Rugby
1News

John Plumtree has reporters in stitches while analysing Hurricanes’ woeful Hamilton record- ‘It’s definitely a funny ground’

March 14, 2019

Canes coach John Plumtree was at a loss to explain what’s gone wrong for his side in Hamilton in the past.

Winless from their opening four matches, the Chiefs have so far been Super Rugby's whipping boys in Super Rugby 2019, however their recent woes isn't leading to any complacency for their next opponents - the Hurricanes.

Bottom of the table after the first four rounds, the Chiefs prepare to welcome the Hurricanes to Hamilton this week, with an exemplary record against the Wellington side in front of their own fans.

The Hurricanes haven't beaten the Chiefs in Hamilton for over a decade, with their last win there coming in 2007 in a 39-32 thriller.

Speaking to media yesterday, Plumtree said that he's not reading anything into the Chiefs' recent struggles, with history showing that this weekend's encounter will be tough for his side.

"I've got a lot of respect for the Chiefs. We haven't won up there for a long time," Plumtree said.

"This team knows that. So we've got a lot of things wrong when we've visited Hamilton in the past, so hopefully we can get a lot of things right. And if we do that, then we're in for a chance.

"But we don't play particularly well in Hamilton, that needs to change. Doesn't really matter how they're going."

Asked what in particular was so hard for his side, Plumtree was almost comically lost for words as to the Hurricanes' issues - but did point the finger solely at FMG Stadium.

"It's just been a funny ground for us to play at, some teams have those funny grounds. It's definitely a funny ground."

The Chiefs host the Hurricanes in Hamilton tomorrow night.

SHARE ME

More Stories