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A month ago most of us frustrated fans from the Kiwi capital thought our Hurricanes were consigned to a mid-table finish – at best.
Now they have put the fate of their semi-final prospects in their own hands; a win in Sydney next week and they’re all but guaranteed a top four finish. It’s been a sparkling turnaround, highlighted by a scintillating attack albeit still not perfect.
The most exciting facet of the Hurricanes turnaround has been the exhilarating form of young five-eighth Aaron Cruden. At times he has been ordinary, at times abysmal, but that’s just the way the Hurricanes play.
His rapid acceleration, lethal footwork and solid distributing skills have wrecked havoc for opposition defences. For sure his kicking (off the tee and in general play) has generally been poor but it’s difficult to measure how he has set the backline alight. His ability to run the ball at the defence before deciding to have a crack at the gap or to distribute has been phenomenal.
You only have to look at the guy next to Cruden to realise his impact. Ma’a Nonu has been at his brutal sometimes unstoppable best since the ‘Canes return to form. Cruden has given him space and time in contrast to the service of fellow five-eighth Willie Ripia.
Midfield general Conrad Smith has been another to thrive in the services of the mercurial playmaker. Smith missed the Reds clash with concussion but had previously been causing his own headaches to opposition defences.
Unrelated to Cruden’s wizardry has been the rediscovered spark of the Hurricanes back three. Cory Jane is now showing why he was such a revelation for Graeme Henry on the All Black wing last year. I for one wouldn’t be surprised if he retained his wing spot, this time alongside fellow Wellington flyer Hosea Gear (due to the absence of Sitiveni Sivivatu), who bagged a hat-trick against the Reds on Friday night.
Those two and the Japan-bound Tamati Ellison have showed skill, class, flair and a sense of maturity in the Hurricanes late-season escapades.
Add to the previously perhaps overstated mix much improved set pieces and smarter plays to the referee and the Hurricanes should bulldoze the ‘Tahs next week and put a few shivers through the spines of the South African powerhouses.
Oh… and to those worrying about lack of backline talent in New Zealand rugby, just watch the Hurricanes.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.