Unbeaten Hurricanes ready to face the heat in Fiji

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A hard-to-beat team on their home turf, the Drua relishes knocking the competition leaders over. They managed this last season with a 27-24 win, also in Suva.

Hurricanes centre Billy Proctor said they took a lot of confidence from their win over the Chiefs, a side who have been a benchmark over the last two seasons.

"We know we have areas we need to tidy up. We can't take a win for granted in this competition."

It had been pleasing to work their way out of a third-quarter deficit to take the win.

"We had to fight through a big of adversity and we showed a bit of character coming back from a poor start to the second half."

After reviewing the game, they realised they had given away penalties. While they felt they were on top at halftime, they were only four points ahead because of their poor discipline.

"We know that if we do that in Fiji, it's going to be a very long, tough day for us."

Proctor said he was enjoying playing in a backline that was performing well.

"It's a lot easier outside the boys that are controlling us and inside boys who seem to be breaking every tackle they come across. The whole group's been going good and it's awesome to be a part of it."

Being unbeaten against the other New Zealand franchises was satisfying, but they were aware they still had a lot to work on.

Knowing the Drua have won all but one of their last eight games at home meant it would be a challenge at the weekend.

"They feed off the heat and off the crowd. We're preparing for it, and we know what's coming.

"They're tough to play at home. They're great athletes, tough to tackle. We've got to be prepared for everything they're going to bring."

Proctor has been part of the Hurricanes' leadership group this season and felt it had helped his game.

"You see things from different perspectives, especially with Clark [Laidlaw-coach] working with us on how we can be better and lead this team.

"It's been cool to take on a little more responsibility in that area and to be myself and only chipping in when need be."

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