Learning a foreign language is the new challenge Hurricanes supporters are grappling with, following the perfect start to their season.
Consistency, accuracy, efficiency and intensity are words usually applied to the big boys of Super Rugby, not to the pack of pretenders that the Hurricanes traditionally travel in circles with.
However they’re in bountiful company, as only one team can win the title and since Super rugby began 19 years ago, only seven different teams have been crowned champions.
We’ve seen teams in the past that have started seasons promisingly or impressively, only to fade away frustratingly when the chance for glory is within reach, and we don’t know if this year will be any different for the Hurricanes.
But for their true supporters they’re content that their team has started the season differently. They’re making a difference in areas of their game that have habitually been a problem, and the change in personnel on and off the field are making a positive difference.
Historically for the Hurricanes scoring points has never been a problem, running the ball has never been a problem, and having a ball off the field has never been a problem. But now the Hurricanes are demonstrably better at playing without the ball, they’re better at winning the ball, and they’re making better decisions about what to do with the ball instead of over-relying on individual brilliance.
That in itself is enough to give the opposition cause for concern, because in the past they knew to target the Hurricanes forwards as the weak link and choke them out of the game, and by association the threat posed by their dangerous backs. The forwards’ increased physicality in defence, improvement in scrummaging and ability to advance metres across the advantage line sets a steady platform for the backs to launch when they’re ready to, rather than because they have to.
In Africa, former Springbok great Joel Stransky was so impressed by the efficiency of the Hurricanes’ exit plays against the Lions and Bulls during his commentary that he called them brilliant!
That’s right, the Hurricanes’ exit plays – not a sweeping attacking movement or a perfectly executed backline move – their exit plays were brilliant.
It’s a long season ahead and the next phase will feature games against their fellow Kiwi sides and more games against the other contenders.
Doubters and sceptics will linger on the periphery, waiting to burst the growing bubble of confidence, but that is the cross all pretenders must bear until they finally achieve respect and recognition by winning a championship.
But for now, I am loving watching my team play.
Debz
Guest
I'm with you Digger - I'm enjoying this high while it lasts! Have been a fan of the Canes since Super Rugby started - when the fantastic Christian Cullen was my favorite player. They may not have won a final but they're always entertaining.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
Canes avoid the banana peel! Well done true believers!
taylorman
Roar Guru
Don't think JK actually work with Mad, or at least I'd be surprised cos we had quite an involvement with fund raising etc through MDs shop). I lived about a km from that Massey Road shop and as well as being a very popular sponsor for the Mangere East Hawks League Leitch sponsored our Otahuhu rugby side cos a couple of his butchers were in the side. He used to drone on about the 'real' game though. Bigger than life character as you know. Harty plucked JK out of the Marist under 21 side (which remains one of the best sides I've ever seen as we played them and got absolutely smashed, their backs particularly so slick it was scary...JK had already started with Auckland by then but guys like Wright and McCahill were still there. But in seeing that team even then we could see Auckland rugby was about to explode...that was 1983 from memory).
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yeah I've found the main discussion is cricket mind you I'm in IT and we have a heavy Asian- Indian, Sri Lankan etc presence so understandable. I've actually found Basketball gets talked about more in Wellington than rugby though that had stopped with the Breakers win. Still deciding whether to go up to Palmy...weather looks dodgy...
Harry Jones
Expert
Sam, the Canes are the second best at not spilling the ball. The Brumbies aren't as good at it, but as you note, they run more. So they are coping by flooding tackle zones and are fast to the breakdown, and play in the right half...
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Sam of course you are right but not sure about Piutua in the centres. Don't get me wrong, he will front up but fullback or even wing) is where his strengths are.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
The Blues have underachieved for many years... its been 13 years (I thought it was 12) since they won the title and they way things are going, it might be 14! Oh Well. If my memory serves me correctly, it was John Hart who gave JK his first opportunity and he repaid in spades. He was a big man when in the days guys like Terry Wright, a guy who always looked like he could do with a good feed) were more the norm. Now we have the Savea's, North and such like ... big became bigger! JK's knighthood for supporting and promoting 'depression' was well deserved but have to say that he has not reached my expectations as a rugby coach. I recall his days in the Mangere Bridge butcher shop ... I think Peter Leitch (AKA the "Mad Butcher") also started in Mangere... must be something in the water there.
Patches
Guest
Well said Taylorman
Digby
Roar Guru
Hi Emric, Generally people are conservative and you will generally find two camps, those quietly optimistic and encouraged, others who still have a cynical outlook waiting for the inevitable downturn. I think most can see the potential and the changes made, particularly on defence. This little period before the second bye is important, complete this with similar results and I expect there will be a surge in popularity. You have to remember that here, most of the watercooler talk is revolving around the Black Caps and that tends to be the primary focus for many right now, particularly with a quarter final here next weekend. If the Canes are still unbeaten once the Cricket is completed I would expect a real swell in attitude and support here.
Sam Taulelei
Roar Guru
The Blues have kicked the least of any team in the comp and statistically they have players ranked amongst the top in several categories measuring how far they run the ball, offload the ball and defenders beaten. Their back three aren't noted for their kicking or aerial skills, and present an obvious target to pressure. Milner-Skudder is an exciting runner and I havent seen enough of him to know how well he can defend and relieve pressure and he can expect to be targeted also. Piutau v Smith will be a great contest to watch as will the two loose forward trios and tight fives. The defining difference between these teams will be self-belief. One team is confident in their game plan and has the results on the board, the other is hopeful and will need a lot of things to go their way to build confidence during the game.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yes I, still recall him working out of Mangere Bridge. Quite impressed with the way he's fronting. Straight up and still confident. His own personal past and experience with handling the darker side of life is helping him deal with this remarkably well. He knows where things are at and isn't going to fall into a bumbling mess out of it all. His perspective is right where you would want it, even if his coaching and results aren't. For that I'm happy to see his progress through, however it goes. As an Auckland and AB role model, out of the top shelf.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
When JK started playing (pre professionalism) he was a butcher.... at least he has a trade to fall back on!
Rugby Tragic
Guest
At least you guys have a 'moment to bask in' Canetragic... try supporting the Blues!
winston
Guest
Big time. We'll be keeping an eye on him
Emric
Guest
DC - if your still in Wellington. Whats the vibe of the city like in regards to the canes do you think they are drawing more attention this year then the previous couple?
ben
Guest
All good....and will do. I'll be down to wgtn for one of the canes games with mailman...need to all catchup.
Sam Taulelei
Roar Guru
Doh, sorry about that Benton. Say hi to Mr Peleti for me next time you see him
Sam Taulelei
Roar Guru
Agree that local derbies test you differently. Last three games for the Blues have been against SA opposition which requires a different mindset and skillset to meet their physical challenge. Playing another Kiwi side may be the tonic they need as they can play their natural game. This is a similar banana skin match for the Canes as their match against the Force. I'm heartened that Boyd has retained the core of his preferred starting XV and not underestimated the Blues challenge.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Blues still supporting their JK... http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/67228577/united-blues-vow-to-stay-together-in-tough-times He's sure right about the fans...we don't get any of the 4 million, or the new base...we just want to bask in the sunshine of winning...waiting JK...waiting... .....waiting... .......still..........waiting..... jK.....are you there?
Canetragic
Guest
Us Cane supporters are nervous but basking in the moment RT!