Rugby: Pisi eager to learn

Samoan in international Tusi Pisi arrived in Wellington this morning. Photo / Getty Images.

Like a high school student cramming for their final exams, Hurricanes' five-eighth Tusi Pisi knows the next few weeks will be full of study.

The Samoa international arrived in Wellington this morning (Wed) and greeted his new teammates for the first time at a wet and windy Hurricanes' training at Rugby League Park in Newtown.

Pisi flew out from Japan on Monday night after guiding his Suntory side to the All-Japan Rugby Football Championship title with a 21-9 win over the Panasonic Wildcats on Sunday.

The 29-year-old, who played one game for the Crusaders in 2007, was recruited by Hurricanes' coach Mark Hammett last year in a bid to strengthen his inside back stocks.

Taranaki 20-year-old Beauden Barrett has emerged as a player of genuine quality, but Pisi's experience will be vital to a green Hurricanes outfit.

Now to learn the play book.

"I'm just glad to be down here and settle in as soon as possible and start from here," Pisi said.

"Obviously on the rugby side of it [I want to] just learn the moves and just try and settle into Wellington and work hard to get into the team ... You've got to know the moves to play, so hopefully once I get that sorted I can really work hard to try and crack that 22.

"The stuff that they have here is quite similar to what we have in Japan and how we play. So I think it'll be an easy transition."

Hammett had no doubt Pisi would fit into his squad.

"He's a popular man. We welcomed him this morning. He was up in front of the group and like anyone, and like most of this group, particularly guys who come back ... they just want to put their head down and prove themselves before they say too much. But I think we've created an environment where guys can talk pretty early and he's a smart man. He's been coached by Eddie Jones for a number of years now and we know what he can offer us. So it's a matter of him feeling comfortable really early so we get the benefits out of him."

Many of the players in the Hurricanes outfit have spoken of the positive environment that has been created at the franchise this year and Pisi said that was the first thing that struck him.

"The culture of the boys and just seeing how happy everyone is and how everyone gets along; so that was my first impression and I'm really looking forward to the season and being with this group."

Pisi played provincial rugby for North Harbour from 2003-2007 where he collected 50 caps for the side but he said the lure to play at Super Rugby level was what attracted him back to New Zealand.

"That's probably one of the biggest reasons why I'm back, trying to play in the best competition in the world, so I'm looking forward to it."

Following the conclusion of this season Pisi will return to Japan where he has three years to run on his deal with Suntory.

Hammett has named an unchanged side to meet the Blues in Auckland on Friday night from the team that lost 19-17 to the Highlanders on Saturday.

Prop Ben May has been bracketed with Michael Bent as he nurses a thigh niggle, but the 1.93m front-rower is expected to suit up this week after getting through training today.

Hurricanes: Andre Taylor, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith (c), Tim Bateman, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara; Victor Vito, Jack Lam, Faifili Levave, Jason Eaton, Jeremy Thrush, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Dane Coles, Ben May/Michael Bent.

Reserves: Motu Matu'u, Michael Bent/Tristan Moran, James Broadhurst, Brad Shields, Chris Eaton, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Charlie Ngatai.

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