Farmlands Manawatu Turbos Hurricanes XV (Hurricanes Selection)

Outside backs and midfield:

There is one clear stand-out at fullback for the Manawatu Turbos Hurricanes XV. Considered one of the finest All Black fullbacks, Christian Cullen was a foundation Hurricanes player who went on to feature in 85 matches during a time when the season schedule was shorter.

The Hurricanes all time leading try-scorer with 56, Cullen was also top try-scorer in 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003.

Outside him, Andre Taylor would more than likely be selected on the right wing. While equally adept at fullback, Taylor had pace, was a strong ball carrier and was defensively sound with an excellent ability to read the game.

All Black Nehe Milner-Skudder would also be favourite to start on the left wing. Although he has had his issues with injury, Milner-Skudder was one of the most dangerous players with ball in hand, particularly with his ability to beat a man with a late side step.

The 2015 Rugby World Cup winner, like Taylor, also has the ability to cover fullback.

The midfield had a strong number of contenders, led by All Blacks second five-eighth Ngani Laumape who has built a reputation as one of the strongest ball runners in world rugby.

Laumape has also fast become a valued try scorer, leading try scorer for the Hurricanes in 2017 with 16, he also scored four tries in one match in 2018 against the Blues.

Wales international Hadleigh Parkes would likely start at centre, edging out the versatile George Konia.

Inside backs:

Two All Blacks – Aaron Cruden and Stephen Bachop – contend for the No 10 jersey alongside Maori All Black Otere Black.

While Cruden is probably remembered more for his time at the Chiefs, he was an influential member of the Hurricanes squad in 2010 and 2011 when he made 25 appearances and scored 146 points.

Halfback has limited options with Joggie Viljoen and Jamie Booth limited in their game time for the Hurricanes.

Loose forwards:

Arguably the hardest positions to fill in a Manawatu Turbos Hurricanes XV, the list of loose forwards includes a number of players who could fill more than one spot.

Former Manawatu captain Karl Williams would be a strong candidate for the No 8 role given his performances over three seasons with the Hurricanes.

There would be plenty of reliable options at blindside flanker and not much separating the candidates which include foundation Hurricane Bruce Hansen, Brent Thompson, Nick Crosswell, who could also play at openside, 2019 Hurricane and former Manawatu captain Heiden Bedwell-Curtis and lastly Daryl Williams.

Given the depth at No 6, Callum Gibbins would probably be the best choice to wear the No 7 jersey.

Locks:

The middle row also includes four strong candidates for just the two places.

Three All Blacks – Dion Waller, Jason Eaton and Chresten Davis – probably have an edge over Hayden Triggs, although there would be some fans who would argue the latter was more consistent than those who wore the black jersey.

While Waller played only one match for Manawatu, he was a long-serving Hurricanes player while Jason Eaton was a talented, more modern player.

Props and hooker:

For some reason, Manawatu have provided very few front row players for the Hurricanes.

Inaugural captain and former All Black Mark Allen would be a logical choice while Maori All Black and 50-game Hurricanes veteran Chris Eves would be the other.

Ged Robinson is the only player to have played for Manawatu and the Hurricanes.

The Hurricanes Selection:

15 Christian Cullen

14 Andre Taylor

13 Hadleigh Parkes

12 Ngani Laumape

11 Nehe Milner-Skudder

10 Aaron Cruden

9 Joggie Viljoen

8 Karl Williams

7 Callum Gibbons

6 Brent Thompson

5 Dion Waller

4 Jason Eaton

3 Chris Eves

2 Ged Robinson

1 Mark Allen ©

*Central Vikings included

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