CONSISTENCY IS THE NEW BLACK

Two rounds into the 2017 season, the defending champions had racked up more than 150 points and had announced themselves as the front runners.

The catch was it was only the Sunwolves and the Rebels they swatted aside before reality bit against the Chiefs in round three.

It was a stark reminder of the challenges that have to be overcome to win Super Rugby, especially under the conference system that handicaps those in the Kiwi division.

After their wake-up slap, normal service resumed and they spanked the Highlanders and only dropped two more games [to the Crusaders and Chiefs again].

Star-studded Canes teams of the past had the knack of winning against anyone on their night but dropping the ‘winnable’ weekends. Consistency was unattainable then but now it is the hallmark of this fledgling dynasty. Like a new season’s All Blacks jersey, expect subtle changes but it will still be very black.

What the settled coaching unit have added is a rock-solid structure and defensive system that supports the enduring natural flair.

Ending as the top scoring team in 2017 was no real surprise but being only one leaked try off the best defence attested to the real reason the Canes have made the finals their new norm.

Only seven teams managed more than 20 points against them and only one passed 28 – the last quarter semifinal collapse in Johannesburg leading to 44. In prolific Super Rugby, these are handy numbers.

So what are the chances of following the new trend again in 2018? On paper, little has changed and the new additions to the squad aren’t likely to slot into frontline positions but promise suitable depth and future development.

The heart, soul and brains of the team remain and the Hurricanes strengths should get stronger. Central to the Canes new found ability to play to a plan and show genuine mettle has been the pack and there has been minimal disruption.