Super Rugby 2013 Preview: New Zealand Conference

My second preview of the 2013 Super Rugby season looks at the New Zealand Conference and the teams competing in it.

Ignore Clarkie there please

Welcome to "New Sullund", land of beautiful beaches, a glorious mountain and beautiful people. Or is that Cape Town? Same thing, isn't it... Well anyhoo, nothing to joke about with this Conference, with 4 of the 5 teams having realistic playoff ambitions for the season, and the 5th team being the 3-time champions, the Blues, showing how ridiculously strong the New Zealand Conference is this year. But could the strength of the Conference actually act as a hindrance to New Zealand teams? Could some New Zealand franchises fall short of the top 6 due to results against other Kiwi teams, and the fact that you have to play each New Zealand team twice? Could New Zealand teams effectively knock each other out? Well the South African supporting part of Cape Town, and the rest of the country hope so!

The defending champions, the Chiefs, only have to look at how the Reds performed last season after being champions in 2011 as a warning for how tough it can get to retain the title. The Highlanders have recruited brilliantly and will be looking to be the third new champion for the third consecutive season. The Hurricanes performed far above the public's expectations last season, but now the opposition will be much more weary of their threat. The Blues had a horrible 2012, but with Auckland legend, John Kirwan, at the helm and a young squad, the process of rebuilding begins. The Crusaders have now gone 4 seasons without winning the title, which is an eon in Christchurch. Could this be their time to deliver?

After the stellar 2012 enjoyed by New Zealand rugby, with no World Cup hangover showing, the Conference will try to certify the rude health New Zealand rugby is in.

BLUES

There won't be any chance to hide for the Blues this season

Last Year:It doesn't get any worse for a team as big and as successful as the Blues. Bottom of the New Zealand Conference, only 4 wins from 16, a senior player like Piri Weepu having a much-publicised issue with his weight, a coach (Pat Lam) having a very public breakdown and also losing his job at the end of the season and key senior players like Ma'a Nonu, Tony Woodcock and Alby Mathewson leaving the team. Even though most predicted playoff rugby for the Blues last year, they just baffled pundits with lacklustre displays and mediocre performances from senior players. Apart from some impressive wins against the Bulls and the Brumbies away, there is not much to shout about in Auckland. With a new head coach in Auckland legend  John Kirwan, and a certain Sir Graham Henry in the team's coaching setup once again, surely things could only get better this season.

Key Players: So often the go-to guy for franchise and country alike, Keven Mealamu will have to take up  more responsibility as the captain of a young squad. There are not many better ball carrying, ruck hitting and scrummaging hookers in world rugby, but his dodgy lineout throwing will have to improve in order to make All Black locks Ali Williams and Anthony Boric's lives easier. Both Williamms and Boric have flattered to deceive throughout their careers with both having injury striking them at inopportune moments just when they are hitting top form. Prop Charlie Faumuina will be looking to continue the form that put him in the All Blacks squad last season and will be hoping Tom McCartney can make the step up from bench player to regular starter. A lot of responsibility will rest on the young shoulders of Luke Braid from the 8th man position, who will be relied upon to set the tone for the team by carrying the ball in attack and stealing ball from rucks in defence. Watch out for youngsters such as former Crusaders hooker Quentin MacDonald, impressive loose forward Peter Saili and a bruising lock, Liaki Moli to also make an impact for the team when called upon.

The name Charles Piutau should be familiar to you by the end of the season, if it isn't already. A young fullback with the pace and swerve to get through any defence and a great counter attacker, he was scoring wonderful tries in the ITM Cup last season for Auckland and will be looking to build on the debut he made last season. It is time for Rene Ranger to grow from a player made for youtube videos to one that the team can rely on to make those game-changing runs or tackles, the Blues backline needs him this season. A fitter Piri Weepu will have a job on his hands motivating the forwards to get forward and helping the less experienced flyhalf Chris Noakes run the show. Weepu will have to take up  more responsibility with tactical and goal kicking and also be the one creating chances for the outside backs. Jackson Willison, signed from the Chiefs, will add some workmanlike stability to the Chiefs midfield.

