The Hurricanes captain Conrad Smith says his side is better placed heading into this Super Rugby season, than they were 12 months ago.
The Hurricanes suprised many with their eighth place finish last year and again will be relying on young players in key positions.
Smith says their preseason has gone well and he's comfortable with where they're at heading into Saturday night's match against the Blues.
The All Black prop Ben Franks will make his debut against the Blues, Brad Shield starts at number eight, despite having just a half an hour of pre-season rugby after recovering from a knee injury, and Alapati Leiua starts on the right wing for the injured Cory Jane.
