KEY POINTS:
STYLE AND SUBSTANCE
They're invariably worth watching, often capable of bracing, vibrant rugby.
And they're shaking off that old tag they've dragged round for a few years of being seriously erratic.
They reached the final last year, with a 10-3 round robin record, only to lose their
way in the Christchurch fog on the most important night of the competition.
Their backs are a mix. There's brainy types like Conrad Smith, Route One operators such Ma'a Nonu and Tana Umaga and others capable of defence-splitting brilliance like wing Lome Fa'atau and first five-eighth Jimmy Gopperth, who is also a decent goalkicker.
If their All Blacks were there from the start they'd be worth a decent punt to win it. But take Jerry Collins, Chris Masoe, Jason Eaton, Andrew Hore and Rodney So'oialo out of the forward pack for the first seven weeks and the question arises: can their stand-ins put the Hurricanes in a good position before the heavy hitters return?
Still, Paul Tito, Luke Andrews, Neemia Tialata, and new recruits Bernie Upton and Brad Mika know their way round and Canterbury hired hand, flanker Hayden Hopgood, is well regarded as a bright prospect down south.
OFF-SEASON RECRUITING
Colin Cooper has picked up six in the draft. He has handed Super rugby debuts to the Wellington trio, flanker Serge Lilo, halfback Alby Mathewson and wing Cory Jane.
The most interesting faces from outside the province are zippy Auckland wing David Smith and Manawatu lock Hayden Triggs, who gets in on the back of outstanding work during the Air New Zealand Cup in an otherwise modest team.
Upton bolsters the locking department and three useful operators - No 8/lock Mika, flanker Nili Latu and hooker Tone Kopelani - win selection.
BEST THING GOING FOR THEM
Perhaps mental rather than physical.
They've seen what can be achieved with the right application. In the past four years, there have been two appearances in the semifinals to go with last season's final. Dare it be suggested, they are developing a measure of consistency.
MAJOR FAILING LAST YEAR AND WHAT THEY'VE DONE TO FIX IT
The only real shortcoming was in the final, when they did not cope with the alien conditions as well as the Crusaders. Otherwise they put in a strong campaign. More of the same and they'll be in business again come the start of May.
PROSPECTS
Top four again, especially if they start well. Four of their last five games are at home.