The Hurricanes sit on the cusp of a playoff berth heading into round nine's clash with the Crusaders in Wellington and have the luxury of consistent selection for the derby.
The Hurricanes have the benefit of consistency in a tumultuous Super Rugby Pacific season, naming a settled matchday 23 to take on the Blues in Auckland.
In an interview last week Mesley said “this is the best season across some of our core measures in Super Rugby history.’’
Two teams bouncing back from poor 2024 campaigns met in Christchurch on Saturday afternoon, both coming into the round five contest with two wins to their names.
All Black Ruben Love will make his season debut for the Hurricanes this weekend against Moana Pasifika after initially being slated for a round seven return following ankle surgery.
Round three sees not just culture round hit Wellington but also a Super Rugby double-header as the Hurricanes Poua open their 2025 season at home against the Blues.
Across each of the Super Rugby clubs there are first-fives closer to 20 than 26 who are each entering the race to be the next generation of All Blacks 10.
On his Super Rugby Pacfic debut against the Blues at Eden Park last weekend, Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan was quick to praise his winger, claiming he's a little pocket rocket.
The 50th Super Rugby encounter between the Chiefs and Crusaders franchises was set up perfectly after round one, as both teams won their respective New Zealand derbies.