The past three years have been the most fruitful in Hurricanes history. A runners-up finish in 2015 was followed by a maiden championship in 2016, and last season they scored more tries (102) than any other side en route to the semi-finals.
Their prospects of another serious title tilt in 2018 appear strong.
All Black stars such as Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Dane Coles, Vaea Fifita, Ardie Savea and Nehe Milner-Skudder are the backbone of the franchise, though Milner-Skudder won’t be available until April or May as he recovers from a dislocated right shoulder. Coles’ struggles with concussion are also a cause for concern.
Discarded All Black veteran Julian Savea may feel he has a point to prove. The 27-year-old has scored 44 tries in 101 matches for the side and was damaging at times for the Wellington Lions in the provincial cup.
Can Savea find the motivation and form to return to the lofty heights of 2015, when he was undoubtedly the best winger in the world?
Ngani Laumape scored a Super Rugby record 15 tries in 2017, enjoying a very strong All Blacks debut in the third Test against the British and Irish Lions. Surprisingly, he was used sparingly afterwards. Laumape will be a tightly marked target in his second season, but will be hungry to grow his Test tally.
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Vince Aso scored 14 tries last year and has the ability to cover both midfield and wing. If Aso can replicate that form he will present headaches for opposing defences and knock on the door of national selection.
Jordie Barrett scored a team-leading 144 points last season, rapidly ascending to the All Blacks, only to be stymied by a shoulder injury. Wes Goosen has crossed the chalk in his last five games and is a quality utility.
The front row has a sturdy appearance, with regulars Ricky Riccitelli, Chris Eves, Ben May, Jeff To’omga-Allen, Reg Goodes and Michael Fatialofa all returning, though the latter two are recovering from serious injuries.
Young dynamos Asafo Aumua and Alex Fidow are seriously exciting prospects. Together the front rowers scored 15 tries between them for Wellington in the domestic comp. Fidow has a huge engine, a startling turn of speed, and a growing stature in the scrum. Aumua, fast-tracked to the All Blacks, is the most explosive talent in Kiwi rugby since Jonah Lomu.
What about the rest of the roster?
Ihaia West and Jackson Garden-Bachop will engage in a fascinating tussle for the reserve first-five position, with both bringing similar attributes in attack.
Garden-Bachop was earmarked for great things when he left school five years ago and he is finally living up to that potential, enjoying his best season for the Lions in 2017. He is also strong in defence.
As for West, he is the more accurate goal-kicker and has greater experience – having appeared 45 times for the Blues – but while breathtaking at his best, he can be frustratingly erratic.
The inconsistent Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi has been cut with Jamie Booth and Finlay Christie preferred as substitute halfbacks. Booth is a lively battler from the Manawatu who made the New Zealand Secondary Schools in 2012, only to break his leg a short while later. After spending the best part of 18 months recovering, Booth has reestablished himself as a solid pro. Christie is a young, smart and dependable scrum-half who was a big part of Tasman’s surge to the premiership final.
The Hurricanes have selected seven loose forwards and five locks. Specialist openside Du’Plessis Kirifi, only 20 years old and at one point the busiest tackler in the domestic comp, is genuinely unlucky to miss out. Murray Douglas and Sam Henwood are preferred for their superior experience, height and versatility.
Gareth Evans is a terrific addition. Leaving the Highlanders after 58 matches, Evans was arguably their best in the meteoric 23-22 win over the British and Irish Lions in June. The flanker is an ideal swap for the European-bound Callum Gibbons.
The Hurricanes’ most notable departures are former All Blacks Cory Jane and James Broadhurst, workhorse lock Mark Abbott, and the popular ‘Tongan Bear’, Loni Uhila.
Jokerman
Roar Guru
The ‘Canes they look good! A dynamic side. Would love to see a Crucaders, ‘Canes final. Tainted format (though improved) will make this difficult. Despite the poor format the Super was great rugby this season. Great commentary by yourself Digger - especially on the Friday night. Epic times ahead.
