Wellington Hurricanes 2012 Season Preview
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.
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.
Waikato Chiefs 2012 Season Preview
Otago Highlanders 2012 Season Preview
Canterbury Crusaders 2012 Season Preview
Auckland Blues 2012 Season PreviewWellington Hurricanes 2012 Season Preview
Hurricanes vs Highlanders, Super 15 Rugby 2012
17 Mar 2012
Hurricanes vs Highlanders, Super 15 Rugby 2012
The 2012 Super 15 kicks of for New Zealand fans with the Wellington Hurricanes taking on the Otago Highlanders at Wellington's Westpac Stadium.
With the Super 15 Rugby featuring a whole host of All Black players, including Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Jerome Kaino and Kevin Mealamu, expect a torrid match from some of New Zealand’s best performi...
Blues vs Hurricanes, Super 15 Rugby 2012
23 Mar 2012
Blues vs Hurricanes, Super 15 Rugby 2012
The 2012 Super 15 kicks of for New Zealand fans with the Auckland Blues taking on the Wellington Hurricanes at Auckland's Eden Park Stadium.
With the Super 15 Rugby featuring a whole host of All Black players, including Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Jerome Kaino and Kevin Mealamu, expect a torrid match from some of New Zealand’s best performing rugby ...
Hurricanes vs Cheetahs, Super 15 Rugby 2012
31 Mar 2012
Hurricanes vs Sharks, Super 15 Rugby 2012
The 2012 Super 15 kicks of for New Zealand fans with the Wellington Hurricanes taking on the South African Central Toyota Cheetahs at Wellington's Westpac Stadium.
With the Super 15 Rugby featuring a whole host of All Black players, including Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Jerome Kaino and Kevin Mealamu, expect a torrid match from some of New Zealand’...
Hurricanes vs Sharks, Super 15 Rugby 2012
06 Apr 2012
Hurricanes vs Sharks, Super 15 Rugby 2012
The 2012 Super 15 kicks of for New Zealand fans with the Wellington Hurricanes taking on the South African Sharks at Wellington's Westpac Stadium.
With the Super 15 Rugby featuring a whole host of All Black players, including Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Jerome Kaino and Kevin Mealamu, expect a torrid match from some of New Zealand’s best performing...
Hurricanes vs Crusaders, Super 15 Rugby 2012
21 Apr 2012
Hurricanes vs Crusaders, Super 15 Rugby 2012
The 2012 Super 15 kicks of for New Zealand fans with the Wellington Hurricanes taking on the Canterbury Crusaders at Wellington's Westpac Stadium.
With the Super 15 Rugby featuring a whole host of All Black players, including Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Jerome Kaino and Kevin Mealamu, expect a torrid match from some of New Zealand’s best perform...