Cruden ready for Hurricanes hype

BEN CURRAN/ Manawatu Standard

THE TURBO'S TRIO: Manawatu's new Hurricanes during the squad's assembly at FMG Stadium - Andre Taylor, Aaron Cruden and Nick Crosswell.

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Rising star Aaron Cruden is ready for the inevitable hype that will come with his debut for the Hurricanes.

The 20-year-old is no stranger to it. A sensational winning campaign with the New Zealand under-20 team and some sizzling form with Manawatu had his name being mentioned as an All Blacks tourist this year.

Common sense prevailed and Cruden is left to prove his talent in the Super 14. Now there will be plenty of eyes on him as he tries to fill a No 10 jersey that has been nothing but trouble for the Hurricanes.

"I came back from the under-20 World Cup in Japan and there was a lot of media attention, a lot of speculation ... there were a few expectations on me," Cruden said.

"I wasn't really used to it. I don't like to read too much into that sort of stuff. I'm just one of those guys that like to put their heads down and work hard and try to better myself in everything I do.

"There will be pressure on me and pressure on the team to take the next step up. The Hurricanes have been the nearly men for a long time and they are overdue. But I think with the squad that we have got we can go all the way if we play to our full potential."

Cruden is thrilled to be playing alongside 13 All Blacks and particularly Piri Weepu who he believes can help his play with experience as a halfback and first five.

"He's been someone that I've wanted to play with for a long time. He's got the maturity, experience and all the skills. He's someone who will hopefully take me under his wing and I can learn a lot from him."

Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper says Cruden has "a God-given talent". But the young man believes only hard work will see him succeed.

"It's going to be a huge step up for me with the physicality and the pace of the game. It's going to be a huge challenge for me but one I'm looking forward to and I'm very excited about -  I do love a challenge."