BRUMBIES
Last year: Won 12, lost 2, beaten 34-20 by Blues in semifinal.
Coach: Stephen Larkham (third year, second stint).
Key forward: Rob Valetini is right at the top of his game. He led all Super Rugby with 176 carries last season. The bruising loose forward also just won the John Eales Medal for a second straight year — and if the Wallabies star fires, the Brumbies are hard to stop.
Key back: Tom Wright, the classy outside back, is the predictable pick because he is so darn good. But Noah Lolesio is the real key. He needs a big year at No 10.
One to watch: They call David Feliuai the ‘‘Romanian Rumbler’’ and the centre, one of the many players to seek fresh colours after the collapse of the Melbourne Rebels, can be damaging.
Chances: The Brumbies have a tough early draw — they have to go to Fiji and play both the Blues and the Chiefs inside the first month — and they have developed a niggly habit of coming up just a little bit short. But there is strength and stability there, and Larkham will look to his big-game players to negotiate any hurdles.
Meikle’s prediction: Beaten finalists.
REDS
Last year: Won 8, lost 6, fifth, beaten 43-21 by Chiefs in quarterfinal.
Coach: Les Kiss (second season).
Key forward: Fraser McReight is an elite openside flanker in his own right. When you link him with Harry Wilson and Liam Wright? Woosh.
Key back: Tom Lynagh is still just 21 but you feel this is the year he will prove he offers more than just his father’s last name.
One to watch: At 28, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is no greenhorn, but the classy lock is an outstanding pick-up for the Reds following the Rebels’ collapse. He also brings second-row partner Josh Canham with him.
Meikle’s prediction: Fourth.
FIJIAN DRUA
Last year: Won 6, lost 8, seventh, beaten 36-5 by Blues in quarterfinal.
Coach: Glen Jackson (replaces Mick Byrne).
Key forward: New co-captain Tevita Ikanivere is a powerhouse at hooker and loves to snuffle his way to the tryline.
Key back: Every good team needs a good No 10, and in Caleb Muntz — no relation to Nelson — the Drua have found their man. He was outstanding in Fiji’s win over Wales in Cardiff. If he goes cold, rising youngster Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula showed last year he has all the skills.
One to watch: Mesake Vocevoce is just 21 but has quickly established himself as a lock to watch. He was the Drua’s rookie of the year in 2024, and made his test debut. Grew up idolising the Crusaders, which is problematic, but has a nice blend of power and skill.
Chances: The good news is a bright new coach has a very stable squad packed with power, explosive attacking ability and experience. Oh, and the Drua had the best scrum in the competition last year and were second for defenders beaten. Oh, and Peni Ravai arrives from the Reds to bolster the front row, and halfback Frank Lomani and midfielder Iosefo Masi are still around. The bad news is that while the Drua are near-invincible at home, they are virtually incapable of winning away from home. They were dead last in tackle percentage last year, too.
Meikle’s prediction: Ninth.
FORCE
Last year: Won 4, lost 12, 10th.
Coach: Simon Cron (third year).
Key forward: Flanker Carlo Tizzano not only has a snazzy name but is an absolute tackling machine. He had 240 last season — a staggering 32 more than the next man.
Key back: Ben Donaldson has a tidy all-round game at first five and will be eager to shine with a view to playing for the Wallabies against the Lions.
One to watch: Former Highlanders midfielder Sio Tomkinson has landed out west after a couple of years in Wales.
Chances: Mixed, to be kind. The Force are in a cycle of roster turnover, and depth remains a concern. The biggest issue last season was their limp attack — they ranked last in carries, defenders beaten and offloads. Could be a nuisance team if their internationals stand up.
Meikle’s prediction: 11th.
MOANA PASIFIKA
Last year: Won 4, lost 10, 11th.
Key forward: Hmm, tough one. Jokes. Moana Pasifika made the biggest splash in the offseason by convincing All Blacks superstar Ardie Savea to leave his beloved Hurricanes. Savea can do it all, but this will be the biggest challenge yet for the magnificent loose forward.
Key back: Let’s keep it in the family. Former All Blacks winger Julian Savea will turn 35 this year but he can still be a formidable presence. He played 12 of Moana’s 14 games last year, and racked up 227 post-contact metres as a midfielder. Short story: he is big and hard to stop.
One to watch: Solomon Alaimalo is no rookie — he turns 30 this year — but it will be interesting to see how he goes on his Moana Pasifika debut after a brief Highlanders career and a spell with the Wests Tigers in the NRL.
Chances: One of the trickiest teams to predict. Moana Pasifika have gone last, last and 11th in their first three years of existence, and were last in tries, last in clean breaks and last in metres gained last year, with the worst lineout to boot. So there’s that. But Jackson Garden-Bachop and Pone Fa’amausili are good signings, and former Highlanders Seilala Mapusua and Alando Soakai have bolstered the coaching staff. And how much better will Ardie make everyone?
Meikle’s prediction: 10th.
WARATAHS
Last year: Won 2, lost 12, 12th.
Coach: Dan McKellar (replaces Darren Coleman).
Key forward: Taniela Tupou is the star recruit as he joins his third Super Rugby team following the demise of the Rebels. If he stays fit and motivated, the big prop is just about the best in the business.
Key back: Andrew Kellaway is another Rebels refugee — though he had already signed for the Tahs before confirmation Super Rugby and Melbourne were getting a divorce — and he brings sizzle and experience to the back three.
One to watch: Chances are you have heard about Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i. The NRL convert has already played for the Wallabies before his Super Rugby debut. Let’s see what all the fuss is about.
Chances: The only way is up, obviously. The Waratahs might have claimed the wooden spoon last year but four of their losses were by three points or fewer. The influx of Rebels players, including outstanding loose forward Rob Leota, will help them rise several places.
Meikle’s prediction: Eighth.