This Is the Season. . . The Blues could emulate the Hurricanes
The Blues don't have to look far back for encouragement and inspiration for this season. After a horror 2011 that climaxed with the exodus of many an experienced star player, coach Mark Hammet had to rebuild the Hurricanes squad from the debris. Not a lot was expected of the squad that did not have all its stars to call upon, but Hammet was finally allowed to do stuff his way and fostered such a positive team environment, coupled with an enjoyable and attacking gameplan that players were happy with and believed in. It required senior players like Conrad Smith to take responsibility and youngsters like Julian Savea to step up and deliver on their talent. The Blues of 2013 are in a similar boat to the 'Canes of 2012. While John Kirwan can only dream of almost making the playoffs like the Hurricanes, he can take solace from the fact that if the team environment is positive, the gameplan enjoyable, senior players such as Weepu, Ranger, Braid, Williams and Mealamu step up and take more responsibility to allow the youngsters like Piutau, Saili and flanker Steven Luatua to play their natural game, then the Blues could also surprise many this season.

Giving the Blues the blues: The Blues strength is with the outside backs, with the likes of Piutau and Ranger ready to tear up any defence if given space and time. The secret is to slow the game down and make it a tactical battle, because you will give this Blues team a chance if the game is more open and broken. The opposition should play with structure by kicking the ball behind the back 3, to make them run back to get the ball and force them to do something they not comfortable with - kicking. The tactical kicking game can ensure you win the territorial battle. Take on the Blues at scrum time, putting pressure on McCartney, and mess up the ball they get from rucks and mauls so that the backs don't get the ball on the front foot. Limit the influence of Braid at ruck time by forcing him to make tackles. Play clever, pressure-building rugby where the Blues feel like prisoners in their territory and hit their runners back in attack by employing a rush defence to not give their ball carriers space. Whatever you do, don't kick the ball down Ranger or Piutau's throats!

Prediction: 13th (5th in New Zealand Conference)

Make no mistake, Kirwan and Henry are here for the long haul to fix Blues rugby and return it to its former glory, so for now expectations should be moderated. Anything other than 5th in the conference will be an achievement, but frankly too much has to go the Blues way for them to finish higher than predicted. The Blues could give a few teams a hiding if they come to Auckland not bringing their top game and will catch a few hidings themselves, as the squad lacks the experience to consistently win matches, but this is all part of a long term project. Maybe in a few years time, these young Blues players will look back at 2013 as the turning point in the franchise's history.

Squad: Frank Halai, Waisake Naholo, Charles Piutau, Rene Ranger, Marty McKenzie, Malakai Fekitoa, George Moala, Francis Saili, Jackson Willison, Baden Kerr, Chris Noakes, Bryn Hall, Piri Weepu, Jamison Gibson-Park, Kane Barrett, Luke Braid, Steven Luatua, Brendon O'Connor, Ronald Raaymakers, Peter Saili, Anthony Boric, Liaki Moli, Culum Retallick, Ali Williams, Charlie Faumuina, Tom McCartney, Tim Perry, Angus Ta'avao, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Keven Mealamu, Quentin MacDonald, James Parsons.

Teams that they don't Play: Force and Kings

CHIEFS

Last Year: Not many people outside of Waikato expected the Chiefs to win the championship, but the Chiefs were the ones lifting the trophy at the end of last season. Efficient, effective and entertaining they were, the Chiefs only lost 4 games the whole season, which put them in 2nd place in the overall log and top of the New Zealand Conference. Impressive and vital wins against the Crusaders in Christchurch in round 3 and the Sharks in Durban in round 9 stand out in their league campaign. The Chiefs faced the Crusaders in Hamilton for the semi final, and( in a little bit of a surprise) managed to beat them. Luckily for the Chiefs, the Sharks beat the Stormers in Cape Town, meaning that the final would be in Hamilton against the Sharks, instead of back in South Africa against the Stormers. In their best performance of the season, the Chiefs slayed the travel weary Sharks 37-6 in the most one-sided final since the Chiefs themselves conceded 61 points against the Bulls. Check this video of the haka they performed after winning the final, and watch out for Hika Elliot and that axe!

