Rugby: Hurricanes sitting in unfamiliar territory

Callum Gibbins, right, and his Hurricanes teammates celebrate during their win over the Rebels last night. Photo / Getty Images

The Hurricanes aren't used to this.

This is the best start they've made to a Super Rugby campaign and with six wins from as many games, they're sitting pretty at the top of the ladder.

Even during the the mid-to-late 2000s, when they featured in the playoffs, they never experienced such lofty heights.

They made the most of their first game of the season at Westpac Stadium in Wellington last night as they pushed the Melbourne Rebels aside 36-12.

Crucially, they also banked a four-try bonus point as they extended their lead at the top. Playing from in front in this competition forces a renewed attitude among a team.

"It is different," Hurricanes captain Conrad Smith said. "We started talking about it a little bit last week and we've got to find a way to enjoy it, otherwise it can cramp your style a little bit.

"You've just got to embrace it and you realise teams are going to come for you."

Last night's win was built on patience as the Hurricanes cashed in on what little ball they did have - 43 per cent of possession to be precise.

Melbourne emptied plenty of gas from the tank during the first half as they tried to smother the Hurricanes but they were unable to create any meaningful attack.

The visitors took a 12-10 lead to the break courtesy of four penalties from Mike Harris but they never troubled the scorers in the second half.

"We just wore them down and they tired a little and when we got our chances we were reasonably fresh and we were able to get points out of it," Smith said.

As the Rebels began to fall off tackles, the Hurricanes finished with a bang. Replacement fullback Nehe Milner-Skudder added a late double, which included the bonus-point try.

His footwork continues to dazzle and he must be pushing to win back that No 15 jersey given what he offers the side on attack.

"Every year I've played in the Hurricanes there's been outside backs like that," Smith said. "We are always blessed with them and he's special."

Earlier tries to TJ Perenara, Cory Jane and Callum Gibbins helped build the lead, which the Hurricanes had to protect for 10 of the final 11 minutes with only 14 men after Perenara was sent to the sin bin.

Importantly, for coach Chris Boyd, the Hurricanes were able to come through the contest without any major injuries. They also took the chance to rest a few All Blacks who need to sit out two games this year with the World Cup looming.

The Stormers are up next for the Hurricanes on Good Friday and there's a chance that more All Blacks will be given a week off.

Boyd has said the Hurricanes want to rest their internationals in games against the non-Kiwi sides as conference matches against their New Zealand opponents are more important as they target the playoffs.

It's hard to argue with a formula that has left them at the top of the table.

Hurricanes 36 (Nehe Milner-Skudder 2, TJ Perenara, Cory Jane, Callum Gibbins tries; Jason Woodward pen, 4 con) Rebels 12 (Mike Harris 4 pen) halftime: 10-12