Few expected the Hurricanes to be in the top seed position for the Super Rugby playoffs this season. After all, it's no secret who they lost in the off-season and while it's no secret who they gained, they were largely unknown quantities at the Super level.
But the likes of Matt Proctor, Michael Fatialofa, Vaea Fifita and Jason Woodward have all stepped up this year. Beauden Barrett and co have been their usual excellent selves but it's the emerging stars that have tipped the Hurricanes over the top.
"It wasn't a surprise, because we knew how skillful they are and the raw talent that they have," Barrett said.
"It was just a matter of how quickly they stepped up and it didn't take long at all so credit to them, they've worked hard and are still continuing to work hard."
Barrett, now part of the Hurricanes leadership group, has taken his game to a new level alongside captain Dane Coles and vice-captain TJ Perenara.
"That's the best way to lead by action, and just to play footy well and it's great if they do that and we look at them and we just want to follow," Barrett said.
Last year, the Hurricanes backline was star-studded. Perenara, Barrett, Nonu, Smith, Savea, Jane and Milner-Skudder is an all-star cast and the loss of three of those players has meant more responsibility fell at the feet of Perenara and Barrett, as well as Taranaki's James Marshall.
Barrett says the unheralded Marshall is critical to whatever success he has.
"Jimmy and I pull the strings, and it's up to us to get the ball in the right areas of the field," Barrett said.
"The work he does that you don't see, his voice, his tactical awareness, he's one of the best around.
"After first phase we're both first receivers playing both sides of the field, so it's awesome to have someone like him.
"I can just focus on my job and not necessarily focus on running the team completely."
Newshub.