Key Players: With a certain SBW gone to play rugby league and box White Buffalos, it is the form and fitness of Richard Kahui that could determine the Chiefs' destiny this season.  Aaron Cruden is another vital cog, as the rapidly maturing flyhalf - and top points scorer last season - will be the one ensuring the Chiefs play in the right areas, and ensuring continuity in their attacking game with his offloads from the tackle. Cruden will have his successor in the Baby Blacks, Gareth Anscombe, as his understudy this season, showing the depth in the Chiefs ranks. Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Tim Nanai-Williams and Leila Masaga are the fleet-footed finishers who will hopefully be racking up the tries this season. Fullback Robbie Robinson's field kicking and ability to counter attack made opposition teams think twice about kicking to him last season, and the solid utility-man Andrew Horrell will also look to contribute when called upon. The likes of August Pulu and centre Bundee Aki will be looking to impress at this level too. Tawera Kerr-Barlow's quick service and sniping runs from the base of the ruck helped ball carrying forwards receive the ball in space so that they could break the defensive line too.

Liam Messam enjoyed a coming-of-age season, as he proved that he can also be a world class loose forward and a leader as well. Messam is not scared to take the ball up himself, to make the aggressive tackles on the big ball carriers, hit the rucks and show his teammates what the standard of play should be. Tanerau Latimer is a highly underrated openside flanker who works his socks off every game winning balls from opposition rucks and putting his body on the line for the team. After last year, Sam Cane is being talked about as being Sir Richie's heir apparent in the black 7 jersey. He will be looking for a solid, committed campaign for the Chiefs, as they might try a twin-openside flanker system. Ross Filipo and Nick Crosswell add depth and size to the loose forward ranks. Brodie Retallick shows an eagerness to work not found in many rugby players of his age. His numbers for rucks hit reach the 60 mark in some games, and is also the first option to take the lineout ball. Captain Craig Clarke is the calm, old head among the young and aggressive Chiefs pack. Mahonri Schwalger and Hika Elliot will continue to fight for the hooker spot and continue being the high-impact players they are. Sadly for all, the try-scoring prop, Sona Taumalolo has gone to France. But in Ben Tameifuna and Ben Afeaki, the Chiefs have two relatively young and capable tighthead props. The problem is that Toby Smith will have to take up a more prominent role in the team this season, which means that the Chiefs scrum could be a weakness.

This Is the Season. . . Richard Kahui has to step up!
Richard Kahui has always threatened to break into that upper echelon of centres that has the likes of Conrad Smith, but injuries have always happened just when he looks to be reaching the top of his game. Richard Kahui's pace, power and aggression is undisputed, but the Chiefs will be asking him to take a bigger leadership and organisational role in the midfield. With Sonny-Bill Williams gone, Kahui will have to take a leading role in taking the ball up in the midfield and also bringing players around him into the game just like SBW did last season. The performance and fitness of Kahui is so important that I believe it is the difference between playoff rugby and no playoff rugby. Kahui will have to ensure he plays the majority of games and coach Dave Rennie will have to manage him well. Young Bundee Aki will be looking at him to be the driving force in the midfield, and to be the player that always wants the ball by him. With no Mulialina or SBW to outrank or outshine him, this is Kahui's backline and it could also be Kahui's season.

Dethroning the Chiefs: The Chiefs tight five remain a little raw and lacking an experienced star to make them a really good tight five. This area is definitely a weakness in the Chiefs game which could be exposed in the set pieces by more experienced tight forwards. The two Big Bens and Toby Smith could be made to buckle at scrum time and both Elliot's and Schwalger's throwing in lineouts is not very accurate and these two could be put under pressure. Runners like Liam Messam must not cross the advantage line often, or this will give the Chiefs backline the momentum to unleash their star power. Aggressive defending on the fringes and counter rucking is needed to give Kerr-Barlow less space and force him under pressure, which will make Cruden make mistakes too. Not too many chinks in this team's armour.

