To come so close to your maiden Championship, some of the 2016 Hurricanes players might be forgiven for thinking they have ‘unfinished business’ to deal with. And even while some went on to Rugby World Cup glory, this new Canes team is packed full of quality players. A healthy mix of seasoned players, scattered with youth and spontaneity who might again create a Storm in 2016.
After leading the Super Rugby competition all of the last season; with just a single defeat to their names during the regular season, many had bet that it would be The Canes year. With their veterans Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu and Jeremy Thrush all leaving for Europe, that side were on the precipice of a memorable first title until after performing at their peak all season, at the very last hurdle opposition turned the tables on them. This year, they will again aim for that elusive debut title.
The young playing talent assembled out of this Hurricanes franchise will definitely benefit coach Chris Boyd’s second season in charge. He has the luxury of picking and choosing the best from within his region: from triumphant unions like Hawkes Bay, King Country and even the ‘winning Wanganui team’ if he chose to. That strong collective group from around the successful Wellington catchment zone may comprise one of the most exciting teams in the Southern Hemisphere competition. This shopping cart means that Boyd and his assistant John Plumtree will assemble a strong unit that can again aim for the top of the New Zealand conference ladder.
That they are talented is no surprise as we always think that the Wellington Super Rugby team has always had the most appealing players running out for them. Think Nonu, Smith, Collins, Umaga and So’oialo but while they are a glamour side they unfortunately have never been able to put their best foot forward at the ‘big dance’–think the terrible fog final of 2006 and last year where The Highlanders ran down from the hills, running away with a debut Super Rugby title so admired by the Canes loyal fans.
And it is the loyal fans that will need to get behind this team through the season, all 17 weeks of exultation and suffering before they can believe yet again that a title is within their grasp.
What players will help lead the Canes in 2016?
He may not have the (c) behind his name, but Victor Vito may be the one to stand tallest and say “I am going to drag this team with me”. He is big enough sure, and has the luxury now of a World Championship ring to carry around with him. In his final season with the club before heading to La Rochelle, the talented flanker is still quick off the mark and improved so much over the course of the 2015 season that he cemented a key role for the All Blacks. Boyd will need to use Vito’s experience to maximum effect; including the mandatory All Black stand down policy of rest, so the loose forwards mix is a plus for the Canes in 2016: Blade Thomson, Callum Gibbins, Brad Shields and Vaea Fifita.
Captain proper is Dane Coles, the most effective hooker in World Rugby. The man has electric legs and can scrummage as hard as anyone. Improved lineout throwing will be an advantage in 2016 but the value of Coles is his support play. After making a covering tackle, he will then follow up his first-five and run 50 metres like a back. An all round player, the skippers role could become too much for him (as it did for Jerome Kaino at The Blues) so it is good to know that TJ Perenara is an able lieutenant.
That will help Coles achieve both success in his pivotal role and to help lead the group towards goal number one: a Qualifying match (the NZ conference have two finalist) Watch out for Motu Matu’u to also push Coles hard, which will be good for The Canes as much as for the All Blacks. Perenara too might also look to push Aaron Smith, and that high-performance element will filter into the Canes play. The lightning quick halfback is the link between forwards and backs. That area will be the benchmark that this season is built on.
‘The Bus’ Julian Savea (main photo) will again be a weapon out wide. How could you not utilize the speed and ball carrying ability of this All Blacks winger who has improved in all aspects of his game. A star of the new Super Rugby advertising campaign #SuperBangBang, his quick-feet will see Savea a contender for leading try scorere again. In combination with first-five Beauden Barrett and Nehe Milner-Skudder, the backline is potentially the strongest asset that the Canes will hold. When fit and on-fire, they can rip an opposition apart but in defence they must too be a solid unit. Pressure on the inside channel means that second-five and centre will be roles that must be filled (with Nonu and Smith’s departure)
Those positions are to be settled, with the likes of Matt Proctor and Jason Woodward will need to compete hard to secure those spots longterm, with positive internal competition from Willis Halaholo, Pita Ahki , Ngani Laumape and Vince Asowill to each get chances to fill the No 12 and 13 jerseys over the long season. The Hurricanes midfielders will feel the pressure, but that will apply across the board. Ben Franks has gone as well, so the front row needs to be stabilized as does the locking position. Thrush was a significant leader in that position, so expect the likes of Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Reg Goodes and Mark Abbott to become solid rocks that the team can construct their season upon.
Others to monitor are Otere Black, Ben May, Hisa Sasagi, Tony Lamborn, Frae Wilson and local Peter Umaga-Jensen. The next group of players will be trialed and assessed. The squad depth allowed them to take on the competition last year and they again will be critical over the course of the next four months weekly competition. Home and away, if the support is there then we can expect more ‘thunder and lightning’ from the Wellington side.
Will the Hurricanes team of 2016 be able to Create a Storm? I said last season that “if one team has the potential to upset many teams, it is The Canes.” The same applies this season too but it all depends on the first few games. Win, and that team dynamic that saw them head all others in 2015 will be rediscovered. Lose, and it might take more than a force of nature to help this side achieve the same results.
The 2016 Super Rugby season commences on Friday 26th February, when The Hurricanes visit The Brumbies at GIO Stadium in Canberra, 7:40pm (AEDT)
“Main photo”
