Super Rugby kicks off tonight with a derby between the Chiefs and the Blues. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at four of the New Zealand teams.
Beauden Barrett
Blues
Last year: 13th
Coach: Leon MacDonald
It is that time of year — optimism abounds in Blues country. There is talk of turning it around, promising players who are going to make a statement and a new first five-eighth in Jack Heighton, who is the next Carlos Spencer. But of course it always comes crashing down and the side ends up losing plenty.
Will this year be any different?
Maybe. Then again maybe not.
The side has signed Beauden Barrett but he is not playing until half the season is over.
To achieve success the Blues have to cut out the dumb errors, play for 80 minutes and win the close ones.
Simple enough, and if the side has won some games when Barrett appears, it could be an encouraging season for the Auckland mob.
Prediction: Eighth.
Damian McKenzie
Chiefs
Last year: Quarterfinals
Coach: Warren Gatland (new)
Things are all rosy at the Chiefs. Warren Gatland is coaching the side and Aaron Cruden, who was the main man when the Chiefs won two titles, has returned from France.
The side has lost Brodie Retallick but has Sam Cane and Luke Jacobson.
Damian McKenzie is back at fullback (although not for tonight’s opener, after suffering a tight adductor in training) where he can roam wide although how he returns from a serious knee injury will be of utmost interest.
For all the positive talk of Gatland, his tactics at times with Wales were one-dimensional and he has not coached in New Zealand for a long time. But still plenty of class in the side.
Prediction: Finalist
Tyrel Lomax
Hurricanes
Last year: Semifinals
Coach: Jason Holland (new)
The biggest question with the Hurricanes is how they replace their best player. Actually, make that their best two players with Ardie Savea out injured for some period.
Tyrel Lomax joins from the Highlanders and is a good addition and there are still some good loose forwards. Hooker Dane Coles may be coming to the end. The backline has some potent performers.
Jackson Garden-Bachop and Fletcher Smith are tasked with steering the ship and, although they are nowhere near the standard of Beauden Barrett, they have some talent. How well they perform may well be key to the season.
Prediction: Fifth
Crusaders
Will Jordan. Photos: Getty Images
Last year: Champion
Coach: Scott Robertson
The Crusaders have lost a few players with the departure of Kieran Read and Ryan Crotty while Sam Whitelock is playing in Japan. But there is still plenty of class. Crotty is the only major departure from the backline which has plenty of star depth.
The forwards are solid and will be led by Scott Barrett while Luke Romano is still lurking around. Owen Franks has moved on but scrum is bound to hold tight.
Hard to bowl on their home ground and have a good knack of winning the tight ones.
Richie Mo’unga will look to dominate many games and it could be the year Will Jordan is tipped to make it into the black jersey.
Prediction: Champion
•A preview of the Highlanders’ chances will come next week.