It’s not all doom and gloom
Barrett so often was.
The midfield could be the strongest in the competition with Ngani Laumape potentially pairing up with Jordie Barrett. They have two very promising backups in Billy Proctor and Peter Umaga-Jensen, while Vince Aso is also in the mix to start there or out on the wing.
The outside backs should also be solid as Ben Lam, Wes Goosen and Chase Tiatia are joined by the experience of South African Kobus van Wyk and James Marshall.
The framework is all there for a solid season.
The loss of head coach John Plumtree to the All Blacks might have some effect, but continuity
Forwards: Pouri Rakete-Stones, Fraser Armstrong, Alex Fidow, Tyrel Lomax, Ben May, Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Dane Coles, Ricky Riccitelli, James Blackwell, Kane Le’aupepe, Liam Mitchell, Scott Scrafton, Isaia WalkerLeawere Vaea Fifita, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Reed Prinsep, Ardie Savea, Murphy Taramai, Devan Flanders, Gareth Evans
Backs: TJ Perenara, Jamie Booth, Jonathan Taumateine, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Fletcher Smith, Ngani Laumape, Vince Aso, Billy Proctor, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Danny Toala, Kobus van Wyk, Wes Goosen, Ben Lam, Jonah Lowe, Jordie Barrett, James Marshall, Chase Tiatia.
Losses: Matt Proctor (Northampton), Sam Lousi (Scarlets), Toby Smith (retirement), Beauden Barrett (Blues), Finlay Christie (Blues), Chris Eves (San Diego Legion), Jeffery Toomaga-Allen (Wasps), Richard Judd (Suntory Sungoliath), Sam Henwood (NEC Green Rockets), Nehe MilnerSkudder (Toulon)
Gains: Tyrel Lomax (Highlanders), Scott Scrafton (Blues), Murphy Taramai (Glendale Rangers), Jamie Booth (Sunwolves), Jonathan Taumateine (Chiefs), Kobus van Wyk (Sharks), Pouri Rakete-Stones (Hawke’s Bay), Devan Flanders (Hawke’s Bay)
Player to watch: Du’Plessis Kirifi. A lot of work now falls at the feet of the 22-year-old with Ardie Savea out with a long-term injury, but he has the head on his shoulders, and the skills at his disposal, to flourish. Already captain of the Wellington Lions, expect him to step up as a leader both on and off the park.
TAB title odds: $6 (third favourite)
Prediction: Playoffs
Hurricanes squad:
has been kept with assistant coach Jason Holland stepping up. He also has another experienced head coach as an assistant in Chris Gibbes, so there shouldn’t be any issues in the coaching box.
The playoffs will be a minimum requirement but the Hurricanes should have no issues making it that far.