Jimmy Gopperth believes the Hurricanes will use the pain of last year's Super Rugby final loss to go one better in 2016.
The Hurricanes won 14 of their 16 regular season games last year but were defeated 21-14 by New Zealand rivals the Highlanders in the decider at Westpac Stadium.
Wasps fly-half Gopperth made 51 appearances and scored 354 points during his three seasons at the Hurricanes, and he told Rugby Club Agenda that he expects them to push on this year.
"Obviously I've got a soft spot for the Hurricanes and I do like the look of their team this year," he said.
"They have got a few young guns coming in and some good strike power. They're definitely going to be pushing at the top.
"Last year was the first where they had a really consistent year, only to lose at the last hurdle. I think they can build on that.
"They've got some really great coaches in Chris Boyd and John Plumtree. I had the pleasure of working with them for a number of years in Wellington. They install a really good belief in the squad and they'll use last year as fuel in looking to push on."
Gopperth believes another of his former sides, the Blues, could be this year's dark horses until the guidance of Tama Umaga, and says the Highlanders will be intent on proving they are not one-season wonders.
"It's always tough going back to back but the Highlanders were outstanding last year," said Gopperth.
"I know Jamie Joseph well and he will drill them. They'll be hungry just to show it wasn't a fluke or a one-off.
"All the New Zealand provinces are strong this year. It's going to be really interesting."
Meanwhile, Gopperth says it is a three-horse race in the battle to succeed Dan Carter as All Blacks fly-half.
Beauden Barrett was the back-up No 10 at the World Cup but Aaron Cruden has returned from the knee injury that saw him miss the tournament, while Lima Sopoaga steered the Highlanders to Super Rugby glory last season.
"Aaron Cruden has got silky skills and has played for the All Blacks for a number of years," said Gopperth. "He was unlucky with his injury before the World Cup.
"Beauden Barrett had a great World Cup and it was a great way to finish with a try in the final.
"Lima Sopoaga came on the scene last year, on the back of the Highlanders doing really well. He is a gifted ball player and a great goalkicker.
"Losing Dan Carter, and given that the goalkicking of the other two is a bit come and go, Sopoaga could be the dark horse."
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