At a glance

Hurricanes squad: 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