Force want to play like Canes

That was the message from Force flank Matt Hodgson, who is also the captain of the Perth-based team. The Force will meet the Hurricanes a a pre-season game on February 3.

"We want to try a lot in that first trial to see what's working and getting our timings right," said Hodgson.

"Although, the Hurricanes did not win last year, they were probably the best team throughout the whole competition. You always want to test yourself against the best and they probably play a similar style of rugby we are trying to play. 

"It's just good to play high quality teams all the time and really gives confidence to the young guys playing Super Rugby for the first time."

The Force will be hoping that their new acquisitions in the backline (Peter Grant, Jono Lance and Ben Tapuai) will help give them the attacking spark needed to beat the best in the competition.

"I think Pete's [Peter Grant] experience really helps the young guys. Jono [Lance] and Ben [Tapuai] obviously talk a lot on the field and that is what our backline really need. It's also great seeing our backline combining as a unit and there are definitely some fights for competition there," Hodgson added.

Hodgson will be involved in his 14th season of Super Rugby this year and the 34-year-old gave a candid response on his love for the game.

"When I started it was still black and white television, so a lot of things have changed over time. I am enjoying it and if I didn't enjoy I would not still be doing it. 

"The body is feeling great – it's just like riding a bike, you do one after the other and day after day," he added.