HURRICANES 2010
Tue, 30 Jan 2007 10:38
HURRICANES 2010
The Hurricanes have reached the play-offs in three of the four years since the advent of the Super 14 in 2006, but have been unable to translate this into success when it really counts, suffering defeat in the final in 2006 and losing in the semi-finals in 2008 and 2009.
With the 2010 squad benefiting from the return of the majority of last season's players, and with the inclusion of 13 All Blacks in their ranks, they boast an abundance of experience and talent.
Foremost amongst their All Black stars are players of the calibre of Rodney So'oialo, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Andrew Hore and Cory Jane, each of them rated in the top line of exciting, internationally accomplished players in their positions. Any team based around this group must be formidable indeed.
It's a well-balanced squad with forwards capable of winning a surfeit of possession and backs who can cut any defence.
Perhaps this will be they year they win the championship for the first time. How appropriate that would be with Colin Cooper retiring as head coach at the end of the Super 14 after having coached the Hurricanes since 2003.
Strengths: The team structures are tried and tested and the systems Colin Cooper has in place facilitate a winning game plan. The pack is powerful and mobile, with dynamic ball-carrying loose forwards, and the midfield combination of Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith is amongst the most penetrative in world rugby. To keep them at bay for 80 minutes demands the tightest defence of every opposition team. Rodney So'oialo can be relied on to make a giant contribution in every game, demanding attention from more than a handful of defenders.
Weaknesses: Inconsistency may let them down. Defensive errors have cost them dearly on occasion. Getting close to the title but not winning the championship threatens to become habitual - losing the big play-off games (three in four years) has been very disappointing.
Noteworthy signings: No major acquisitions - unless of course a few of the talented younger players new to the Hurricanes use this opportunity to show they are ready for the big stage. Canterbury's 24-year old Michael Paterson is an option at six or lock. Prop Anthony Perenise, drafted to the Highlanders for 2009, is back. With Alby Mathewson now at the Blues, an experienced back-up to Piri Weepu was needed and Tyson Keats (three caps for the Crusaders last year) will fill that role. 22-year old lock James Broadhurst (from the Crusaders 2009 wider group) is a real prospect, over 2-metres tall and athletic.
Noteworthy losses: Tight-head Tim Fairbrother to the Western Force; new All Black wing Zac Guildford to the Crusaders; Wellington halfback Alby Mathewson to the Blues. Injured: Wellington lock Jeremy Thrush (shoulder), lock/flank Api Naikatini (broken arm) and Hawke's Bay 2009 All Black lock Bryn Evans (back surgery).
Coach: This is Colin Cooper's swansong season. He says having been away from his family for the last nine years has been hard on them and him, and he will resume his old role as Taranaki head coach in 2011, allowing him to spend more time at home. He has become an icon in Wellington and his players will be motivated to perform as never before in this year's Super 14.
Captain: Rodney So'oialo was reappointed Hurricanes captain for 2010 but in late January asked to stand down in order to focus on his own loose forward game and in an endeavour to extend his playing career. Appointed captain in succession to Tana Umaga in 2006, he led the team in 49 games. With 62 Test and 76 Super caps, So'oialo is one of the longest-serving New Zealand Super rugby players, having debuted for the Hurricanes in 2001 and for the All Blacks in 2002. Hooker Andrew Hore, a 31-year old All Black with 47 Test caps, was appointed to succeed him despite never having led a team at first-class level. Like So'oialo, he made his Super debut in 2001 and played his first Test in 2002.
Potential bolter: 2009 IRB U20 Player of the Year Aaron Cruden gave a display of skill and vision in leading New Zealand U20 to junior world championship semi-final and final victories which had him immediately marked as a future superstar. Scoring two tries in two minutes in the semi-final, and then in the final scoring two tries and setting up another three, he showed remarkable flair, composure and leadership. He had to endure a course of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with testicular cancer in August 2008, but with the cancer in remission, he returned to rugby and set the U20 tournament on fire. He is already being spoken of as New Zealand's successor to Fox, Mehrtens and Carter - extraordinary expectations for one so young.
2009 Position: 3rd (lost to Chiefs in semi-final)
Best finish: 2nd (beaten finalists) in 2006, 3rd in Super 12 in 1997 and 2003
Worst finish: 11th in Super 12 in 2004
Home Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington (capacity 34,500)
2010 Prospects: They should be strongly in the picture towards the end of the tournament, serious contenders for a semi-final spot at least.
Hurricanes squad: John Schwalger, Jacob Ellison, Neemia Tialata, Anthony Perenise, Andrew Hore, Dane Coles, Jeremy Thrush, Bryn Evans, James Broadhurst, Jason Eaton, Michael Paterson, Victor Vito, Karl Lowe, Scott Waldrom, Rodney So'oialo, Nick Crosswell, Piri Weepu, Tyson Keats, Aaron Cruden, Willie Ripia, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Jason Kawau, Tamati Ellison, David Smith, Hosea Gear, Andre Taylor, Cory Jane.
Schedule:
Friday, February 12: v Blues, away
Saturday, February 20: v Western Force, home
Saturday, February 27: v
Lions, home
Saturday, March 6: v Cheetahs, away
Saturday, March 13: v Stormers, away
Friday, March 19: v Bulls, away
Saturday, March 27: v Sharks, home
Friday, April 2: v Crusaders, home
Friday, April 16: v Brumbies, away
Saturday, April 24: v Highlanders, away
Saturday, May 1: v Chiefs, home
Friday, May 7: v Reds, home
Friday, May 14: v Waratahs, away
By Len Kaplan
