Hurricanes believe that scrums and line-outs can help them beat Lions

The Hurricanes believe that one key area that they can beat the British and Irish Lions is to beat them up front in the scrums and lineouts.

Hurricanes forwards coach John Plumtree says it does not matter what type of backline they have, if they do not get good ball and their pack don't stand up, they are not going to get what they want.

The bulk of the Lions line‑up were in the midweek team that beat the Chiefs 34‑6 last Tuesday.

Fullback Jack Nowell has impressed all tour, along with halfback Greig Laidlaw, No.8 CJ Stander, lock Courtney Lawes and prop Joe Marler.

The bulk of the Hurricanes' backline need no introduction. Jordie Barrett, Nehe Milner‑Skudder, Vince Aso, Ngani Laumape and Julian Savea can all play.

Plumtree says Laumape, in particular, could be their game breaker in this match, with his strong, direct running.

But halfback Te Toi-roa Tahu-rio-rangi and first five‑eighth Otere Black have to step up and provide direction, in the absence of TJ Perenara and Beauden Barrett.

The Hurricanes will host the British and Irish Lions at 7.35 tonight before the Lions take on the All Blacks in their second test at 7.35pm this Saturday.

Source: stuff.co.nz