Rugby: Hurricanes flattered but deceived

By WYNNE GRAY

Crowds way up, profit over the $1m mark, yellow cards skyrocketing, results similar to 1999.

That was the Hurricanes in their first year with the new tandem coaching combination of Graham Mourie and Bryan Williams.

Like peaches and cream, expectation has always tagged alongside any Wellington-based rugby side. This year the anticipation was even greater because of the new stadium and the game's greatest drawcard, Jonah Lomu, in the yellow-and-black strip.

Initial assessments were that the Hurricanes had the backline to burn but forwards able only to churn. It was going to take some monumental individual brilliance throughout the season for the Canes to make the final four.

There were stellar shows from glitterati such as Christian Cullen, Lomu and Tana Umaga, but their wondrous deeds could not compensate for some forward inadequacies and an ill-discipline throughout the side. Some of the censures were undeserved but there were a number of other incidents which went unpunished.

Most of the offenders were forwards. That may have something to do with the rugged areas of conflict in which they toil or reflect some of the frustrations they had during a season when they continually struggled to compete with other packs.

"If members of the team are worried about lack of discipline among their fellow players that puts a lot of pressure on each and every one," former All Black coach and captain Brian Lochore observed.

"I'm not putting the blame on anyone. It appears to be just individual indiscretions. Once you get a reputation like that, mud sticks. Referees then look for it."

Having Lomu, Umaga and Kevin Yates sent off this season was damaging, and long-term injuries to punishing loose forwards Filo Tiatia and Gordon Falcon put a side of restricted depth under severe strain.

There was plenty of graft, hard work and ticker, but the lack of power and ball-handling tight forwards hindered the Hurricanes.

Throw in the suspensions, paternity leave for Gordon Slater and Umaga and the odds against success increased even further.

There was a fragile underbelly to this team with individuals expected to save the side. It showed on the record-sheet, with the Hurricanes unable to win three games in succession.

Cullen was the brightest star because he fronted all season, though he does look in need of a rest. Umaga was terrific when he played, David Holwell was courageous and improving, Kupu Vanisi made a fast start but faded as his tight five lumbered, though Dion Waller continued to appeal for his vigour.

The provincial unions have embraced the Hurricanes' franchise, and the crowds came out in huge support of their team which had just two draft players, Joggie Viljoen and Matua Parkinson.

On average, crowds were up 10,000 at each home game, with two matches played at Palmerston North and New Plymouth. There were good vibes all over Hurricanes' territory as the side responded with their own intriguing brand of rugby.

The fans lived in hope and will do so again next season unless the pack are strengthened.

Whether they turn out again and offer as much support may depend on the next recruiting drive from the wealthy Wellington union.