Hurricanes

RECRUITMENT BALANCE

They have been weakened in the pack but strengthened in the backline so, hard to say whether their recruitment has been positive or negative.

Obviously they will miss Brad Shields and Michael Fatialofa was such a willing ball carrier and grinder that he too will be noticed by his absence.

But James Marshall's return is welcome as he's a gifted, all round footballer and Fletcher Smith is a promising No 10 who can be injected to not only keep Beauden Barrett fresh but to potentially allow him to drift to fullback later in big games where we all know how dangerous he can be.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT TACTICALLY?

More than in previous years the Hurricanes will be all about quick ball moved to space. There were times last year and certainly in 2016 when they were champions that their rugby was sublime – highly skilled, supremely well executed pass and catch football that was underpinned by strong application of the physical basics.

If they can find a way to give Barrett more space, get Jordie more involved and see Nehe Milner-Skudder find his form, they could be electric.

GUT FEEL – RISERS OR FALLERS?

The installation of John Plumtree as head coach, the arrival of Carlos Spencer as an assistant and the return of Dane Coles all point towards the Hurricanes being rejuvenated in 2018.

They will be a more united, eager, enthused force and with it a much tougher team to contain.

WHERE WILL THEY FINISH?

We can see them finishing second in the NZ Conference and just a squeak behind the Crusaders – earning a home quarter-final in the process.

But strangely, call this a wild hunch, we have a feeling they will lose unexpectedly in the quarter-final.