Hurricanes 2023
-
With Alex Fidow announcing that he’s moving on from the Canes and other players rumoured to be leaving, who do the Hurricanes need to sign to make them a genuine title threat in 2023?
Those that have signed for next year already are: (rumours that Prinsep may head off early)
Signed for 2023:
- Owen Franks
- Tyrel Lomax
- Xavier Numia
- Asafo Aumua
- Dane Coles
- Ardie Savea
- James Blackwell
- Du Plessis Kirifi
- Reed Prinsep
- TJ Perenara
- Bailyn Sullivan
- Julian Savea
- Salesi Rayasi
- Ruben Love
2024:
- Aiden Morgan
Linking the team to the first post
Forwards: Xavier Numia (Wellington), Pouri Rakete-Stones (Hawke's Bay), Pasilio Tosi (Bay of Plenty), Tyrel Lomax ( Ta$man), Owen Franks (Canterbury), Tevita Mafileo (Bay of Plenty), Asafo Aumua (Wellington), Dane Coles (Wellington), Jacob Devery (Hawke’s Bay), James Blackwell (Wellington), Dominic Bird (Wellington), Isaia Walker-Leawere (Hawke's Bay), Justin Sangster (Bay of Plenty), Caleb Delany (Wellington), Devan Flanders (Hawke's Bay), Reed Prinsep (Canterbury), TK Howden (Manawatū), Brayden Iose (Manawatū), Du’Plessis Kirifi (Wellington), Tyler Laubscher (Manawatū), Ardie Savea (Wellington), Peter Lakai (Wellington).
Backs: TJ Perenara (Wellington), Cam Roigard (Counties Manukau), Jamie Booth (North Harbour), Aidan Morgan (Wellington), Brett Cameron (Manawatū), Jordie Barrett (Taranaki), Peter Umaga-Jensen (Wellington), Riley Higgins (Wellington), Billy Proctor (Wellington), Bailyn Sullivan (Waikato), Salesi Rayasi (Auckland), Julian Savea (Wellington), Kini Naholo (Taranaki), Dan Sinkinson (Waikato), Ruben Love (Wellington), Josh Moorby (Northland).
Major gains: Brett Cameron (Japan), Kini Naholo (Crusaders).
Moving on: Scott Scrafton (Italy), Jackson Garden-Bachop (Japan), Pepesana Patafilo (Crusaders), Wes Goosen (Scotland).
-
Linking the team to the first post
Forwards: Xavier Numia (Wellington), Pouri Rakete-Stones (Hawke's Bay), Pasilio Tosi (Bay of Plenty), Tyrel Lomax ( Ta$man), Owen Franks (Canterbury), Tevita Mafileo (Bay of Plenty), Asafo Aumua (Wellington), Dane Coles (Wellington), Jacob Devery (Hawke’s Bay), James Blackwell (Wellington), Dominic Bird (Wellington), Isaia Walker-Leawere (Hawke's Bay), Justin Sangster (Bay of Plenty), Caleb Delany (Wellington), Devan Flanders (Hawke's Bay), Reed Prinsep (Canterbury), TK Howden (Manawatū), Brayden Iose (Manawatū), Du’Plessis Kirifi (Wellington), Tyler Laubscher (Manawatū), Ardie Savea (Wellington), Peter Lakai (Wellington).
Backs: TJ Perenara (Wellington), Cam Roigard (Counties Manukau), Jamie Booth (North Harbour), Aidan Morgan (Wellington), Brett Cameron (Manawatū), Jordie Barrett (Taranaki), Peter Umaga-Jensen (Wellington), Riley Higgins (Wellington), Billy Proctor (Wellington), Bailyn Sullivan (Waikato), Salesi Rayasi (Auckland), Julian Savea (Wellington), Kini Naholo (Taranaki), Dan Sinkinson (Waikato), Ruben Love (Wellington), Josh Moorby (Northland).
Major gains: Brett Cameron (Japan), Kini Naholo (Crusaders).
Moving on: Scott Scrafton (Italy), Jackson Garden-Bachop (Japan), Pepesana Patafilo (Crusaders), Wes Goosen (Scotland).
-
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
So Tosi is the 6th prop, Devery is the third hooker, and Gibson has been dropped.
That squad is strong and I think we can definitely win the title. Need to keep key players fit though.
Happy that Tyler has been kept. Gibson is a bit ordinary. And there are three+ 7 options now including Lakai & Savea
Disappointing for Sheck but the other young wellington prop (Siale Lauaki) might replace Franks in 2024
@Winger said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
So Tosi is the 6th prop, Devery is the third hooker, and Gibson has been dropped.
