Even with a squad hit hard by COVID-19, the Hurricanes are preparing to return to Super Rugby Pacific as early as this weekend against the Chiefs at Wellington.
After an outbreak forced the postponement of their fixture against Moana Pasifika last week, the Hurricanes are slowly, but surely returning to full speed and will prepare as best they can to resume their campaign.
Their efforts have also been boosted by a schedule change that gives them an extra day to recover, with the fixture moved to Sunday afternoon and Crusaders v Blues shifted to Saturday evening.
Moana Pasifika took two weeks to return to action after their battle against COVID, but the Hurricanes assert they're coming back after just one.
While assistant coach Chris Gibbes insists they will be able to field a team against the Chiefs this week, several first-string players won't be available, still recovering from COVID.
"We haven't been able to train, but the boys are integrating back in, via the protocols," Gibbes says. "What they have been doing is training in small groups and that's kind of the focus for the next few days.
"We've got guys at different stages coming back, but we're confident we'll have a team for this weekend.
"There are going to be some guys in that boat - that's just the nature of it when they've been diagnosed, when they've started that whole process on their way back to play.
"There are going to be some guys that won't get across the line in time - that's just the nature of it, that's what we've got to deal with - but we're confident, within the depth of this squad, that we'll have a decent side out this weekend."
The Hurricanes requested their clash against the Chiefs be moved from Saturday to Sunday, allowing more time for recovering players to return to training at full intensity.
"We're tracking really well with guys returning, the challenge is going to be making sure we get enough time," he says. "The Sunday game gives us an extra day, but if it's Saturday, we'll deal with it.
"It's not ideal, but the whole situation's not ideal and we'll just adapt."
One player who won't play is All Blacks hooker Dane Coles, currently battling a calf injury and yet to feature for the Hurricanes this season.
While no definite date for his return has been given, Gibbes expects to see Coles feature in Super Rugby Pacific sooner rather than later.
"He's trucking really well. With Colsey's injury, it's not something you can put a date on and say he's going to be back yet.
"It's just an ongoing thing, but he's in good spirits and working really hard. Our med-fit team are doing an awesome job.
"We're confident Colesy will be around in the next few weeks, hopefully."
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