With the rare and exciting talent the Hurricanes have in their squad, even the most traumatised fan should carry a sense of optimism they can return to the playoffs for the first time since 2009. However, there are lingering questions as to their credentials as injuries have mounted at an alarming rate in pre-season and the squad's depth will be tested.
Julian Savea is world-class while fellow winger Cory Jane is injury-free, unlike last season. Captain Conrad Smith is the best there is at centre but who will partner him in midfield?
All Blacks Beauden Barrett and TJ Perenara have the talent to be one of the best halves pairings in the competition and once the injuries clear up, the loose forwards should be a position of strength - though that may depend on how close to his full potential openside flanker Ardie Savea gets in 2014. The locking department remains a question mark behind what should be a competitive front row.
Across the board, the Canes appear a balanced squad but not without their warts. The onus will be on the pack to provide enough quality ball for their uber-talented backs to cut loose. To achieve this they may want to adopt a less structured game plan which highlighted, and at times hindered, their 2013 season.
This shapes as a crucial season for the Hurricanes, and especially head coach March Hammett. The fourth-year coach has yet to get the team to the playoffs and may have to deliver them to that stage or face the prospect of being jettisoned at the end of the year. Hammett has cut big-name players in the past and rebuilt around a core group of young talent, but it's time for that talent to mature and 2014 has to be moving year for the Hurricanes.
