Joseph hails Hurley s massive potential after Highlanders down Blues

Otago Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph praised the performance of Finn Hurley after the inexperienced full-back shone in his sides 29-21 Super Rugby Pacific win over the Auckland Blues, scoring two tries for his injury-hit team on Saturday.

The 21-year-old led the Highlanders fightback as they trailed 14-3, scoring a superb solo try in the 30th minute when he chipped into space from inside his own half before racing through to collect possession and sprint to the line.

Hurley added a second in the 55th minute when he finished off a blistering team move, diving over to score having been given a clear path through the Blues defence by Folau Fakatavas rapid release as the home side battled back to win.

Hes got massive potential, you saw it tonight, Joseph said.

Hes like all rugby players, he gets ahead of himself sometimes but Ill let him go I reckon. Let him be himself, give him confidence and coach him to understand balance.

I think he got it right tonight.

Hurleys showing was a stand-out for a side that has been dealing with a rash of injuries and held on to win despite a red card for prop Daniel Lienert-Brown leaving them with 13 men for 20 minutes in the second half.

Joseph put his team through a punishing training regime ahead of the new season and he credited his teams physical conditioning for their strong performance against the reigning Super Rugby Pacific champions.

I think you see our players, in terms of their fitness levels, are fine and thats one area where were ahead of teams, he said.

But fitness alone isnt enough. The boys have confidence around what they can do on the field.

I thought we grew a bit today around our intelligence when we were under pressure. A