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.
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.
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.
KiwiDave
Roar Guru
Lets hope its a Hurricanes and Highlanders final. That way the winner will be a first time champion and it will go to the country with far and away the most dominant conference. On competition points 4 of the top 6 sides came from New Zealand.
Vhavnal
Roar Rookie
14.) For Jerry Collins, A Faithful warrior for the Canes.
wardad
Guest
The Canes need to win for their departed brother .
wardad
Guest
Yes and it would prove how well that conference system has worked in promoting affirmative action .
DC-NZ
Guest
They will do it for their uso, The King of Porirua, JC.
Jubileepuff
Guest
Why the Blues should win.... Oh sorry, better try again next year with that new coach.
Debz
Guest
As a die-hard Hurricanes fan with my own Tana Umaga signed jersey, I have just loved this year. The team is playing as a team and that's beautiful to see. No fighting, no whinging, no excuses. It's awesome. Good luck to the boys in the finals - win or lose, they've done well in 2015 :)
Old Bugger
Guest
That's ok t-man - that year we got monstered in the tests, so losing by that scoreline just seemed to fade away in comparison - SB's win over the AB's was more devastating......and clinical.....and unbelievable......ummm, yeah that'll do for the time being. We got done....in everything!!! Btw, great read OJ although, you will allow me to pass on the wish-list at least until we see what me Chiefs, can do.....or not do as some may suggest....hey, how you holding Digsy??
Sam Taulelei
Roar Guru
Thanks OJ And thanks Harry and Armand for keeping the faith with your beloved Stormers. Although it would be a photo-shop finish between your cheerleaders and the Sharks, especially when they're relaxing in the hot tub!
Ralph
Guest
Good luck to you OJ
jeznez
Roar Guru
Ha ha, I couldn't get close to 13 for the Tahs but a list would include: 1. Enjoying the red mist descending on some pockets of the Aussie rugby community if the Waratahs got up again. 2. I don't think I could re-adjust immediately to years of being February's premiers. 3. Aussie rugby needs success to revitalise itself and the Waratahs are best placed to start that. 4. Would be a great send off to Sekope Kepu, Wycliff Palu, Jacques Potgieter, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Betham and Taqele Naiyaravoro - and with that hit to our playing list we may be waiting a while to lift the trophy again. 5. Would be a great send off to Michael Cheika who has really turned a basket case of an environment around.
redbull
Guest
I like the Hurricanes playing style, though they seem to lose focus with their forward pack. Shields is an outstanding loosie, can we get one like that please? For Conrad Smith to go out a winner seems justified. But who to support if they end up playing the Highlanders in a final?
Digby
Roar Guru
'Please Lord, let the Hurricanes win.' Amen. Cheers OJ. I did think the squad was weaker losing Lam, Levave and Leuia from last year. I did however spend much time defending Boyd and claiming I was quite optimistic about this years chances and I thought they would come third in the conference so technically I did think we would do better. ;)
taylorman
Roar Guru
Bet no one saw the Chiefs one in 2009! Chiefs scored a brilliant try first then got done 61-17!. Surely a tree never fell in the woods that day as I didn't hear it... (sorry OB)
2211
Guest
10) As a former redhead does Paul O'Connell count? Or is he disqualified for no longer having hair ;)
Brett McKay
Expert
Nice one, OJ, enjoyed this.. "7) The only final they’ve played was cruel.." If you lose a Super Rugby Final but no-one saw it, did it really happen?
Brett McKay
Expert
This is pretty compelling retort!
Geoff Parkes
Expert
You deserve it mate for 7) 11) is a tie with Digger and Sam
taylorman
Roar Guru
Dud question of the day: How many French Millionaires can't speak French? :-)
Jereme Lane
Roar Guru
Ha!! I'll pay two of those mate, 7 and 13!!