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Thirteen reasons why the Hurricanes must win the Super Rugby title

Ma'a Nonu. Intimidation and skill under a pile of dreadlocks. (AAP Image/Matt Roberts)
Roar Guru
15th June, 2015
24

I can’t lay claim to being a Hurricanes man. I visited the capital once when I was five to visit some relatives as my father’s family are from there originally.

It was the first time for me to take a plane, but I can’t remember anything about the trip – let alone the city.

But I always liked playing with the Hurricanes on those old EA Sports video games and leading them to the coveted Super Rugby titles they could never win in real life.

I think it stemmed from my admiration for Tana Umaga, who in his relatively short time as All Blacks captain did a tremendous job of restoring the image and prestige of the All Black jersey after the ‘journey’ came to a screaming holt in 2003.

Plus I kind of liked the uniforms, the name ‘Hurricanes’, the flair they played with and the fact that so many of them contributed to the All Blacks under Graham Henry and Steve Hansen after years of the All Blacks being dominated by Auckland and Canterbury.

So, without further adieu, I present as many reasons as I can think of why the Hurricanes deserve to win the 2015 Super Rugby title.

1) They’ve never won it before. Everyone loves a first time champion and it gives the rest of the uncrowned franchises something to aspire to.

2) Their long suffering fans deserve it. Nineteen years is a drop in the bucket for Chicago Clubs fans, but it’s almost a quarter of a life time.

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3) It’s a reward for excellence. As riveting as an upset can be, if you go 14-2 in the regular season you deserve to see that excellence realised.

4) It’s one step closer to a full house. One step closer to all five New Zealand franchises having won a Super Rugby title.

5) It would be a perfect send off for Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith. The greatest New Zealand midfield pairing of the modern era deserves a title instead of dreaming of one.

6) Nobody thought they would be in this position. I swear Roarer Diggercane said they would be worse this year after the overseas departures.

7) The only final they’ve played was cruel. Really it should have been called off and played another day.

8) It would be a testament to the coaching team. Gone are the days of the head coach and his assistants. It’s a team approach that’s successful these days.

9) It would be a testament to the squad’s approach. How good have the Hurricanes’ bench been this year? Everyone in the squad seems to buy into the squad approach and is ready to contribute either off the bench or via starting.

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10) Even with a faulting set piece they never stop attacking. Has there been a better side to watch all year with the ball in hand?

11) Their fans are really nice. Can anybody think of two nicer blokes than Diggercane or Sam Taulelei?

12) It would mean so much to the Hurricanes family. The players old and new, including those who are no longer with us.

13) They may never get this close again. It’s often said in American sports that young players playing in finals often think they’ll have repeat trips to the championship stage only to find out nothing in life, or sport, is guaranteed.

Who knows if they’ll ever top the round robin again?

Please Lord, let the Hurricanes win.

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