Thursday, 12 November 2009 01:18
The 2010 Hurricanes squad sees the return of the majority of the players who took the franchise to the semi-finals in 2009, boasting a wealth of experience with the inclusion of 13 All Blacks. Hurricanes Head Coach Colin Cooper also names six new Hurricanes, although two of them have gained Rebel Sport Super 14 experience with the Crusaders. He is understandably delighted with the strength of his squad, particularly as he has had to utilise the draft system in areas where there was not enough experience from within the region.
“Obviously I’m very excited by this squad as we have a core of experienced players plus six new Hurricanes: three from Manawatu and three who were part of Canterbury’s Air New Zealand Cup winning side,” he explained.
“They will put a lot of pressure on the incumbents and create the kind of competition we need within our squad to be successful. It’s been a difficult selection process because we have had to work the draft, but I’m really pleased with the outcome because we have come out with as strong a squad as we could have hoped for from the players that were available to us.
“We had to go to the draft to look for back-up in certain key positions. We allowed Alby Mathewson to move on and needed a second halfback with experience, which is exactly what Tyson Keats gives us. He has performed very well in the Air New Zealand Cup and we’re delighted he is joining us.
“Set pieces will be a crucial area in this Rebel Sport Super 14 competition and James Broadhurst is an athlete and a big man who will guarantee us ball. Michael Paterson is a clear six / lock option and that is something we haven’t had in this team.
“The other new caps also offer a great deal. Nick Crosswell has been with us in our wider training group for the last couple of years and his performances for Manawatu this year meant that he couldn’t be ignored. Aaron Cruden is special – a real excitement machine who has a great deal to offer both on and off the field and Andre Taylor gives us the wing / fullback cover we need with the departure of Zac Guildford. His 32 points in the final game of the season show he has genuine quality and he’s another player who has come through our system.”
The full squad is as follows:
| James Broadhurst | Canterbury |
| Dane Coles | Wellington |
| Nick Crosswell | Manawatu |
| Aaron Cruden | Manawatu |
| Jason Eaton | Taranaki |
| Jacob Ellison | Wellington |
| Tamati Ellison | Wellington |
| Bryn Evans | Hawke’s Bay |
| Hosea Gear | Wellington |
| Andrew Hore | Taranaki |
| Cory Jane | Wellington |
| Jason Kawau | Southland |
| Tyson Keats | Canterbury |
| Karl Lowe | Hawke’s Bay |
| Ma'a Nonu | Wellington |
| Michael Paterson | Wellington |
| Anthony Perenise | Wellington |
| Willie Ripia | Taranaki |
| John Schwalger | Wellington |
| Conrad Smith | Wellington |
| David Smith | Wellington |
| Rodney So'oialo | Wellington |
| Andre Taylor | Manawatu |
| Jeremy Thrush | Wellington |
| Neemia Tialata | Wellington |
| Victor Vito | Wellington |
| Scott Waldrom | Taranaki |
| Piri Weepu | Wellington |