That squad is strong and I think we can definitely win the title. Need to keep key players fit though.
Happy that Tyler has been kept. Gibson is a bit ordinary. And there are three+ 7 options now including Lakai & Savea
Disappointing for Sheck but the other young wellington prop (Siale Lauaki) might replace Franks in 2024
There’s also Gus Brown coming through from Napier Boys High School who is someone the Canes will want to keep.
-
@Winger said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
So Tosi is the 6th prop, Devery is the third hooker, and Gibson has been dropped.
That squad is strong and I think we can definitely win the title. Need to keep key players fit though.
Happy that Tyler has been kept. Gibson is a bit ordinary. And there are three+ 7 options now including Lakai & Savea
Disappointing for Sheck but the other young wellington prop (Siale Lauaki) might replace Franks in 2024
There’s also Gus Brown coming through from Napier Boys High School who is someone the Canes will want to keep.
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Winger said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
So Tosi is the 6th prop, Devery is the third hooker, and Gibson has been dropped.
That squad is strong and I think we can definitely win the title. Need to keep key players fit though.
Happy that Tyler has been kept. Gibson is a bit ordinary. And there are three+ 7 options now including Lakai & Savea
Disappointing for Sheck but the other young wellington prop (Siale Lauaki) might replace Franks in 2024
There’s also Gus Brown coming through from Napier Boys High School who is someone the Canes will want to keep.
How did Tosi go this year? and Mafileo?
-
Big opportunity for Brett Cameron who has looked a better player since his overseas stint.
@KiwiMurph said in Hurricanes 2023:
Big opportunity for Brett Cameron who has looked a better player since his overseas stint.
Hope he steps up. Morgan and Love are not there yet. JGB was outstanding vs Auckland but ordinary in the final. But Morgan came on with 25 minutes left and was worse than JGB. He might be another player like JGB that can vary a lot week by week
If both were always close to their best they would be good + super rugby players. Love might eventually get there but a long way to go still
-
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Winger said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
So Tosi is the 6th prop, Devery is the third hooker, and Gibson has been dropped.
That squad is strong and I think we can definitely win the title. Need to keep key players fit though.
Happy that Tyler has been kept. Gibson is a bit ordinary. And there are three+ 7 options now including Lakai & Savea
Disappointing for Sheck but the other young wellington prop (Siale Lauaki) might replace Franks in 2024
There’s also Gus Brown coming through from Napier Boys High School who is someone the Canes will want to keep.
How did Tosi go this year? and Mafileo?
@Winger said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Winger said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
So Tosi is the 6th prop, Devery is the third hooker, and Gibson has been dropped.
That squad is strong and I think we can definitely win the title. Need to keep key players fit though.
Happy that Tyler has been kept. Gibson is a bit ordinary. And there are three+ 7 options now including Lakai & Savea
Disappointing for Sheck but the other young wellington prop (Siale Lauaki) might replace Franks in 2024
There’s also Gus Brown coming through from Napier Boys High School who is someone the Canes will want to keep.
How did Tosi go this year? and Mafileo?
Mafileo has been called into the All Blacks XV after a strong year for the Canes and BOP.
-
@KiwiMurph said in Hurricanes 2023:
Big opportunity for Brett Cameron who has looked a better player since his overseas stint.
Hope he steps up. Morgan and Love are not there yet. JGB was outstanding vs Auckland but ordinary in the final. But Morgan came on with 25 minutes left and was worse than JGB. He might be another player like JGB that can vary a lot week by week
If both were always close to their best they would be good + super rugby players. Love might eventually get there but a long way to go still
@Winger said in Hurricanes 2023:
@KiwiMurph said in Hurricanes 2023:
Big opportunity for Brett Cameron who has looked a better player since his overseas stint.
Hope he steps up. Morgan and Love are not there yet. JGB was outstanding vs Auckland but ordinary in the final. But Morgan came on with 25 minutes left and was worse than JGB. He might be another player like JGB that can vary a lot week by week
If both were always close to their best they would be good + super rugby players. Love might eventually get there but a long way to go still
Morgan was really consistent for the Lions this year, but I agree he had a bit of a shocker coming on in the final. I was impressed with the way he lead the Canes towards the back end of their campaign this year and I’d prefer him to start over Cameron. I think we’ll see them share the duties though tbh.
The main weakness of Morgan is his kicking, all other areas of his game seem to be top notch so hopefully he can develop that part of his game in the off-season.
I think Love will only come into 10 if needed. He’s been great at fullback for the Lions and it’s definitely his best position.
-
Mafileo to play tight or loose head next year? Seems like tight head is much stronger at the scrum for the Hurricanes.
