Rugby: Hurricanes backs on pace for Super Rugby records

Julian Savea and TJ Perenara. Photo / Photosport

Several of the Hurricanes' backline members are on pace to eclipse Super Rugby try scoring records.

This year alone, the Hurricanes midfield duo of Vince Aso and Ngani Laumape (14 tries apiece) are rapidly closing in on the record for most tries in a season, held by Joe Roff and Rico Gear, with 15.

However, looking at the historical picture, a bigger record looms on the horizon.

Julian Savea and TJ Perenara are on track to break Doug Howlett's all-time Super Rugby try scoring record, with the Hurricanes duo having scored the most tries of any active players.

Savea has scored 43 tries in 99 games, 16 tries short of Howlett. In his favour is the fact he's still at a relatively-spritely age; turning 27 in August.

Since a bizarre tryless 12-game debut season in 2011, Savea has been consistent, scoring at least six tries in every season. Putting the 2011 outlier aside, Savea has averaged a try nearly every two games, meaning he would need to play almost exactly another two seasons to reach the top of the charts.

With Savea signed with New Zealand Rugby until 2019, the chances are good that he will eventually topple not only Howlett's Super Rugby try-scoring record, but also his All Blacks record (Howlett has 49, Savea 45).

Savea's Scoring

2017: 6 tries (11 games)
2016: 6 tries (16 games)
2015: 8 tries (16 games)
2014: 7 tries (16 games)
2013: 7 tries (15 games)
2012: 9 tries (13 games)
2011: 0 tries (12 games)

Savea's Super Rugby exploits could yet be surpassed by Perenara, who has already scored the most tries by a halfback in Super Rugby history.

Perenara is the odd one out on the historical try scoring charts, sitting behind only wingers (Howlett, Savea, Roff, Caleb Ralph, Bryan Habana, Joeli Vidiri, Sitiveni Sivivatu), fullbacks (Christian Cullen and Leon MacDonald) and midfielders (Tana Umaga, Ma'a Nonu and Stirling Mortlock).

At age 25, his try-scoring feats are also on record pace, having scored 42 tries in 92 games.

TJ's Try Scoring:

2017: 5 tries (13 games)
2016: 7 tries (18 games)
2015: 11 tries (16 games)
2014: 5 tries (16 games)
2013: 7 tries (16 games)
2012: 7 tries (13 games)

Much like Savea, he could soon be atop the charts within two seasons, although is currently only signed to New Zealand Rugby until the end of this year.

As a result of the Hurricanes try-scoring prowess, they have also broken the long-standing record for tries in a season. The Hurricanes have dotted down 77 times this season so far, flying past the previous record of 71.

Looking even further forward, Reiko Ioane stands out as the best chance of the up-and-comers to rack up a record amount of tries. The 20-year-old's record is as promising as his potential, having scored 12 tries in his first 19 Super Rugby games.

Super Rugby's Top Try Scorers

59 - Doug Howlett
58 - Caleb Ralph
57 - Joe Roff
56 - Christian Cullen
56 - Bryan Habana
56 - Stirling Mortlock
50 - Ma'a Nonu
48 - Tana Umaga
43 - Julian Savea
43 - Joeli Vidiri
42 - Leon MacDonald
42 - Sitiveni Sivivatu
42 - TJ Perenara