Hurricanes centre Conrad Smith says the team need to reconnect with their fans as well as play winning rugby in 2012.
The Hurricanes have lost key players Ma’a Nonu, Piri Weepu, Hosea Gear and Aaron Cruden after the troubled 2011 campaign which saw divisions between some players and new coach Mark Hammett.
A new and younger team remains and Smith, one of the remaining experienced stars, says the team have to focus on more than just victories.
“Winning is first and foremost, we never shy away from that, but to win there’s a lot you can do with the culture of a team,” the team’s new captain said.
“That’s for me something I’d love to work on, to gain back a bit of respect from our supporters and from media, from sponsors, and even the players themselves to be proud and love the Hurricanes.
“I love the Hurricanes and it hurts me that I sometimes play alongside guys that don’t share that love so if the end of season and everyone wants to come back and have another crack for the team, then that would be a goal of mine.”
Rookie loose forward Brad Shields, 21, predicted by many as a player to watch after a stellar season with the New Zealand under-21 team, said the team had bonded well.
“We had the luxury of having most of the players there for the pre-season, so everyone’s seen how hard everyone works for each other, and we want to get behind each other and do the best we can for the team,” he said.
“The team’s bonded really well and we’re expecting to win.
“As ourselves we want to win and we want to do it for our community and our fans.”
© AAP 2012Recommend this story.
The Turkey 10
The Turkey 10 teams have now been selected, as Wild Turkey Bourbon's sport sponsorship kicks into the next exciting phase.
Choose which side you're going to support and get in the running to win $2,500!
Simply visit Wild Turkey Australia on Facebook for your chance to win.
Find out more.
The Crowd Says (3) | Page 1 of Comments
Have Your Say
- Explore:
- Conrad Smith, Hurricanes, Rugby Union, Super Rugby
February 16th 2012 @ 8:38am
Darwin Stubbie said | February 16th 2012 @ 8:38am | Report comment
You’ve got a very long way to Go to win back the provinces … Not that that’s ever been a priority for the hurricanes … Being a Manawatu supporter I’ll be following the chiefs and highlanders this season – the hurricanes can crash and burn
February 16th 2012 @ 10:18am
kovana said | February 16th 2012 @ 10:18am | Report comment
How can anyone support a made up franchise made up of other Provinces? No loyalty.
How do you get people to support the Canes when they dont solely represent Wellington.. But also the other NPC Provinces? And how do those from other provinces support a Franchise which hardly has any of its players?
It also trickles down to the NPC.. Where wellington Lions go thru nearly the entire season without their top players.. Because they are on AB duty.
February 16th 2012 @ 1:52pm
peterlala said | February 16th 2012 @ 1:52pm | Report comment
Fans have deserted the Hurricanes…or lost interest.
Has any other team suffered such a fall from grace in the history of Super rugby?
The Waratahs, who were booed last year, still keep a loyal fan base. But the Hurricanes…
Hopefully the challenge brings out untapped leadership qualities in Conrad Smith. If so, that could add longevity to his international career.