@Tim said in Hurricanes 2023:
Mafileo to play tight or loose head next year? Seems like tight head is much stronger at the scrum for the Hurricanes.
He can play both sides at a high level which is a huge asset.
He finished the year as starting loose-head for the Canes but played tight-head for Bay of Plenty.
-
Sounds like Barrett will start the year off at 12:
-
Sounds like Barrett will start the year off at 12:
-
@Canes4life Good. Hope he stays there.
@KiwiMurph said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life Good. Hope he stays there.
If J Barrett ends up locking down the 12 jersey for both club and country, someone like Higgins might have to shift out one to accommodate. I think Higgins would go alright at centre anyway.
-
@KiwiMurph said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life Good. Hope he stays there.
If J Barrett ends up locking down the 12 jersey for both club and country, someone like Higgins might have to shift out one to accommodate. I think Higgins would go alright at centre anyway.
-
@Canes4life In the meantime when Jordie is rested Higgins can get time at 12 - I would think in a World Cup year Jordie may have a few breaks.
@KiwiMurph said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life In the meantime when Jordie is rested Higgins can get time at 12 - I would think in a World Cup year Jordie may have a few breaks.
Perfect opportunity to ease Higgins into Super Rugby even though he already looks ready.
-
@KiwiMurph said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life Good. Hope he stays there.
If J Barrett ends up locking down the 12 jersey for both club and country, someone like Higgins might have to shift out one to accommodate. I think Higgins would go alright at centre anyway.
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
@KiwiMurph said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life Good. Hope he stays there.
If J Barrett ends up locking down the 12 jersey for both club and country, someone like Higgins might have to shift out one to accommodate. I think Higgins would go alright at centre anyway.
By geez Canes have already got Sullivan and Proctor at 13, we pretty spoilt in midfield
-
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
@KiwiMurph said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life Good. Hope he stays there.
If J Barrett ends up locking down the 12 jersey for both club and country, someone like Higgins might have to shift out one to accommodate. I think Higgins would go alright at centre anyway.
By geez Canes have already got Sullivan and Proctor at 13, we pretty spoilt in midfield
@Dan54 said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
@KiwiMurph said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life Good. Hope he stays there.
If J Barrett ends up locking down the 12 jersey for both club and country, someone like Higgins might have to shift out one to accommodate. I think Higgins would go alright at centre anyway.
By geez Canes have already got Sullivan and Proctor at 13, we pretty spoilt in midfield
and an All Black in PUJ (when fit).
-
@Dan54 said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
@KiwiMurph said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life Good. Hope he stays there.
If J Barrett ends up locking down the 12 jersey for both club and country, someone like Higgins might have to shift out one to accommodate. I think Higgins would go alright at centre anyway.
By geez Canes have already got Sullivan and Proctor at 13, we pretty spoilt in midfield
and an All Black in PUJ (when fit).
@KiwiMurph Yep mate, I just not as convinced about PUJ as some are, but regardless he does add good depth.
-
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
@KiwiMurph said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life Good. Hope he stays there.
If J Barrett ends up locking down the 12 jersey for both club and country, someone like Higgins might have to shift out one to accommodate. I think Higgins would go alright at centre anyway.
By geez Canes have already got Sullivan and Proctor at 13, we pretty spoilt in midfield
@Dan54 said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
@KiwiMurph said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life Good. Hope he stays there.
If J Barrett ends up locking down the 12 jersey for both club and country, someone like Higgins might have to shift out one to accommodate. I think Higgins would go alright at centre anyway.
By geez Canes have already got Sullivan and Proctor at 13, we pretty spoilt in midfield
I feel a bit sorry for Sullivan, he might have been better to stay at the Chiefs, and should definitely have gone to the Landers.
Having said that, if he can't shake loose Proctor, maybe he isn't next level good anyway.
-
So after the dust has settled and we now know the squad for 2023 I feel like we can name two very solid 15s based off squad depth. There is going to be plenty of competition to get into that match day 23 towards the business end of the season which is always healthy. Some very good players are going to miss out but I’m sure injuries will strike.
1st 15:
- Mafileo
- Aumua
- Lomax
- Sangster
- Walker-Leawere
- Delany
- Savea
- Lakai
- Perenara
- Morgan
- Rayasi
- Higgins
- Proctor
- Moorby
- Barrett
2nd XV:
- Numia/Rakete-Stones
- Coles
- Franks
- Blackwell
- Bird
- Howden
- Kirifi
- Flanders
- Roigard
- Cameron
- Naholo
- Umaga-Jensen
- Sullivan
- Savea
- Love
