Aisle be back: Hurricanes Fan Council

That was some year, that 2016. Here were my key correct predictions for 2016.

The Hurricanes would not only be Super Rugby champions but achieve it after an incredible three game finals run where they conceded no tries.

The All Blacks would set a world record streak but make even more history by becoming the first side in black to lose to Ireland.

England - yes, England - would be well on the way to being world no.2.

So yeah, actually, only predicted the first one (but I do that every year).

It's hard to imagine 2017 will be more of a showstopper, yet it could well be - with the Lions tour front and centre, and if they get their act together, a very real threat to the All Blacks.

There's still a heap of questions around Hansen's best team in certain possies, and the next World Cup is both still far away, and bloody close.

And then of course there's the Canes backing up by going out and doing the business again in Super Rugby (and the Wellington Lions surely finally getting back into the NPC top tier please!).

So if you're bored with the state of world rugby, then really I wish you luck. Go off and enjoy your Warriors highlights reel.

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I couldn't make it last night to the Hurricanes Fan Council, which seems a great idea and I understand had a good take-up with around 40 fans there to hear from CEO Avan Lee, and give their views.

My spy says each fan was invited to introduce themselves and say what their favourite player or Canes' moment was. There was a bit of ranting later over various pet hates (this is called fan passion) but Avan and co took it all well.

A presentation revealed membership has gone from 1800 two years ago to just over 5500 at this point, and attendance overall was up 12 per cent on 2015, with 38,000 people attending the final match. Social media numbers had doubled.

There was a members survey with about 700 respondents done in October - a few interesting bits were 85 per cent thought pricing was right; two-thirds found the match experience outstanding or good, a third found it adequate; and complementary finals tickets were hugely popular (surprise).

I did slip in some key questions beforehand via a mate, and kindly got some responses from the powers-that-be, just so you know I've got your interests at heart. Or something like that.

1) We're champs - so let's see that visibly celebrated at the Stadium. To that end, it's time for other aisles to adopt a past Great, a la the Umaga aisle. Starting with Aisle 15 for Cully. Do one every year, make it a pre-game event. Pass holders in that aisle get special treatment on the day.

Response - Yes like this – plans for a champions banner to be erected and more historical footage and branding to feature (the aisle side of things sit with the stadium however).

2) Is the toggle / bobble beanie returning next year. Since it bought us a championship, should it be either kept, or respectfully retired. Difficult call.

Response - Knee blanket and a calendar, rugby ball for the kids (based on survey feedback).

So there you have it folks, exclusive breaking news. To the intimidating mass Icelandic slow clap, we will now add the chilling spectacle of 15-thousand Canes fans waving their knee blankets in angry defiance. Don't know about you, but those knees do get cold though.

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I think it's time to close on a sombre note after such a remarkable year of strange things and miracles.  Let's not forget how bad the year has been for Richie McCaw after his retirement as GAB. In short:

He's had to turn to milking cows, getting up at 4.31am every morning to hang out with his rellies over breakfast. It's like Christmas on repeat.

Have you seen how far he then has to run home? Across all those bloody rivers and occasionally in slow motion and in reverse. Haven't the rellies got a ute?

Someone leaked his home vids and next thing it's plastered all over the country's cinema screens.

About the only lucky break was that the departing Prime Minister didn't nominate him as his replacement.

Go well Richie, you deserve a much better 2017.

And I'll be back, if the editor wants me, next year. Enjoy your break from the mighty code.