After the Hurricanes followed their impressive top-seed finish in 2024 with a lacklustre Super Rugby Pacific campaign in 2025, scrutiny has intensified around their star performers.
A key figure under the microscope is All Blacks halfback Cam Roigard, whose 2024 season was cut short due to a patella injury. Ironically, the team hit top form during his absence, with veteran TJ Perenara stepping in at scrum-half.
Roigard made his return to competitive rugby in the NPC, where he delivered an explosive comeback for Counties Manukau—scoring three tries in just 104 minutes over two weeks. His sharp performances earned him a swift recall to the All Blacks, reclaiming the starting No. 9 role.
Initially, it seemed his recovery had gone seamlessly. But with the Hurricanes struggling across the opening 10 rounds of the 2025 season, some have begun to question whether Roigard truly returned to his best.
Former Hurricanes flanker Gordon Simpson shared his thoughts on the team’s halfback-flyhalf combination, suggesting Roigard is still working his way back to form post-injury.
“You’ve got to get the 9 and 10 combination right—it’s where most of the game’s decisions are made these days,” Simpson told ex-All Black Justin Marshall on Sport Nation’s Rugby Run. “Roigard’s injury last year was significant, and while he’s back, I think he’s still rediscovering his rhythm.”
Simpson pointed out that even with physical recovery, regaining full confidence takes time. “It’s the mental side too—the top two inches. That takes longer to fully come back. Self-belief doesn’t vanish, but the spotlight’s shifted a bit since his breakout. He’s not hearing his name as much now.”
He encouraged Roigard to study players like Perenara in peak form for insights. “He’s his own man, of course, but sometimes looking at the game tapes of others at their best can offer that one-percent improvement that makes all the difference. That’s what’s missing a bit in this Hurricanes side right now.”
Marshall echoed Simpson’s assessment, also noting instability at flyhalf as another issue impacting Roigard’s performance.
After a strong 2024 guided by Brett Cameron, the Hurricanes opened their 2025 campaign with young Harry Godfrey at No. 10, only to shift to Riley Hohepa after Godfrey picked up an injury. Most recently, Ruben Love became the third playmaker to start this season, taking the reins in week 10 and retaining the role for round 11.
Simpson wrapped up by noting inconsistency in the back row but remained optimistic. He believes the Hurricanes can rediscover their spark and make a late-season push toward the playoffs.
