Back to hospital for the Hurricanes

HIGH FIVE: Ross Winitana-MacKinnon, 2, from Hastings high-fives Hurricanes player Faifili Levave during the team's visit to Hawke's Bay Hospital. PHOTO/GLENN TAYLOR HBT140876-06

The Hurricanes visited Hawke's Bay Hospital and Irongate School yesterday bringing a smile to a number of surprised young fans.

Beauden Barrett, James Marshall, Dane Coles, Blade Thomson, Andre Taylor, Faifili Levave and Ben Franks went through the children's ward of the hospital, surprising kids and gifting them Hurricanes gear.

Hurricanes and All Blacks first-five Beauden Barrett said the visit to Hawke's Bay Hospital brought a smile to both the kids' and players' faces.

"It's great and certainly puts your life into perspective."

Six-year-old year-old patient Phoenix Hone from Waipawa was thrilled to have a surprise visit from her rugby heroes.

She couldn't name a favourite player but said: "I liked them all - and I like the [Hurricanes] flags and tattoos."

Hurricanes fullback Andre Taylor said it was great to visit the community and fans that make the Hurricanes franchise.

"It's really good to be here. To be in a different town. We are always out in the community in Wellington but it's good to come to the other regions that make up the Hurricanes."

He said the team was looking forward to playing in front of an excited crowd after last week's impressive win against the Crusaders in Christchurch. The Hurricanes last played in Napier in 2011.

"It was a good win and something the boys were really proud of. We've trained well this week but that win won't count for much unless we can back it up again [today]."

The Hurricanes battle the Bulls at 7.35pm tonight at McLean Park in Napier. Tickets can be purchased from ticketdirect.co.nz and start at $10 for kids, and $15 for adults.