The Hurricanes are red-hot favourites to sweep past the Blues into a Shop N Save Super Rugby final but they insist there is "no chance of complacency" creeping into the side.
The Blues enter Saturday night's semi-final in Wellington on the back of four straight defeats, including a 47-24 loss to the Hurricanes at Eden Park on 16 May.
They were also thumped 52-32 by the Crusaders in last week's qualifying finals, progressing to the semi-finals courtesy of being the highest-ranked loser.
That has led to the Blues being rank outsiders with the bookies while the Hurricanes are clear favourites. All Blacks halfback Cam Roigard said the hosts are happy to have a target on their backs.
Canes halfback Cam Roigard says they are determined to reach their first final since 2016, when they won their only Super Rugby title.
Roigard says they now have an opportunity to create a bit of history and hopefully get a home final, which hasn't happened for 10 years.
The Hurricanes are confident but taking nothing for granted.
Roigard said they know all too well the pain of falling short, after being dumped out in the quarter-finals in 2022, 2023 and 2025. In 2024, they were knocked out in the semis by the Chiefs.
Roigard said part of what it takes is not underestimating your opponent, no matter how bad their recent form. He expects the Blues to be at their best.
The Hurricanes will host the Blues at the Cake Tin on Saturday at 7.05pm, while the Chiefs will play the Crusaders at 7.05pm Friday.
Source: rnz.co.nz
