Aisle be Back: Hurricanes open season against Moana Pasifika

• By Kevin McCarthy

Turns out a so-called debate about whether New Zealanders take far too long a summer break was very short lived. Summer decided not to show, and the nothing-happening vibes of January also failed to show. Here or anywhere.

Rugby was meant to be on the beach – with a mountain of rocks under the proverbial beach towel.

Except it wasn’t. Razor Robertson didn’t make the cut. I said late last year that I didn’t know if he was near any chopping blocks, but if he was, please make the blade sharp and the executioner quick.

And so, thankfully, that swiftness came to pass. New board, new chair, and no CEO yet, but the decision had the air of how business works if all or some of the indicators are turning red.

Make no mistake. Enough were flashing red – and with a feedback loop suggesting that things were fundamentally broken.  How else could you explain the two pillars of despair, the Springbok 40 from hell in Wellington, and its repeat at Twickenham.

Tech bros claim to love to move fast – and break things. Now the NZR is going to have to move fast and not break things. Might even rebuild some things.

It’s very keeping with today’s hyper world that people get the least time to think when they most need time to think.

Just in purely itinerary terms, the trip to South Africa is one hell of a baptism by fire.

France will open with whatever part of the alphabet they choose to send (tempting but probably not wise to field an All Black B team) followed by a strengthening Italy, and then our old favourites, an Ireland also in some discomfort.

Take your pick on who will be the coaches.  Joseph or Rennie? With Sir Steve beaming in as a jedi knight hologram.

The applications have closed in case you had thoughts. But we definitely should know soon.

Before you know it, it’ll be Christmas. It won’t be over by Christmas though. Happy New Year folks!

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Oh, that Super Rugby Pacific competition also seems to have arrived too soon.  But not for the Hurricanes, who, after drawing the first round bye in the 11-team comp, kick-off tonight against Moana Pasifika.

The Reds (who were in the same situation last year) made the semis, so it could be a good thing to come in hot a week after everyone else.

On the other hand, it’s like arriving at a party sober at 10pm, and trying to play catchup.

As always, I strongly predict a Hurricanes trophy. Ten years on from the first.

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Whilst the Hurricanes were cooling their jets, Moana Pasifika had a swashbuckling away opening win over the Fijian Drua, so their fans will be hoping they continue that form and spoil the Hurricanes party.

Look out for Oriental-Rongotai No. 8 Dominic Ropeti to have a big game, after coming off the bench for his debut last week.

HURRICANES TEAM TO PLAY MOANA PASIFIKA (Hurricanes caps in brackets)

1. Xavier Numia (76)
2. Asafo Aumua (75)
3. Siale Lauaki (4)
4. Hugo Plummer (8)
5. Warner Dearns (debut)
6. Devan Flanders (56)
7. Peter Lakai (37)
8. Brayden Iose (51)
9. Ereatara Enari (12)
10. Brett Cameron (24)
11. Fehi Fineanganofo (12)
12. Jordie Barrett (111 – captain)
13. Bailyn Sullivan (40)
14. Josh Moorby (38)
15. Callum Harkin (10)
16. Jacob Devery (17)
17. Pouri Rakete-Stones (52)
18. Tevita Mafileo (57)
19. Matolu Petaia (debut)
20. Brad Shields (128)
21. Arese Poliko (debut)
22. Cam Roigard (47)
23. Billy Proctor (68)

UNAVAILABLE DUE TO INJURY

Isaia Walker-Leawere (calf): 1 week
Caleb Delany (calf): 2 weeks
Du’Plessis Kirifi (calf): 2 weeks
Harry Godfrey (knee): Expected to miss season
Ruben Love (ankle): 4-6 weeks
Josh Timu (foot): 7-9 weeks
Kini Naholo (knee): 2-4 weeks