Rugby: Focused Joseph rejects talk of a grudge match

The Hurricanes. Photo / Getty Images

Talking it up as a grudge match and a chance to gain some revenge is not being swallowed by Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph.

The Highlanders take on the Hurricanes in Wellington tonight, looking for a fourth straight win, and as far as Joseph is concerned that is entirely the team's focus.

The visitors may have plenty of Wellington connections, and former Hurricanes captain Andrew Hore in their ranks, but Joseph is adamant the Highlanders have been concentrating on their own game.

"It is not really revenge on our behalf. We played them twice last year and were successful in the results so it could not really be called revenge," he said.

"We just need to play well and if we do play well then we will be difficult to beat. If we do not play well and put all the emphasis on the opposition, worrying about them all the time, then we'll finish second.

"We're just thinking about our own game and ourselves."

Jimmy Cowan comes back into the starting side after two weeks on the bench, with Aaron Smith going back to the reserves.

Cowan had the experience needed for this game, Joseph said, and would be champing at the bit after two weeks on the bench. He was expecting a big start from the Hurricanes and Cowan's defensive ability would be vital.

Ben Smith has recovered from a head knock and returns to fullback, with Colin Slade starting at first five-eighth.

Lima Sopoaga has been diagnosed with a fractured scapula in his shoulder and had an operation yesterday. He will be out for anywhere between six weeks and 2months.

Chris Noakes is over his injured ankle and comes into the reserves.

Prop Chris King has been battling a partially torn groin and has not been able to train during the week since the season kicked off.

Joseph said he needed a rest and Manawatu rookie Ma'afu Fia King would get his first start in the Highlanders jersey.

The Hurricanes will be playing their first game at home and should have plenty of support.

Expectations were low for the side at the beginning of the season but they have grabbed two wins from three games so far and this has lifted confidence in the ranks.

Joseph said the side were working on staying composed and making the correct decisions in the heat of the battle.

"We call it going into the washing machine. You get inside and need to stay composed and calm when the heat is on. Those last three games show the guys have been learning. Last year, against the Force and Lions, we lost those close games."

The battle would be physical again tonight and Joseph admitted the team did not train much early on in the week, but was coming right by game day.

To succeed tonight the Highlanders must stay in the contest and not let the home team get their tail up. Nothing beats the confidence of youth, so the longer the contest goes on and remains close, the better for the Highlanders.

Cowan will be a key and has every incentive to play well. Outside him, Slade will be better for the outing last week while up front much will depend on how Fia fronts.

The weather is forecast to be fine although how kickers handle the swirling wind will have a big impact on the game.

That, along with the sometimes obscure rulings of referee Bryce Lawrence, may decide who willwin.

Canes v H'landers

Wellington, 7.35 tonight

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
J. Toomaga-Allen
Dane Coles
Ben May

Motu Matu'u, Michael Bent, James Broadhurst, Brad Shields, Chris Eaton, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Charlie Ngatai.

Ben Smith
Kade Poki
Tamati Ellison
Phil Burleigh
Hosea Gear
Colin Slade
Jimmy Cowan
Nasi Manu
John Hardie
Adam Thomson
Nick Crosswell
Josh Bekhuis
Ma'afu Fia King
Andrew Hore
J. Mackintosh (c)

Jason Rutledge, Bronson Murray, Culum Retallick, James Haskell, Aaron Smith, Chris Noakes, Buxton Popoali'i.

- Otago Daily Times