The table-topping but injury-hit Hurricanes are feeling once bitten twice shy as they brace for a Super Rugby Pacific ambush from the NSW Waratahs.
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Ordinarily in a first-versus-second-last battle, the Hurricanes might be comfortable welcoming the lowly Waratahs to Wellington's Sky Stadium on Friday night.
Instead, a sobering 27-19 loss to the Brumbies and a hooker crisis has left the one-time competition title favourites feeling vulnerable, especially knowing the Tahs' only two wins this campaign have come against the defending champion Crusaders.
"We were disappointed with the way we played (against the Brumbies)," said Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw.
"We felt we had a really good week. We trained well, prepared well but we played poorly on a number of fronts.
"So we had a good honest start to the week. There was no real stress around those conversations; we were just disappointed we didn't play as well as we wanted.
"I guess the good start to the year has earned us the right to feel like that, but the Waratahs are big men and, when they get on the front foot ...
"Everyone could see in the games against the Crusaders and the Chiefs at the weekend, they take a bit of holding if they get on the front foot.
"So we need to be better defensively and take opportunities."
With his first-choice hooker Asafo Aumua injured, then back-up James O'Reilly concussed in the first half against the Brumbies after Jacob Devery was already scratched for the season, Laidlaw is suddenly without contracted No.2s.
That has left Kianu Kereru-Symes to start against the Waratahs, who have their own injury concerns as Darren Coleman's side fights to keep their season and the coach's future alive.
With their own hooker, and Wallabies part-time World Cup captain Dave Porecki, sidelined, Julian Heaven will start for the Waratahs, who somehow remain in the finals race despite losing seven of nine matches this season.
The Tahs will also be without the services of the experienced Wallabies forwards Jed Holloway and Ned Hanigan, while the club's already depleted front-row stocks suffered a further blow with Tom Ross sidelined after injuring his MCL against the Chiefs.
Fortunately for Coleman, Wallabies X-factor Mark Nawaqanitawase returns to fullback to accommodate the return of exciting winger Dylan Pietsch.
Will Harrison has been named to start his first match of the season at five-eighth, while former Fijian rugby league international Vuate Karawalevu is also in line to make his Super Rugby Pacific debut after being selected on the bench.
Australian Associated Press
