Rugby: Beware wounded Bulls at Loftus

Hurricane Ma'a Nonu is back in the fold and says he learned a lot playing for other franchises. Photo / Getty Images

Hurricanes know enormity of task in Pretoria despite all-star All Blacks backline and the returning Ma’a Nonu

Lion was served as the entree, now the Hurricanes must slice through the Bulls for their main dish in South Africa.

Starting a Super Rugby season abroad can be a fine time to strike teams from the Republic while they're easing into the campaign. If Chris Boyd's Hurricanes could snag two wins to start their year then it would be a job well done.

The Lions were brushed aside 22-8 last week as the Hurricanes defended stoutly and made use of the little ball they had. But meeting the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria tomorrow is a different beast, figuratively and literally.

The Bulls are wounded after they were upset 29-17 by the Stormers at home last week and Boyd knows his side is in for a tough examination tomorrow.

"They certainly won't want to be losing two games in a row and of all the stadiums in the Super 15, the Bulls at home is potentially the most intimidating climate," Boyd said.

"So I think it was always going to be a tough ask and I think it's got a little bit tougher by the fact they lost their first game against the Stormers and I think the wagons will be circling."

The often-understated Boyd was keen to embrace the underdog tag but if the Hurricanes make their tackles, like they did against the Lions, then there's no reason they can't push the Bulls.

The Bulls have made a handful of changes to the side who lost to the Stormers and No 8 Pierre Spies has been named to start after playing from the bench last week.

The Hurricanes, boosted by the second coming of midfielder Ma'a Nonu, could also stake a claim to having the competition's most dangerous backline given every starter except fullback Jason Woodward is an All Black.

"I think we need to carry on from some of the good work we did last week," Hurricanes captain Conrad Smith said. "We obviously need to improve in a lot of areas but we'll look to get a bit more ball and look after the ball that we have."

Nonu missed the victory over the Lions as he awaited the birth of his third child and Rey Lee-Lo (hip) will drop out of the starting side to accommodate the 32-year-old.

The 94-test veteran has spent the past three seasons splitting time between the Blues and the Highlanders after being forced out of the Hurricanes at the end of 2011.

"I've learned that life throws you challenges and throws you curveballs - I've learned that going to other franchises," Nonu said. "I've met a lot of good people and got to play with other players outside where I'm from."

In the only other change to their starting side, Manawatu's Callum Gibbins will wear the No7 jersey and Ardie Savea moves to the bench, despite having a strong game against the Lions.

With flanker Savea and Victor Vito on the pine, the Hurricanes boast some powerful reserves to finish the game. After tomorrow's outing, the Hurricanes will complete their road trip with a meeting against the Force in Perth next weekend.