How much will Hamilton miss SBW? 

Prediction: Playoffs - 5th Overall (2nd in New Zealand Conference)

The 'SBW Factor' will be discussed a lot during the season, and if the man was in this squad, there would not be too many reasons why the Chiefs couldn't win again this season. But he is gone and he will be missed, how much he is missed will depend on how Richard Kahui performs. The Chiefs, Crusaders and Highlanders will be stuck in a battle for the Conference, and the Chiefs could realistically see themselves in 1st or even as low as 3rd place. The strength of the Conference could see the Chiefs losing more games than the Sharks for example, which is why I believe 5th will be their position and an overseas playoff game will be too much to ask from this team. If Kahui, Messam and Cruden stay fit, a double is there for the taking, but as the Reds showed last season, being the team on top makes others even more determined to knock you down!

Squad: Tim Nanai-Williams, Andrew Horrell, Robbie Robinson, Lelia Masaga, Patrick Osborne, Asaeli Tikoirotuma , Bundee Aki, Richard Kahui, Charlie Ngatai, Gareth Anscombe, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Brendon Leonard, August Pulu, Fritz Lee, Sam Cane, Nick Crosswell, Ross Filipo, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Craig Clarke,  Mike Fitzgerald, Romana Graham, Brodie Retallick, Ben Afeaki, Josh Hohneck, Toby Smith, Solomona Sakalia, Ben Tameifuna, Hika Elliot, Rhys Marshall, Mahonri Schwalger.

Teams that they don't Play: Brumbies and Bulls

CRUSADERS

For the Crusaders high standards, 2012 just wasn't good enough

Last Year: An uncharacteristically sloppy season (in Crusader standards) last season, where the 'Saders lost games they could've (and should've) won against the Chiefs, Highlanders, Bulls, Rebels and the Hurricanes. The team sometimes looked like the best side in the competition (wins against the Blues in Christchurch and the Chiefs in Hamilton were examples of this), but sometimes they looked like a cheap imitation of the efficiency showed by teams of the past. Winning the Overall log, never mind the Conference, could have been obtained by this team, but inconsistency and inefficient performances let them down in key matches. How un-Crusader-like were those last few words! Having qualified for the playoffs, they beat the Bulls in Christchurch, but fell to the Chiefs in Hamilton in the semi finals.

Key Players: Now that it is 5 years since their last championship, it is time for these players to get serious about reclaiming this title (just imagine Arsenal not winning a trophy for 5 years... WAIT!). Kieran Read is captain this season with Sir Richie McCaw(esomeness) taking a sabattical away from rugby. Read is very close to the level of McCaw and Dan Carter in terms of being a world class player that is far and away the best in his position and due to his value to the Crusaders and the All Blacks, and will be looking to lead the charge with his physicality, athleticism, superb skill and ability to rise to the big occassion. Matt Todd can count himself unlucky that Sam Cane has been made next in line to Richie, but some stellar performances while the master is gone could change Steve Hansen's mind. Luke Romano grew in influence as the season went on, with his huge hits and bollocking runs around the fringes becoming a regular feature. Him and Sam Whitelock ensure that the Crusaders lineout remains strong, with the experienced Tom Donnelly offering an option at lock as well. Corey Flynn will be looking for his locks in the lineout and making a nuisance of himself to opposition ball carriers and rucks. Brother Ben might be gone, but luckily for 'Saders fans, the grizzly Owen Franks is still around and is one of the most feared tightheads to scrum with. Loosehead Wyatt Crockett will be looking to concede less penalties from scrums and continue his rise as one of the top props in the competition.

