dug deep to beat the Reds in Brisbane.
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