Super Rugby Pacific is back after a real return to form last year, with the competition kicking off in Dunedin on 13 February. As usual, each team has gone through an eventful off season, so today we're checking in on the Hurricanes.
Read: Highlanders preview
Read: Moana Pasifika preview
Read: Blues preview
Overview
Coach Clark Laidlaw of the Hurricanes Photo: Masanori Udagawa / PHOTOSPORT
Last season saw the Canes smashed with injuries, most notably at first five. That hampered their start but after shifting Ruben Love to the 10 jersey, Clark Laidlaw's side underwent a massive uptick in form and won their last five games to make the playoffs. Unfortunately, it meant a trip to Canberra to play the Brumbies - the one fixture that always seems to end in defeat for the Canes.
The Good
Japan's Warner Dearns waves to spectators after the rugby union test match against the All Blacks at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, on October 26, 2024. Photo: AFP
Recruitment has been impressive, most notably big lock Warner Dearns coming over from Japan to add even more to an already effective set piece. Josh Moorby returns from a short stint in France, while Asafo Aumua is back to hopefully pick up where he left off before getting injured.
However, the biggest name in the lineup is Jordie Barrett, back after a season in Ireland.
The Bad
Cam Roigard of the Hurricanes celebrates a try. Photo: Masanori Udagawa / PHOTOSPORT
The Canes will be heavily reliant on Cam Roigard, with daylight between him and his replacements. Fingers will be crossed all around the capital that Roigard can avoid what seems to be a yearly injury, because that will necessitate an entire change of gameplan.
Big boots to fill
Ruben Love scores and motions to the fans in the Zoo during the Highlanders v Hurricanes, Super Rugby Pacific match, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin. Photo: Michael Thomas/ActionPress
Brett Cameron and Love will contend for the first five position, although Love hardly did himself any favours when he failed to fire a shot in a preseason loss to the Chiefs. Whoever ends up there is between Roigard and Barrett, so potentially three massive stars in a row if Love gets the nod or an efficient game manager in Cameron to compliment the others.
What makes Hurricanes fans different
Du’Plessis Kirifi (Hurricanes) with a fan. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
As patrons of the country's most divisive stadium, Hurricanes fans really need something given this season marks 10 long years since their one and only title. As per usual, the players are all there, the capital will provide the weather that other teams hate playing in - but it always just feels like the Canes will have to rely on other teams losing or some ridiculous run of luck to make something happen.
Big games
This is where is gets good for the Canes, because this year they have a really friendly draw. Their first six games are all very winnable before they run into the Blues, after that their derby matches are punctuated by Australian teams. They do face the Crusaders twice in their last five games though, so making sure they're near the top of the table by then is key.
Hurricanes 2026 squad
Props: Pasilio Tosi, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Siale Lauaki, Tevita Mafileo, Tyrel Lomax, Xavier Numia
Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Jacob Devery, Raymond Tuputupu, Vernon Bason
Locks: Caleb Delany, Hugo Plummer, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Tom Allen, Warner Dearns
Loose forwards: Arese Poliko, Brad Shields, Brayden Iose, Devan Flanders, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Peter Lakai
Halfbacks: Cam Roigard, Ereatara Enari, Jordi Viljeon
First fives: Brett Cameron, Lucas Cashmore, Harry Godfrey*, Callum Harkin
Midfield: Billy Proctor, Jone Rova, Jordie Barrett, Josh Timu, Riley Higgins, Bailyn Sullivan
Outside backs: Fehi Fineanganofo, Josh Moorby, Kini Naholo, Ngatungane Punivai, Ruben Love
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