Dan Carter will have to take up more of the leadership responsibilities with McCaw out until July (hopefully).  If he is on the field, the Crusaders know they can beat any team. Watching Israel Dagg play and then looking at his stats show just how good he is, because he remains one of the most exciting players in the game while making very few errors in attack and defence. When he joins the attacking line, fans go to the edge of their seats, anticipating something special. What more must Robbie Fruean do to become an All Black? If he performs more consistently, influences games when he doesn't get as much ball and improve his decision making in defence, then surely he cannot be ignored anymore? On Fruean's inside will be either the more physical Ryan Crotty or the 2nd flyhalf option of Tom Taylor, depending on the gameplan for the day. Taylor showed last season that he could fill in for Carter when he was injured at the beginning, as he and Tyler Bleyendaal did not disappoint. With Sean Maitland getting in touch with his Scottish roots and Zac Guildford looking like he won't play for a while due to discipline problems, no better time for youngsters like Tom Marshall and Johnny Mcnicholl to prove their worth on the wing. The reliable Andy Ellis gets better with age, as his decision making and tactical awareness gives the team an added advantage. Youngsters like Willie Heinz and Jeremy Su'a will offer back up at scrum half.

This Is the Season. . . of the Whitelocks
Could the Whitelocks be the key factor (get it?) in leading the Crusaders to Super Rugby glory? While the four brothers aren't yet in the class of Carter, McCaw and Dagg, they are the hard working squad players that any title challenger needs. Sam Whitelock's game has been growing at lock, taking responsibility for calling the lineouts, winning his own lineout ball and stealing opposition ball - a vital presence in the lineouts for this side. George Whitelock does all the dirty work at blindside flank. While not being the game breaker a Kieran Read is, his contribution in the rucks and mauls, securing Crusaders ball and his high tackles made rate are vital to the success of the team. Youngest brother Luke Whitelock will get minimal opportunities at 8th man with Read playing, but will be on the bench most games,ready to make an impact with his ball carrying ability. And, with a bit of a crisis on the wing, Adam Whitelock's role in the team will increase in importance, as he becomes the senior wing in the squad. Also able to fill in at centre, Whitelock's utility is his greatest asset to the team. A family destined for greatness?

A Band of Brothers

Halting the Crusaders: The best compliment that can be given to this Crusaders team is that opposition teams will have to play their best game of the season to beat this team. If all are fit, there are few areas that a team can try to target. The main problem the Crusaders have is that they do not have as much depth as possible, and many injuries at the same time could leave them highly vulnerable in terms of ability and experience. The likes of Franks, Read, Ellis, Carter, Freuan and Dagg cannot all be injured at the same time. To beat the 'Saders, you will have to put the team out of their comfort zone. The Chiefs showed the world how to do it by employing an aggressive 'blitzkrieg' defence that knocks back any Crusader ball carriers, and closes down space and options to Dan Carter.  Clever running lines from the centres can also expose Freuan's naivety in defence. Easier said than done though, and if you do not dominate the Crusaders in the contact area, like Liam Neeson they will find you and they will kill you!

Prediction: Champions - 1st Overall (1st in New Zealand Conference)
The one year where they have less depth, McCaw not playing until June and with more contenders than usual, and I pick the Crusaders to win the whole thing this year. Why? Well they still have the one of the best squad of 26 players in the competition; they have world class stars and All Blacks in almost all positions; they have committed squad players that cause no drama and upset the team spirit; the franchise knows how to get to the playoffs, having done it every year for the last 11 years; they don't often lose in Christchurch and if they have any knockout games there, home ground for the Crusaders will be a huge advantage; finally with Canterbury winning the ITM Cup for the last 5 years and the Crusaders winning nothing in this period, the players and coaches will be determined to bring that Super Rugby trophy back to Christchurch. The Crusaders have been stung twice by not winning the overall log and should be determined to finish top of the log to ensure the home ground advantage for the knockout games. Then, the opposition teams must watch out!

