THE MOST DANGEROUS BACKLINE IN SUPER RUGBY
It has been a feature of Hurricanes rugby since the inaugural 1996 season and not much it seems has changed.
With six current or recent All Blacks, the Hurricanes backline is again going to be the focal point of any opposition gameplan [read defensive plan] and the scary thing is, they’ve got more depth and firepower for 2018.
Throughout the squad is a collection of game-breakers and finishers of note which culminates into potentially the most dangerous backline in the global club game.
The most important cog is undoubtedly Beauden Barrett and his back-up has deepened with the switcharoo of Ihaia West for Otere Black and the return to the region of a matured and more accomplished Jackson Garden-Bachop.
The depth at first-five will enable Barrett to be used at the back late in games, a favourite pet play of his All Blacks bosses as well.
The halfback swap-out has matched the first-five sweep and Finlay Christie’s nomadic existence since 2014 has grown his game sufficiently to become the Tasman Makos first choice in 2017.
As lieutenant to TJ Perenara, Christie will provide that feisty energy from the bench; something that was missing in the semifinal loss to the Lions.
Tries came easily for the Canes backs in 2017 and the danger the midfield and back three possessed was there from the beginning.
By the end of the season, two new test players had emerged. Ngani Laumape bulldozed his way to prominence and Jordie Barrett showed he could do it all and do it well. If Boyd gets a fit Nehe Milner-Skudder for enough of the campaign and his backline gel like 2017, every Super Rugby side will struggle to contain them.