Teamwork ties it together

Super Rugby sponsor PlaceMakers puts the Hurricanes under the spotlight

You can learn a lot about teamwork from sport, so PlaceMakers held a Q&A session with the Hurricanes. Read on to find out more, and learn some of the pros’ tips of the game!

How do you motivate your team to achieve success?
“Generally, when an athlete has reached this level of rugby, they are already a highly motivated individual. Our challenge is more around moulding all of those individuals together, so that they can succeed as a team and form a culture whereby they are motivated to achieve for each other.” – Chris Boyd, coach

How do you get a team of big personalities to work well together?
“We don’t have anyone who is bigger than the team. Everything we do is geared toward making sure everyone is treated equally and feels like they can contribute, or speak up, without fear or favour. We put a lot of emphasis into our pre-season, building close personal bonds that can be carried through the year.”- Chris Boyd

How do you look after your body?
“Rehab, rest and nutrition. It’s really important that you look after any knocks straight away and follow the protocols set by the medical team. Having good sleep patterns and eating well can also help minimise the risk of injury.” – TJ Perenara, half back (17 caps)

How do you throw the perfect spiral pass?
“Practice, practice, practice. There’s no real short cut to having a perfect pass. We start as kids in New Zealand, but as a halfback you have to work every day to make sure your pass is as consistent as possible. You also have to be fit enough to execute the skill under pressure.” – TJ Perenara

How can I learn to Skudder step?
“The Skudder step was something I developed as a kid. I used to practice a lot in the back yard by putting cones out and stepping around them. That would be a good way to start. Following that would be giving it a go on people in the supermarket before taking it out on the field. After a while, and lots of practice, it becomes instinctive.”
– Nehe Milner-Skudder, fullback (8 caps)

How do you take a high-ball under pressure?
“With practice comes confidence. It’s just sticking to the right technique, keeping your eyes on the ball at all times, getting the timing right on your jump and backing yourself.”
– Nehe Milner-Skudder

Beauden, what was going through your mind when you were chasing that kick in the RWC final?
“Ben Smith kicked it ahead and I was thinking about trying to pick it up, but I nudged it through myself and then I was just hoping for the perfect bounce and hoping nobody would catch me!” – Beauden Barrett, first five-eighth (36 caps)