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Moderator
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Pensacola, FL
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Hurricanes:
Quote:
Championships aside, there has been no more successful team in Super Rugby as the Hurricanes in recent years, and for one key man involved with the side, this will be the last year that he can hope to break what has been a heartbreaking title drought.
This lack of trophy winning success has had the Hurricanes labelled by some as the perennial bridesmaids of Super Rugby. Alone this may not be the case, but when coupled with the fact that their main feeder province Wellington has had similar fortunes in recent years, it has become a stigma that many locals would dearly love to lose.
Still, even without a sparkling reminder in the trophy cabinet, one cannot take away the remarkable record that the Hurricanes have built in recent years. In the last seven years they have been in the semi-finals five times.
Only two teams have better records over that time.
They are the Crusaders and the Bulls, who hold seven and two titles respectively.
Over the years the team has equalled both the historic strongholds of Auckland and Canterbury, as well as their “super-franchises” the Blues and the Crusaders, as the prominent suppliers of All Blacks.
In fact, since 2003 often the national team has featured more Wellington or Hurricanes based players than any other side.
And in 2010 it will likely be no different.
So we come back to the man who will be with the powerful franchise for just one more season. The coach, who will by season’s end, be only the second man to have overseen a century of games in Super rugby.
Colin Cooper will depart for Taranaki and his move to the famous region comes based largely on the fact that he is a stalwart of the area, and wishes to continue plying his trade in New Zealand. But one wonders if his move from the Hurricanes is a mental ploy, trying one last trick to bring an elusive title to the capital.
Maybe this year, they will be doing it for Coops.
The evolution of the Hurricanes under the former Taranaki forward has been noticeable. They have at all times retained their attacking genius, but have added consistency and the ability to play it with more structure when required.
Certain historic traits, such as weaknesses up front or a tendency to switch off, are things of the past. Hurricanes teams of the past always had tremendous backlines but forward pack’s that were vulnerable to more powerful teams up front.
But with seven past or present All Blacks in the Hurricanes pack, to go with the typically star studded backline, again sees the team approach 2010 as a legitimate title threat.
Up front, the Canes will field an impressive pack.
Neemia Tialata has an impressive back end to this year, after being put on notice by the All Blacks coaches, and the big prop finished the season back at the top of the pecking order. Front line test rake Andrew Hore often is considered arguably the best hooker in the competition, and with hard nuts like John Schwalger, Jacob Ellison and Anthony Perenise in support, their scrum will be the goods.
In the second row, Jason Eaton made something of a comeback this year, but will need to keep impressing with New Zealand rugby suddenly looking flooded with locks. Bryn Evans will look to build on his national call up, while Canterbury lock James Broadhurst will add depth to the second row with always reliable Jeremy Thrush.
In the loose forwards, Rodney So’oialo will be the one to watch.
The warhorse, who has been unchallenged as one of the countries (if not worlds) premier back rowers for so long, saw his position under threat this year, and will look to come out firing on all cylinders.
Scott Waldrom, another player who had an injury interrupted 2009 will look to get back into the national frame. He will be aided by a strong group of loose forwards, with Victor Vito and Karl Lowe both having strong domestic campaigns this year. Add to this incoming Canterbury flank Michael Paterson and Manawatu forward Nick Crosswell, and the biggest challenge for the Hurricanes will be getting their balance right.
Alby Mathewson has departed for the Blues, but is ably replaced by Canterbury number nine Tyson Keats. But All Black Piri Weepu, who missed selection at the end of year tour, will look for a strong season, and will likely remain in his favoured scrum half spot.
This will be largely due to the inclusion of under 20’s world cup winning captain Aaron Cruden, who with reliable number ten Willie Ripia, will see the Canes enter 2010 with two class first fives.
Much attention will be on Cruden, who is being touted for big things.
The outside backs are world class, and there direction could be the winning of the title for the team.
Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith, the starting All Blacks midfield, finished the year as one of the planet’s premier centre combinations, and have the added benefit of new test rep Tamati Ellison and hard hitting Jason Kawau.
Outside of this, Cory Jane ended the season as a starting All Black, while Hosea Gear will look to remind the country of his undoubted talents. New addition Andre Taylor will play alongside David Smith in the three quarters as well.
The Hurricanes kick off their season with a blockbuster clash with the Blues at Eden Park, before hosting the Force and Lions in Wellington.
They then embark on a tricky three match road trip to South Africa, playing the Cheetahs, Stormers and Bulls. They then return home for a double header at home playing the Sharks and Crusaders.
After the bye, they travel to play the Brumbies and Highlanders, before returning home to play the Chiefs and the Reds. Their last match of the season will be away to the Waratahs.
HURRICANES 2010 REBEL SPORT SUPER 14 SQUAD
John Schwalger, Jacob Ellison, Neemia Tialata, Anthony Perenise*, Andrew Hore, Dane Coles, Jeremy Thrush, Bryn Evans, James Broadhurst (D)**, Jason Eaton, Michael Paterson*, Victor Vito, Karl Lowe, Scott Waldrom, Rodney So'oialo, Nick Crosswell**, Piri Weepu, Tyson Keats (D)**, Aaron Cruden**, Willie Ripia, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Jason Kawau (D), Tamati Ellison, David Smith, Hosea Gear, Andre Taylor**, Cory Jane.
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