Hurricanes No.8 Victor Vito believes the Hurricanes have the quality and cohesion to overcome the absence of several All Blacks players when they host the Melbourne Rebels on Friday.
The competition leaders will be without rested Test trio Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett and Ben Franks, along with hooker Dane Coles, who is still recovering from an elbow injury.
Vito believes if the Hurricanes can retain the same resolute mental approach and merciless defence has carried them to five-straight wins, they are well equipped to beat the 10th-placed Rebels.
The athletic loose forward senses a superior resilience this season under new head coach Chris Boyd after five seasons without reaching the finals.
"A few of the guys have been in the team a while and have been pretty disappointed in past results. I guess a switch has been flicked," he said.
"We know we've been there or thereabouts for a long time and thankfully we've started to pick it up defensively. We've had it in the past, but its been too sporadic."
A shock 42-25 loss in Melbourne four years ago, after having led by 17 points, has burned in Vito's memory.
"That wasn't a very enjoyable year and that's the game that sticks in my mind.
"Every time I see them, it's a bit of a reminder to be on your guard."
Vito says the team are looking forward to their first game of the season at home base Westpac Stadium and that former Rebels fullback Jason Woodward is relishing the chance to face his former team after earning his first start for a month.
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