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Form from 2007
The Hurricanes weren't much of a performer in 2007 even when their All Blacks players returned. Having problems in the halves saw Jimmy Gopperth go from bad to worse in form (until a creditible finish) and a lack of edge in the forwards the Hurricanes were lucky to finish as high as they did. For 'Canes fans it was a sorry season given their finals appearance the year before and semis the one before that. On the domestic front the Wellington Lions have made the finals twice in the last two years yet have not been able to clinch the title.
Comings and Goings
Hurricane totem Tana Umaga has finally left the squad to coach at Toulon in France. Its a considerable loss for the Wellington franchise as Umaga has brought so much to the squad: leadership, experience, skills, handbags and maturity. Errhhmm. Seriously though despite only being able to last about 50 minutes these days Umaga is an valuable asset that Wellington will have to do without. Who is going to keep the powder kegs like Ma'a Nonu in line? Who is going to bring the best out of the team. Lome Fa'atau is another leaver from the backs. After being the top try scorer in 2006 he is moving on to greener pastures (greener because it rains too bloody much in the UK).
Paul Tito is probably the most notable loss from the forwards. The lock captained the side with Umaga out and So'oialo in RWC conditioning. Over the last decade Tito has racked up enough domestic and super caps to make him one of the most experienced players in the pack. His aggression will be a something off a loss when, to match his red hair, the rest of him turns red too.
2008 doesn't see too many new players in the Hurricanes mix- most have come up from the academy or wider training group.
Keep an eye on
I think the players will agree you need to keep an eye on Ma'a Nonu. The guy is an entertainer. If he plays well he's a line-breaking, player busting centre. If he plays badly he scores himself yellow cards for all manner of stupidly foul plays. Whenever he plays something fun will happen. Nothing beats a good quality Nonu brain explosion. Keeping disciplined is probably something he will work hard on this year but realistically it just ain't going to happen. Bang! Here we go....
On the topic of bashers and bruisers you can't look past the Hurricanes backrow. The Hurricanes just aren't the same without Collins, So'oialo and Masoe- they put the gale force into the team. All All Blacks, all tough as nails and all love to dish out the pain. They came back a bit undercooked from the conditioning program but will be in better form this year. Fit, firing, winning ball, and bashing an opposition flanker near you. Watch out.
Prospectus for 2008
I rate the Hurricanes as a good chance in 2008. If they start the season well they can definitely make the finals. Jimmy Gopperth will need a much better (and more consistent) season and to work well with his 12 (probably Nonu). The back three will also need to keep their heads. Expect the forwards to be powerful with a great set-piece and great work at the breakdown. In the end though, how the backs use the ball will make the difference between top 4 and top 10. I have a feeling they'll take too long to get things right and have pegged them down for 8th.
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