Ngani Laumape

In-form Ngani Laumape hopes to be permanent fixture in Hurricanes backline in 2017

The second five-eighth, in his second season back in the 15-man form of the game after leaving the Warriors at the end of 2015, has continued his strong run of form from the NPC, where he was a key attacking weapon for Manawatu, in two starts for the Hurricanes this year.

But the challenge will be maintaining that level for the full season

Last year he started the first six matches, but only played a minor role for the remainder of the season.

Laumape believed avoiding injuries was the key to that after battling a niggling groin injury for most of last year.