Squad: Tyler Bleyendaal, Dan Carter, Ryan Crotty, Israel Dagg, Andy Ellis, Robbie Fruean, Zac Guildford, Willi Heinz, Tom Marshall, Johnny Mcnicholl, Jeremy Su'a, Tom Taylor, Adam Whitelock, Dominic Bird, Shane Christie, Wyatt Crockett, Tom Donnelly, Corey Flynn, Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Nepo Laulala, Richie McCaw, Joe Moody, Kieran Read, Luke Romano, Jordan Taufua, Codie Taylor, Matt Todd, Jimmy Tupou, George Whitelock, Luke Whitelock, Sam Whitelock.

Teams that they don't Play: Reds and Cheetahs

HIGHLANDERS

Will there be more of this in 2013?

Last Year: I almost want to say "Read 2011's Season Review", as 2012 occurred in almost identical fashion. Starting off the competition with a 4-match winning streak and with 7 wins in 9 matches, the Highlanders looked like Conference contenders at the season's halfway point. But when injuries hit the squad in the 2nd half of the season, it was a familiar tale of woe as the Highlanders only managed 2 wins from the remaining 7 matches and finishing a lowly 9th. While the Highlanders had one of the best fully fit match XVs, their squad lacked the depth to go into the playoffs, and this is something that coach Jamie Joseph is attempting to address.

Key Players: And a welcome back to Super Rugby to Brad Thorn, a man that has won every competition he has played in, in rugby union and rugby league. No matter what he contributes on the field, his off field contribution and experience in being in winning teams and nurturing Josh Bekhuis and Jarrad Hoeata could be even more valuable. Hoeata will play more at blindside flank with the signing of Thorn and the departure of the great Super Rugby loose forward, Adam Thompson. But can he make the contribution that Thompson made with his ball carrying, offloading, creating chances for teammates, defence, rucking and stealing ball? I am not sure if Hoeata and John Hardie together can match the contribution made by Thompson alone to this team. Nasi Manu had a very good season in 2012 and was great with ball in hand. He will grow as a player in this campaign, making more of an impact without the ball too. Not many better names in rugby and not many better hookers in world rugby than Andrew Hore. Great scrummager, great lineout thrower, steals opposition ruck ball, good with ball in hand and a natural leader too. From the Blues comes Tony Woodcock, with the twilight fast approaching in his career. Not as good as he was in 2009-2011, but adds experience and ability (especially) to the prop ranks that have seasoned campaigners like Jamie Mackintosh and Chris King.

It's almost crazy to think about that Ma'a Nonu still has not won a Super Rugby title yet! Nonu has been signed from the sinking ship in Auckland and adds so much skill and All Black experience to the backline. The combination with the quick footed, great angle-running Tamati Ellison could be one of the best in the competition (best in the conference, certainly), as they contrast so well together and could be able to bring the best out of each other. Phil Burleigh offers very good backup for the centres too. All Black Ben Smith will (hopefully) stick to playing in fullback this season, as his kicking boot, ability to run from deep and link up with others are valuable skills that a fullback should have. All Black and namesake Aaron Smith's quick, accurate passing and growing running game from the rucks will give flyhalf Colin Slade mor time and space to pick his options. Hopefully Slade tries to put away the wings like man monster Hosea Gear and speedsters Kade Poki and Buxton Popoalii, so that they can find the try line.

This Is the Season. . . For the Return of Colin Slade
Two years ago, this was the man trusted to become Dan Carter's All Black understudy if anything happened to him at the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Injured was Carter in the RWC, and in came Slade. But in the games played, Slade unfortunately never showed enough to justify the claim that he was the best frlyhalf that could step into Carter's magic boots. Unfortunately Slade got injured as well, and some Beaver won the World Cup and boy wonders, Aaron Cruden, Beauden Barrett and Tom Taylor have surpassed him in the future All Black flyhalf hierarchy. Now that Slade is fully fit again, with an All Black scrumhalf in Aaron Smith, an experienced centre on his outside like Ma'a Nonu, many more dangerous backs outside Nonu and a forward pack that will win him front foot ball, Colin Slade will look to get back to his best soon. The hardships of 2011 and 2012 will make him mentally tougher, which could be a deciding factor in the Highlanders search for knockout rugby.

