Super 14

The Hurricanes' game plan is based around their mobile pack and dynamic ball carrying lose forwards. With a pack made up almost entirely of All Blacks, the Wellington-based side could be a major threat in 2008.

The 'Canes have got the likes of Jerry Collins, Chris Masoe, Jaso Eaton, Rodney So'oialo and Neemia Tialata in that pack and it's big, fast and very dangerous, making them one of the more difficult side's to handle when they are on attack.

They are a side that have enormous potential and ability. Unfortunatley it is rarely realised.

If they can get good ball to their backline and keep their cool on the pitch then the Hurricanes can really make an impact and could well repeat the sucess of their 2006 season - where they were narrowly pipped to the winners' post by the Crusaders.

Strengths: Well, their strengths are their mobile pack and dynamic ball carrying lose forwards. They also have passionate and gritty players at their disposal and that could hold them in good stead this year. They will just need to make sure they hold their nerve to close out any tight games.

Weakness: Inconsistency! That and ill-discipline have been the besetting sins of the Hurricanes and the great hindrance to their greatness. The tight five also often lack fire, preferring to rely on their loose trio to get things done.

Noteworthy signings: Hikawera Elliott (Hawkes Bay), Wellington prop Jacob Ellison, Hawke's Bay wing Zac Guildford, Hawke's Bay loose forward Michael Johnson, Taranaki first five-eighth William Ripia and Wellington lock Jeremy Thrush - Returns Craig Clarke (Hurricanes) and Taranaki loose forward Scott Waldrom (Hurricanes).

Noteworthy losses: Luke Andrews, Lome Fa'atau, Hayden Hopgood (Chiefs), Tone Kopelani, Nili latu, Serge Lilo, Bradley Mika, Mahonri Schwalger, David Smith, Chris Smylie, Blair Stewart, Paul Tito (Cardiff Blues), Hayden Triggs, Tana Umaga (retired).

Coach: Colin Cooper is a career coach, specialising in forward play. He migrated from Taranaki to Canterbury in 2001 in the place of Steve Hansen and then moved to the Hurricanes in 2003. He moulded the Hurricanes into one of the top teams in the competition and took them all the way to the Finals - in 2006. Unfortunately he was not able to repeat that success last year.

Captain: Rodney So'oialo is a hard playing No. 8 with the size, speed and skill to play anywhere in the back row. Renowned for his exceptional fitness, the former New Zealand Sevens representative can be counted on to lead from the front. So'oialo can also be relied on to deliver some hard-nosed defence and surging bursts off the back of the scrum.

Player(s) to watch: The loose trio are the heartbeat of this side. Expect the skipper, So'oialo, Jerry Collins and Chris Masoe to have a massive influence on the game. Lock Jason Eaton is making a return to rugby after injuring himself in last year's competition, and will be looking to make an impact. In the backline Ma'a Nonu has developed into a top class player.

2007 Position: 8th
Best finish: 2nd (beaten finalists) in 2006, 3rd in Super 12 in 1997 and 2003
Worst finish: 11th in Super 12 in 2004
Home Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington (capacity 34,500)

2008 Prediction: The 'Canes still have quite a way to go before they're back to playing in the Final, but they are on their way and will certainly improve on their 2007 result.

Hurricanes squad: Craig Clarke, Jerry Collins, Jason Eaton, Hikawera Elliott, Jacob Ellison, Tamati Ellison, Tim Fairbrother, Hosea Gear, Jimmy Gopperth, Zac Guildford, Andrew Hore, Cory Jane, Michael Johnson, Chris Masoe, Alby Mathewson, Ma'a Nonu, Shannon Paku, Willie Ripia, John Schwalger, Conrad Smith, Rodney So'oialo, Jeremy Thrush, Neemia Tialata, Tane Tu'ipulotu, Bernie Upton, Scott Waldrom, Thomas Waldrom, Piri Weepu.

Schedule:
16 Feb: v Waratahs, away
22 Feb: v Reds, home
29 Feb: v Chiefs, home
7 March: v Highlanders, away
14 March: v Brumbies, away
21/22 March: Bye
28 March: v Crusaders, home
5 April: v Sharks, home
12 April: v Bulls, away
19 April: v Stormers, away
26 April: v Cheetahs, away
3 May: v Lions, home
9 May: v Force, home
16 May: v Blues, away