Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper is convinced there will be no repeat of the early Super 14 gift his team granted the NSW Waratahs this time last year.

The two highly-rated teams once again have an opening-round date, in Wellington on Saturday, with Cooper satisfied the Hurricanes won't bring the same headless chooks approach.

That resulted in a 20-3 win for the Waratahs in Sydney, an error-plagued Hurricanes recording their lowest score for eight years and prompting a rapid tactical review from Cooper.

"We had a great pre-season last year but it gave us a bit of a false perception of the experimental law variations," Cooper said.

"We thought we just had to be fit, keep the ball alive and go width to width.

"But as we know, territory is important and the Waratahs outsmarted us in the kick and chase game.

"This year we're more prepared and we know what we want to do."

Cooper said the Waratahs as well as the other New Zealand franchises and South Africa's Sharks and Stormers were threats for the 2009 title.

He flicked aside suggestions the New South Welshmen may struggle without world class forwards Daniel Vickerman and Rocky Elsom, who are playing in Europe.

"They've got 17 off 22 back from the final, so they've got depth," he said.

While uncomfortable that his side won just one of their three pre-season matches, Cooper said those games had helped resolve several selection and game-plan issues.

One outcome may well be the naming on Thursday of All Blacks halfback Piri Weepu at five-eighth.

Cooper was coy about whether Weepu will be wearing the No.10 ahead of last year's first-choice option Willie Ripia or New Zealand colt Daniel Kirkpatrick.

"It's great to have options and they all have strengths," he said.

"On paper this is probably the best team I've had as far as depth goes."

The only players definitely ruled out with injury are All Blacks hooker Andrew Hore, who should return for round three or four, and flanker Josh Bradnock.

Centre Conrad Smith remains in doubt with a groin injury.

The Hurricanes have reached the semi-finals in four of their last six campaigns.

But each play-off visit has been ended by the Crusaders, three times in the semis and in the foggy 2006 final.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP