SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA
Critical Hurricanes factors
Positional battle: Wings
Cullen, Lomu, Umaga... the Hurricanes boast a long and proud history of possessing some of the world's best outside back talent. This season, competition will again be fierce with Salesi Rayasi, Wes Goosen, Julian Savea, Lolagi Visinia and Pepesana Patafilo all hungry to contest wing roles. Rayasi has been something of a slow burn for the Hurricanes but after topping the Mitre 10 Cup try-scoring ranks with 14 for Auckland last season, he appears ready to make the step up. Savea's return from Toulon holds much intrigue. He spent the majority of his time in the south of France in the midfield and at 30 years old, time is against his revival. Yet he's been lifting some serious tin, and there will be ample motivation to impress in his homecoming. After losing Ben Lam and South African Kobus van Wyk to offshore contracts, the Hurricanes need another big wing to step up.
Prediction: Fourth
There's enough established talent and smarts to suggest the Hurricanes could surprise this season. The Crusaders and Blues are expected to lead the charge, but if the Hurricanes halves find some cohesion those around them can provide the X-factor. Any team with Dane Coles, Ngani Laumape, Jordie Barrett and Ardie Savea cannot be written off.
IN
Luke Campbell
Cameron Roigard
Julian Savea
Lolagi Visinia
Pepesana Patafilo
Ruben Love
OUT
Ben May (retired)
TJ Perenara (Japan)
Ben Lam ( France)
Kobus van Wyk (Leicester)
Fletcher Smith (released)