Consistency Of Selection In Hurricanes Squad
The 2005 Hurricanes squad announced today contains only four changes to the 2004 squad. With the bulk of the 2004 squad performing well for the Vodafone Wellington Lions and Genesis Taranaki in the recent Air New Zealand NPC, coaches Colin Cooper and Murray Roulston have been able to select a settled squad.
“It is preferable to have continuity and consistency of selection in order to build on the foundations already in place, rather than starting from scratch each year,” said Colin Cooper.
“Our young squad of 2004, which featured 12 changes from 2003, has developed rapidly and we will head into 2005 with confidence and greater maturity, which is pleasing.”
New players to the 2005 Hurricanes squad include Scott Waldrom, Jimmy Gopperth and Isaac Boss, while Lome Fa’atau has earned a recall after being drafted to the Chiefs in 2004.
Isaac Boss has been drafted from the Chiefs, with Brent Ward and Joe Ward also returning to the Hurricanes after being drafted the last two years. As a result both players had the ability to choose the Hurricanes as their preferred team.
Scott Waldrom was drafted by the Crusaders in 2004, but will join his brother Thomas in the 2005 Hurricanes squad. It means that the Hurricanes have gone with a 16 forward, 12 back split.
Those players not featuring from the 2004 squad are Jason Spice, David Holwell and Sireli Bobo who have taken up overseas contracts, in addition to Roy Kinikinilau who has missed selection for the 2005 Rebel Sport Super 12 competition.
The squad includes 21 Wellington representatives, four from Taranaki and three draft players, while Tana Umaga will again captain the side.
The full 2005 Hurricanes squad is as follows:
Luke Andrews - Wellington - Lock/loose forward
Isaac Boss - Waikato - Halfback/fullback
Jerry Collins - Wellington - Loose forward
Lome Fa’atau - Wellington - Wing
Tim Fairbrother - Wellington - Prop
Riki Flutey - Wellington - First five-eighth
Hosea Gear - Wellington - Wing
Jimmy Gopperth - Wellington - First five-eighth
Ben Herring - Wellington - Openside flanker
Andrew Hore - Taranaki - Hooker
Ross Kennedy - Wellington - Lock
Chris Masoe - Taranaki - Loose forward
Joe McDonnell - Wellington - Prop
Ma’a Nonu - Wellington - Midfield back
Kristian Ormsby - Wellington - Lock/loose forward
Shannon Paku - Wellington - Fullback
Tony Penn - Taranaki - Prop
Conrad Smith - Wellington - Centre
Rodney So’oialo - Wellington - Loose forward
Neemia Tialata - Wellington - Prop
Paul Tito - Taranaki - Lock
Tane Tu’ipulotu - Wellington - Midfield back
Tana Umaga (C) - Wellington - Midfield back
Scott Waldrom - Wellington - Openside flanker
Thomas Waldrom - Wellington - Loose forward
Brent Ward - Auckland - Fullback
Joe Ward - North Harbour - Hooker
Piri Weepu - Wellington - Halfback