A key man to the Highlanders' playoff chances

Conquering the Highlanders: Trying to take on Gear, Smith, Poki, Ellison and Nonu in a fast, open gameplan is not the smartest of ideas and should be avoided. Is a slow, physical, structured, pick-up-and-drive dogfight the right approach? The problem is nobody will enjoy that slow, grinding type of match than Woodcock and Thorn. If both remain fit (despite their ages, ehem), the only weak point for the Highlanders would be their loose forwards. Can Jarrad Hoeata be a blindside flank on a more permanent basis? Is Josh Hardie a good enough fetcher for a team of this calibre? The lack of a quality fetcher could mean quick ball retention for the opposition and running against a flat-footed defence. Also counter rucking or any aggressive rucking when the Highlanders are in possession will put Aaron Smith in pressure, and the young man is still trying to learn to handle that pressure and still give good service to his flyhalf. The opposition can target the ruck as their method of beating the Highlanders.

Prediction: 7th (3rd in New Zealand Conference)

Due to the strength of the New Zealand conference (and the weakness of the Australian one), I believe that both the Brumbies and Reds will make the playoffs, but at the expense of either the Chiefs or the Highlanders. The team that comes off 2nd best in that battle will be edged out by a team that has the luxury of playing the Force twice. Therefore, due to the loss of Adam Thompson being maybe a bigger factor than the gain of SBW, the uncertainty around the replacement Hoeata, Hardie not being a world class opensider yet and the fact that the Chiefs now know how to get into the playoff places mean that the Highlanders will get agonisingly close to knockout rugby. If, of course, the likes of Thorn and Woodcock stay fit, Slade returns to his best form, Hoeata and Hardie prove me wrong, then Highlanders could go to the top of the overall log. But not adequately replacing Thompson could be the 'Landers downfall.

Squad: Josh Bekhuis, Tim Boys, Liam Coltman, Elliot Dixon, Ma'afu Fia , John Hardie, Jarrad Hoeata , Andrew Hore, Chris King, Jamie Mackintosh, Nasi Manu, Brayden Mitchell, Jake Paringatai, Brad Thorn, Joe Wheeler, Tony Woodcock, Phil Burleigh, Tamati Ellison, Jason Emery, Hosea Gear, Ma'a Nonu, Declan O'Donnell, Kade Poki, Hayden Parker, Buxton Popoalii, Colin Slade, Aaron Smith, Ben Smith, Lima Sopoaga, Fumiaki Tanaka, Shaun Treeby.

Teams that they don't Play: Waratahs and Stormers

HURRICANES

"I think you know the way out of Wellington, Ma'a"

Last Year: Weren't they supposed to suck without their star players like Andrew Hore, Ma'a Nonu, Piri Weeppu and Aaron Cruden? Well, no they didn't, as coach Mark Hammett made sure that the Hurricanes were one of the most enterprising and attacking sides last season and came very close to getting into the playoffs (they were in the playoff places after their last game). Losing only 6 matches last season, the Hurricanes will look at the close loss to the Highlanders in Wellington and a game that they really should not have lost against the Cheetahs at home as the key points dropped. Not many expected the Hurricanes to be that good in any case, but with the element of surprise gone, can the Canes repeat the feat again?

Key Players: Last season, Conrad Smith was very unlucky not to be nominated for IRB World Player of the Year thanks to his efforts for both the Canes and the All Blacks. He is such a valuable playmaker and organiser of the backline that will put his outside backs away in attack, but ensures that he closes down his opposite number in defence too. A player whose value is understated. Smith's ability benefited Julian Savea, who scored 9 tries last season, and 'The Bus' will be looking for more 5-pointers this year too. Andre Taylor's brilliance and ability to beat defenders and counter-attack ensured that he was the top try scorer in the tournament last year with 10 tries (sounds like a certain Christian Cullen), and also benefited Cory Jane who combined well with Taylor last season (watch out for Jane's dangerous handoff!). A dangerous back 3 if ever you saw one! Scrumhalf TJ Perenara's injury in a warm up game during the June test window hiatus was a crucial factor in the Hurricanes falling short of the playoffs. Beauden Barrett will be hoping for quick service from Perenara, so that he could also get attacks going for his backline, or kick deep for territory. Aaron Mauger reincarnated, Tim Bateman's link-up play with much more dangerous attackers, and solid defence means a formidable midfield is formed with Smith.

