Rugby: Canes faithful hear the gospel of Hammett

Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett says the new side is positive and preparing for victory. Photo / Getty Images

In the mid-2000s, the catchcry for the New Zealand Warriors was "it's just a matter of faith". That slogan now seems more appropriate for the Hurricanes and their Super 15 fortunes.

Last year, rookie head coach Mark Hammett made it clear the under-achieving franchise was in need of a shake-up and told long-time skipper Andrew Hore and backline stalwart Ma'a Nonu they weren't in his plans.

Hammett didn't foresee the resulting exodus, and waved goodbye to current or former All Blacks Piri Weepu, Hosea Gear, Aaron Cruden, Bryn Evans, Neemia Tialata and John Schwalger.

The second-year coach has had to rebuild a team with a disgruntled fanbase.

With a lone final appearance in 2006 - when they lost 19-12 to the Crusaders - the Hurricanes have generally found the semifinals (1997, 2003, 2005, 2008 and 2009) to be their limit.

As Hammett named his squad for 2012, he spoke at length about the challenge his side faced and the excitement surrounding the group.

He knows he won't restore the pride in one game, or maybe even a season, but he has looked to reshape this team with a long-term view and asked fans to be patient - or just have faith.

This season is as much an examination of the players as it is their coach. There are plenty of rookies, but Hammett has picked the type of players he wants, team men who will give everything for the yellow jersey.

The players have talked about the strong team spirit, a stark contrast to previous years when senior men had their say and newcomers were discouraged from piping up.

Despite the perception that they are a team of no-names, they are captained by veteran All Black Conrad Smith, boast World Cup-winner Cory Jane on the wing and have former international Jason Eaton in the second row.

There's the talented Victor Vito, who played every minute of the 2011 campaign and went on to claim a World Cup winner's medal, and others who have shown potential at Super 15 level.

Second five-eighths Tim Bateman is a prime example. Primarily a back-up during his 2007-2010 tenure with the Crusaders, the former New Zealand Maori representative has returned from Japan desperate for his chance.

The side begin their campaign with a two-game trip to South Africa and stop at Perth for a dig at the Western Force. First-game upsets are always a possibility and fans need only to remember last season when they were defeated 14-9 by the Highlanders on opening day.

"You see it every year. First game, there are always upsets," Hammett said. "But one thing we'll guarantee is we'll prepare really, really well ... and we also know [the Stormers] are a very good side."

Buoyed by a 23-19 pre-season victory over the Chiefs last Friday, Hammett said the mood was positive.

"There's a good feeling, but we are under no illusions and we are going to have to be at our best to be competitive and that's our challenge week in, week out," he said.

The Hurricanes play their first home fixture when they host the Highlanders on March 17. By then fans might have an insight into what type of year they can expect from their new-look team. It's just a matter of faith.