SUPER RUGBY IS usually dominated by the same teams. The Crusaders, Chiefs and the Bulls have divvied up eight of the last ten titles and it is unusual for a team outside of about five or six franchises to compete for playoff places.
This season seems to be different though, with the Hurricanes from Wellington starting with five wins from five – four of which have come on the road.
Despite often boasting a team dripping with talent, the ‘Canes have only ever reached one Super Rugby final, and that was back in 2006.
A knee-weakening backline featuring Beauden Barrett, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Cory Jane and Julian Savea has already recorded away wins against high-quality teams such as the Bulls and the Highlanders.
Their victory this morning over their New Zealand rivals (who have All Blacks Ben Smith and Malakai Fekitoa in their ranks) saw them extend their perfect start to the season, which sees them top the table by two points.
A two-point lead might not sound all that impressive but with only one home game played so far, the ‘Canes are sure to pick up a lot of wins in Wellington too.
And if they continue to play rugby like this, a lot of people will adopt them as their second team.
Here is how the table looks at the moment.
