22 Feb 2012

Smith banking on fitness in Hurricanes season opener

9:29 am on 22 February 2012

The Hurricanes captain Conrad Smith will thrust himself in the deep end in Cape Town this weekend for the Canes' Super Rugby season opener against the Stormers.

The All Black centre only resumed training two weeks ago and there are some concerns over his fitness heading into what will be a physical encounter at Newlands.

Coach Mark Hammett obviously feels it's better to have Smith in the side whether at full gallop or not and while the skipper's confident of lasting the full 80 minutes he concedes it won't be easy.

The full Hurricanes line-up will be named on Friday.