For fans and supporters alike, 2011 was a season to forget for the Wellington franchise. Although it wasn't their worst ever placing (they finished 9th overall), it was the manner in which the star-studded squad performed and how the internal turmoil played out in the media and on the various social networks. Coach Mark Hammett has made sweeping changes to his 2012 side, changes that have seen staunch Wellington boys and crowd favourites Ma'a Nonu, Piri Weepu, Andrew Hore (who was Captaining the side) and Hosea Gear move to other New Zealand teams.
Super 15 rugby live
Hurricanes rugby live
It's hard what to make of this years' line-up. So little experience with only four current of former All Blacks in the squad, the challenge for new Captain Conrad Smith will be how he manages the enthusiasm from his young charges, all the while encouraging the likes of Cory Jane and Victor Vito to step up and share the leadership role.
The Hurricanes achilles heel has always been its forward pack and although young and confident, compared to the other units stomping around footy parks, unfortunately it's likely 2012 will be just as challenging. In the backs there's some pretty exciting new talent in the mix. Beauden Barrett will be marshalling the troops from first-five, but big things will be expected from the likes of Jayden Hayward, Julian Savea and TJ Perenara. Strong seasons from both Smith and Jane are almost a given.
As a true-blue Wellingtonian domiciled in Auckland, my heart says er, yes but the head says no. Sorry Hurricanes fans - odds of 25:2 which make them the least favored New Zealand side in 2012. Please prove me wrong.
For all the Wellington Hurricanes 2012 rugby games, please refer to the event listings below. Please note that these are the match details for the Wellington Hurricanes New Zealand-based fixtures for 2012.
Super 15 rugby live
Hurricanes rugby live
It's hard what to make of this years' line-up. So little experience with only four current of former All Blacks in the squad, the challenge for new Captain Conrad Smith will be how he manages the enthusiasm from his young charges, all the while encouraging the likes of Cory Jane and Victor Vito to step up and share the leadership role.
The Hurricanes achilles heel has always been its forward pack and although young and confident, compared to the other units stomping around footy parks, unfortunately it's likely 2012 will be just as challenging. In the backs there's some pretty exciting new talent in the mix. Beauden Barrett will be marshalling the troops from first-five, but big things will be expected from the likes of Jayden Hayward, Julian Savea and TJ Perenara. Strong seasons from both Smith and Jane are almost a given.
As a true-blue Wellingtonian domiciled in Auckland, my heart says er, yes but the head says no. Sorry Hurricanes fans - odds of 25:2 which make them the least favored New Zealand side in 2012. Please prove me wrong.
For all the Wellington Hurricanes 2012 rugby games, please refer to the event listings below. Please note that these are the match details for the Wellington Hurricanes New Zealand-based fixtures for 2012.
