Kirifi backs Hurricanes to handle Blues' kitchen-sink assault in Super Rugby semi-final

Du’Plessis Kirifi is expecting a wounded Blues side to throw everything at the Hurricanes when the two New Zealand franchises meet in the Super Rugby Pacific semi-final at Hnry Stadium in Wellington on Saturday.

The Hurricanes arrive as heavy favourites, having won 12 of their 15 regular-season matches and claimed nine consecutive home victories by an average margin of 28 points. The Blues, by contrast, have lost their last four matches in a row, conceding 194 points across that run — including a record 47-24 defeat to the Hurricanes at Eden Park on 16 May.

Kirifi, who will make his 105th Hurricanes appearance, refused to take comfort in that recent Blues form. “I’m not reading too much into their recent form,” he said. “They did enough throughout the season to earn a spot in the semi-final. Regardless of past results, it’s about which team shows up on the night. We draw confidence from our form this season, but we expect the Blues to throw the kitchen sink at us. They’ll send their big boys down either side of the ruck and try to create momentum from there.”

The Hurricanes skipper also acknowledged Blues flanker and Blues Player of the Year Anton Segner as a danger man, admitting the visitors may have “some surprises” in store.

Twelve of Wellington’s starting fifteen have played 50 or more Super Rugby matches, a depth of experience Kirifi believes helps the squad manage the pressure of knockout rugby. “Having a lot of experience makes it easier to regulate our emotions,” he said. “For us, it’s about sticking to our game plan, resetting, and treating it like any other week.”

One of those milestone men is 23-year-old flanker Peter Lakai, who will play his 50th Super Rugby match on Saturday. The eight-Test All Black has featured in 42 of a possible 46 games since the start of 2024, and Kirifi was effusive in his praise. “I can’t speak highly enough of him,” the captain said. “He’s Wellington-born and bred, a quiet man who goes about his work. His greatest qualities as a teammate and a man are his accuracy and reliability. You know what you’re going to get from him, not just on game day but also during the week. He has made me a better player, and I hope he feels the same about me.”

Off the bench, experienced forwards Isaia Walker-Leawere (91 caps), Tyrel Lomax (73), and Brayden Iose (65) provide further cover. In the backs, 23-year-old Jone Rova — a former New Zealand Under-20 representative with 14 Super Rugby appearances — has been preferred to more experienced midfield options Ngane Punivai and Bailyn Sullivan. Kirifi backed the selection, describing Rova as “a quality player who does the simple things well” and “a big body capable of getting us over the gain line.”

The Hurricanes are chasing their first Super Rugby title since 2016.