Old Bugger
Guest
Yep - I saw IWL in the U20's and he has a great pair of soft hands, when it comes to off-loading. Definitely another talent to watch out for over the next couple of years. Yeah, I'm still mystified about the Kanak No8 but, I heard he has a connection with one of the Chiefs assistant coaches a season or two ago hence, his opportunity. Having said that - I watched him turn out for the Steamers and he looks ok suffice to say the jury's still out. He seems to be handling the NZ environment ok atm - time will tell aye.
Cuw
Guest
@ Old Bugger keep ur eyes on Isaia Walker-Leawere. just 20 years old and already a huge boy, who can play for 80 minutes if required. Pity ur Chiefs opted for Canada #8 , rather than get hold of the U20 - Marino Mikaele-Tu’u
Cuw
Guest
Am wondering why they got a few non-NZ players - especially Toby and Murray from Rebels and not keeping Geoff Cridge who is just 22 years old ? Also wondering why they got 4 fly halfs? They let Toa Halafihi go to France - and commentators were wondering why they let him go at 24 years of age , becoz he was massive for Wellington's success ? Props Chris Eves Alex Fidow Reggie Goodes (SA) Ben May Toby Smith (AUS) Jeffery Toomaga-Allen Hookers Asafo Aumua Dane Coles (c) Ricky Riccitelli Locks James Blackwell Murray Douglas (SCO) Michael Fatialofa Sam Lousi Isaia Walker-Leawere Loose forwards Gareth Evans Vaea Fifita Sam Henwood Reed Prinsep Ardie Savea Brad Shields Blade Thomson Halfbacks (Scrum-halves) Jamie Booth Finlay Christie TJ Perenara First Five-Eighths (Fly-halves) Beauden Barrett Jackson Garden-Bachop TJ Va'a Ihaia West Midfielders (Centres) Vince Aso Ngani Laumape Matt Proctor Peter Umaga-Jensen Wings Wes Goosen Ben Lam Jonah Lowe Julian Savea Fullbacks Jordie Barrett Nehe Milner-Skudder
Old Bugger
Guest
Well said ethan...... Do you know of any more over your way that all of your SR coaches and of course, Cheiks the maestro himself, don't forsee the need to retain hence, they cross back over the ditch and return home?? Oh yeah, I just remembered Lomax. Yep, quite right mate - NZ will definitely get more out of them....so funny!!
ethan
Guest
Also very sad to hear of Broadhurst's retirement. A serious talent who was only on the way up. At least he was able to run out in the black jersey, if only once.
ethan
Guest
Nice to see Australia helping our little brothers across the ditch by developing their talent for them - Lousi, Garden-Bachop, Milner-Skudder, Toby Smith. But of course, NZ will get more out of them.
Old Bugger
Guest
As a Chiefs supporter, I am well aware of the ability that the Canes will present, next year. In particular and perhaps strange that he doesn't rate a mention in this article, is Sam Lousi. If there has ever been a player to flourish during SR 2017 then, it has to be Lousi. He has gone from a plodder to a plunderer and just seems to get better with each outing. His effort in the Champions final a couple of weeks ago was massive and he is also playing, a huge amount of minutes, out on the paddock. Lousi is still a youngster and perhaps his elevation in the locking ranks, has been the main reason why Abbott (a true workhorse), has moved on. I will keep an eye on Sam next year.....another season like he played this year, could just draw some interest his way, from Hansen & Co. The pressure will be on Tuipulotu to lift his game and Scott Barrett to lift his bulk. Interesting times ahead, for SR locks....
Kelefua
Guest
All that talent. It's easy to forget the pillars of this team are still young with plenty international experience with the ABs. I can't wait to see Asafo Aumua in action against international test players. Coles still #1 but Hansen will be happy he has this young fella to keep his best hooker honest:)
Diggercane
Guest
Thank you Adam. It is a very exciting squad and I am really looking forward to next season!