When the stars aligned
0So the Hurricanes won their second Super Rugby title with a 60-5 jogabout against the perennial silver medalists Chiefs.
The scoreline was clearly unexpected, but this has been easily the best Hurricanes side in its history.
Everything came together in 2026. In no particular order.
Warner Dearns.
When picking the best ever Hurricanes team there has always been an issue when it comes to lock. That has always been a problem area, but Dearns was immense. Tall, physical, mobile and a terrible haircut. He ticked all the boxes.
Asafo Aumua
A breakthrough season, but see above. A weekness in his game has been considered to be his lineout throwing., But that’s not easy when there are on bankable targets, resulting in all sorts of baffling shuffling of potential catchers that did everyone’s heads in.
The Chuck it to Warner approach changed everything.
Jason Holland
He was never meant to be part of this coaching squad, but his input was obvious to see. Thank you All Blacks 2025 for creating that toxic environment.
That’s a win for the Blues.
Jordie Barrett
He was missed last year on his sabbatical money making year in Ireland. But he returned to be a less skittery player, and in the final totally ran the show. He may have lost some of his power and speed, but he’s a better all round player.
Ruben Love
How many wasted years did the Canes invest in Jackson Garden-Bachop? Let’s not think too hard about that.
The Bench.
Imagine going into a final with Tyrel Lomax on the bench. Said it all.
Callum Harkin
No words