The Hurricanes are expecting the Melbourne Rebels to be a more competitive unit than the Sunwolves were.

If wondering how irrelevant week one of the Super Rugby season can be, the Hurricanes won't have far to look to find a relevant example.

"The Sunwolves don't have a single reason to justify their existence" in Super Rugby.

Hurricanes stalwart Cory Jane is set for a stint on the sidelines after suffering a training ground neck injury.

The Hurricanes have already made their first surprise move of 2017, but one which was hatched even before Christmas.

Hurricanes flanker Callum Gibbins is the latest Europe-bound Kiwi rugby player after signing a three-season deal with Glasgow.

The drums are beating for the Chiefs, the Highlanders have their fans and they say the Blues are going to be so much better in 2017. Crusaders

Brothers Beauden and Jordie Barrett will take the field together for the first time for the Hurricanes on Saturday.

The big guns are back for the Hurricanes and TJ Perenara, for one, is champing at the bit, less than three months since his last match in late November.

All Blacks wing Nehe Milner-Skudder has marked another milestone in his comeback from a serious shoulder injury.

Nehe Milner-Skudder has extended his contract with the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby (NZR) for the next three years. Milner-Skudder's

Beauden Barrett hadn't spent this much time with his brothers since they were in primary school.

Jordie Barrett has signed a two-year deal to play for Hurricanes and will join his brother Beauden in Wellington.

Beauden Barrett has been attempting to convince brother Jordie to join him at the Super Rugby champions.

LIVE: Wellington's victorious Hurricane rugby players have paraded through the city.

The Hurricanes have mocked former Wallaby Phil Kearns over his comments that they were fat.

Chris Boyd agonised over the decision to leave All Black Julian Savea on the bench for all three Super Rugby playoff games, including the final.

Two years ago, Hurricanes fans blasted the franchise for hiring the struggling Chris Boyd. Now, he's their shining jewel.

Lions coach Johan Ackermann was left rueing two gift tries as the difference between his side and the Hurricanes in the Super Rugby

When his team needed him most, inspirational Hurricanes skipper Dane Coles didn't hesitate to step back into the fray.

It's a lovely old cliché about defence winning titles. It's simple and, as the Hurricanes have proven, it's also true, writes Gregor Paul.

After 20 years of hurt, the Hurricanes at last claimed their maiden Super Rugby crown

Hurricanes win their first Super Rugby title after a 20-3 win over the Lions.

Herald rugby experts answer three big questions which could decide tonight's Super Rugby final.

Hardcore Hurricanes fan Craig Werder has spent a cool $30,000 supporting team and is hoping tonight they will repay him with an elusive Super Rugby title.

They reckon Irn Bru and Malibu might be the worst mix known to man.

Victor Vito will play his 100th game for the Hurricanes tonight and most likely, given his form, be a central figure.

Here's all the vital information you need to know ahead of the biggest Super Rugby match of the year.

Rising rugby optimism in Wellington is understandable. The Hurricanes are on a roll, have played strong, reliable footy in their

Nehe Milner-Skudder will almost certainly miss the All Blacks' end of year tour due to his shoulder injury.