Canes coach Gibbes eyes "80-minute performance"
If our chat with Hurricanes assistant coach Chris Gibbes this week is any indication expect a polished display from the "visitors" in Friday night's Super Rugby Trans-Tasman match in Napier.
Western Force opted to play their home third-round fixture at Napier's McLean Park and naturally, former Magpies lock Gibbes, 47, is keen to help the visitors maintain their unbeaten record in the competition as well as the Canes unbeaten run in Napier on his and head coach Jason Holland's watch in the wake of last year's 62-15 drubbing of the Sunwolves.
"Ten points after two games were our goal. But what happens next is what is important," Gibbes (pictured above, Photo Getty Images) said.
"We have to keep working hard as a whole team to keep winning. It's also important we focus on one game at a time," Gibbes explained.
"We're still chasing an 80-minute performance. We've shown glimpses but haven't nailed it down."
The former New Zealand Colts rep and Colenso Pirate club player who clocked up 32 first-class games for the Magpies during the 1994, '95, '96 and '99 seasons, Gibbes, said the Canes will be focusing on more consistency at set-piece time against the Force.
"In recent weeks we've had a few opportunities to drive which we didn't nail."
Canes forwards coach Gibbes pointed out he was expecting a physical approach from the Canes particularly at the breakdown.
Like most Canes and Magpies fans, Gibbes, continues to be impressed with the progress being made by second-season Canes loosie and two-time Baby Black Devan Flanders.
"Devan played well in the lead-up games and gets better with every game he plays. He continues to impress me with his attitude to be the best he can."
Gibbes said while the Bay's Maori All Black and 2017 world champion Baby Black Pouri Rakete-Stones has had limited opportunities he continues to show growth.
"It takes a long time for front-rowers to mature. He continues to work hard on his scrummaging and will be better off after another year at this level."
Gibbes said Magpies and Maori All Black lock Isaia Walker-Leawere needs to be more consistent and is working hard at that aspect of his game.
Former All Black, Magpies loosie Gareth Evans, came off the bench in last week's win against the Rebels after a lengthy injury spell.
"It was a good test for Gareth and he is champing at the bit to get back on the field."
The Hurricanes team for the match will be announced tomorrow and their travelling squad will arrive in Napier on Thursday morning. It will be interesting to see how many of the Canes six Magpies, loosies Evans and Flanders, lock Walker-Leawere, prop Rakete-Stones, midfield back Danny Toala and outside back Lolagi Visinia, make the game-day squad of 23.
The Western Force team arrived in Napier earlier today. The Perth-based Force side has former Hurricanes lock Jeremy Thrush and former All Black and 2011 World Cup winner Richard Kahui on their roster.
Friday's 4.15pm curtain-raiser will be the Hawke's Bay women's club final between Clive Rugby and Sports and defending champions Napier Technical.