No doubt, the heart and soul of the Canes

A five star backline, but maybe a 3,5 star pack. Victor Vito will have to set the tone in general play by making the big runs, getting the offloads away and also contributing in defence and at ruck time. The Canes have some young depth at loose forward, with big, bruising blindsider Brad Shields, opensider Karl Lowe (who had a great performance in the 40-point thrashing of the Sharks), Faifili Levave, Jack Lam, but watch out for the "Not-So-Mini-Bus", Ardie Savea (Julian's little brother), whose Sevens experience makes him such a threat with ball in hand, but makes the big hits required and affects the rucks too. Not the best, but locks Jeremy Thrush and Jason Eaton are good enough to help give you acceptable set piece ball and contribute in the loose. Hooker Dane Coles loose play was great last season, but must improve his technique and contribution in the set piece as well. A big signing in Ben Franks has been made to improve the scrum and to help out the likes of Ben May and Jeremy Toomaga-Allen.

This Is the Season. . . That Ben Franks finally becomes the first choice!
Having moved from Christchurch and away from little brother, Owen, it is time for big Ben Franks to be the premier prop in his team and to not play second-fiddle to anybody. In the Hurricanes, he is granted this opportunity and the chance to play for almost 80 minutes every weekend, as Ben tries to put himself back into All Black reckoning. Franks is a very good scrummager that can play at both sides of the scrum. He also contributes in the tight-loose by hitting rucks, making runs with the ball and making the odd bone-crunching tackle. A player that deserves the chance to be the star, Ben will also improve the Hurricanes in the one area they have a glaring weakness in - the scrum.

Surviving the Hurricanes: Not many teams can live with the Hurricanes if you play helter-skelter rugby (apart from the Cheetahs last season). The tight 5 is still a weak point that can be targeted, as Toomaga-Allen and Ben May are two props that can be put under pressure in the scrum and Thrush and Eaton are not the best of lineout jumpers. The opposition should be highly physical at the contact area, as the loose forward trio might be combative, but is also young and could fold under intense aggression and pressure from the opposition. Counter-rucking, big tackles and pick-up-and-drives will be the order of the day to ensure the backline does not receive good ball. Keep the game tight ad physical in order to expose what is a soft underbelly in the Hurricanes forward pack. Make sure you do not kick the ball down the throats of Savea, Jane and Taylor, unless you like standing under your poles and giving 5 points away

Prediction: 10th (4th in New Zealand Conference)
The fact that the Hurricanes have to play each of their country's sides twice could mean a few more losses than last year, but also now that teams will know what to expect from the team and won't be caught off guard, like last season. The likes of Franks, Vito, Smith, Barrett and Jane MUST stay fit for the Hurricanes to be able to reach the playoff places. But with so many teams gunning for those places, and competition as tight as ever, the Hurricanes might be one of the number of teams left outside of the knockout stages. Can Hammett and the Canes get close to the playoffs again?

Squad: Beauden Barrett, Tim Bateman, Samisoni Fisilau, Cory Jane, Rey Lee-Lo, Alapati Leuia, James Marshall, TJ Perenara, Tusi Pisi, Matt Proctor, Julian Savea, Conrad Smith, Chris Smylie, Andre Taylor, James Broadhurst, Dane Coles, Jason Eaton, Ben Franks, Reggie Goodes, Jack Lam, Faifili Levave, Karl Lowe, Motu Matu'u, Ben May, Mark Reddish, Ardie Savea, Brad Shields, Eric Sione, Blade Thomson, Jeremy Thrush, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Victor Vito. 

Teams that they don't Play: Rebels and Sharks