Hurricanes

Just 10-6 up early in the second half, and with the Western Force hard on their line, the Hurricanes hardly seemed destined for a big bonus-point win.

But by the time the final whistle blew at Palmerston North's CET Arena on Friday night, the Hurricanes had emerged 41-6 victors.

In a rematch of last year's Super Rugby title-decider, the 25-year-old's angled kick from just outside the 22m line gave the champion Highlanders their first win of the season, while leaving last year's runners-up 0-2 and under pressure after two rounds. "It was a good game, wasn't it? Just lucky we managed to pull through at the end there," Highlanders captain Ben Smith said pitchside.

Last year's Super Rugby finalists were decidedly second-rate in being beaten 52-10 by the Brumbies at GIO Stadium.

Yes the Brumbies are a fine side and, no, it wouldn't be a shock if they emerged as the best of Australia's franchises this season. But the Hurricanes are meant to be a good team too and their loyal fans would've been entitled to expect more from the team in their first match of 2016.

As Cory Jane tells it, it was once the position you get shunted to "when you're a little kid and got no skills."

Even at Super Rugby level wing is sometimes the ideal out-of-the-way spot to put someone with athleticism, but no real aptitude for catching, passing or directing play.

As fans try to digest the ramifications of a competition that has been expanded to 18 teams and a conference system that now takes in the far-flung destinations of Asia and South America, it seems the one constant with the international bookmakers is that a New Zealand team will lift the title.

The appointments have been hugely popular within the 'Canes camp, with head coach Chris Boyd saying it was Coles' dedication and passion for the team which made him deserving of the leadership role.

"Dane is a proud and passionate Hurricanes player who has always led, and will continue to lead by example.