The Hurricanes have begun the Super Rugby season with five wins from as many games. Daniel Richardson takes a look at their strong start to the campaign
1. The defence has improved: The Hurricanes truly are a defensive force. They're tough to break down and they've bought in to John Plumtree's new system. They concede 14 points a game; only the Brumbies (13.3) are harder to crack.
Hurricanes assistant coach Clark Laidlaw sparked the shift in mindsetamong the players during the past couple of seasons and they've taken it to a new level in 2015.
Laidlaw still helps Plumtree with defence but has taken on the attacking portfolio this year.
2. There is a growing maturity: The young guns of the Hurricanes forward pack are now players who have played three or four seasons of Super Rugby. The grind of this competition can be overwhelming for many during their first year but the likes of Ardie Savea, Blade Thomson, Mark Abbott, Reggie Goodes and Brad Shields have continued to evolve. In the backs, No 9 TJ Perenara and first-five Beauden Barrett have developed the ability to control the game and close out tight contests, which was a noted issue for them in the past few years.
3. They have continuity within the ranks: The Hurricanes have experienced very little player turnover in recent seasons. Former coach Mark Hammett laid the groundwork during his tenure from 2011-2014 with some wise recruiting and many of his selections have hung around in the capital. Chris Boyd and his primary assistant Plumtree have been able to build on the continuity created during Hammett's reign. Sadly for Hammett, few fans will care to remember that and will only look at his win-loss record during his time in charge.
4. They're executing on attack: The gameplan has changed in this side and they've started to deliver it. The Hurricanes have taken a more cautious approach while in their own 22m area and are less cavalier with regards to running the ball. They're still an exciting side to watch - their team try during the win against the Blues in round five was evidence of that - but they've become more intelligent with when to move it and when to clear their lines. The week-two win over the Bulls was built on patience and the execution of a plan.
5. When will the winning streak end? The Hurricanes have three home games and a bye during the next four weeks but given they will continue to rest and rotate their All Blacks against the non-NZ teams, they risk getting tipped over when their key men sit out. They should ease past the Melbourne Rebels in Wellington tonight but the Stormers are up next on Good Friday. The Cape Town-based side have begun the season with four wins from five games. The streak could end next week.
