The Super 14 is back and with it comes the usual round of predictions, premonitions and just plain fantasy. The beauty of this competition is that despite what may have been a disastrous campaign last time around a new season is an entirely new proposition, full of opportunity.
In 2009 the Aussie teams' toughest opponent proved to be consistency and time again the big "C" proved a bridge too far. In hindsight, the performance of the four local franchises was a precursor for the international season where the Wallabies' inconsistency led them to their worst finish since 2005.
However, 2010 is a new season and with the annual edition of player musical chairs now complete, let's cast an eye over each of the four Australian provinces and see what lies in store.
Brumbies
Once again, the Brumbies have recruited well in the off-season, to follow on from the key acquisition of Stephen Moore in 2009.
Despite the Waratahs poaching Berrick Barnes from Queensland, the Brumbies have again secured pre-season honours with the luring of Matt Giteau (Force) and Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom (Leinster) to Canberra. They've also brought home Justin Harrison from Bath and have no less than eight frontline Wallabies (and several on the fringe) in what appears the strongest Australian provincial line up in a number of years.
With this excitement come expectation and Andy Friend's side will need to be at the sharp end come May, where a third Super Rugby title could be a distinct possibility.
With 41 points proving to be the threshold to qualify for the semi finals in the past two seasons, the Brumbies will need to hit the ground running in their away fixtures against the Force (Feb 12), before their South African expedition against defending champions the Bulls and the Stormers.
Player to watch: Matt Giteau - returning to Canberra after three years in the West and hoping to re-capture the form that makes him Australia's undisputed best fly-half.
Predicted finish: Finalists
Queensland Reds
Where the Brumbies look to be on an upward trajectory, life does not appear as promising for the Reds, with the landscape for this season again looking barren for the Queenslanders.
The loss of Berrick Barnes to the latte and surfing lifestyle of Sydney's eastern suburbs is a massive blow, not least as the boy from Kingaroy now lines up for their fiercest of rivals - the Waratahs.
Barnes' departure might not have looked so grim with Quade Cooper's strong performances during the Wallabies' spring tour but a bizarre incident involving allegations of burglary has landed Cooper in hot water. How the 21-year old handles the uncertainty over his future remains to be seen.
The Reds though may have an ace up their sleeve in coach Ewen McKenzie, who returns from France, and the former Waratahs mentor gets his dream matchup in round one when NSW visit Brisbane.
While the Reds may struggle to retain their talent, they never have had any problems in producing it. Wallabies Will Genia and Digby Ioane are a potent source of attack, while captain James Horwill will be looking to retain the form that has made him a key part of the Australian pack.
Despite all the wounds the Reds managed to suffer (admittedly many were self inflicted) in 2009 they still have a good shot of toppling their more fancied opponents in what will be a physical derby in Brisbane, before two more home fixtures against the Crusaders and the Blues to kick off the season.
Predicted finish: 12th
Player to watch: Will Genia - the scrum-half's quick wits and electrifying pace around the ruck will be a key feature of the Reds' attack this season.
Waratahs
Finalists in 2008 and pipped at the post for a semi-final berth in 2009, the Waratahs have proven Australia's most successful team in the past two years. With the recruitment of Berrick Barnes to fill what has been a troublesome fly-half position, 2010 may be the year the Waratahs finally capture that elusive Super Rugby title.
Coach Chris Hickey has some interesting decisions to make in his backline, not least at fullback and inside-centre. With Barnes certain to start at fly-half, Hickey has both Kurtley Beale and Daniel Halangahu as second pivot alternatives. At fullback it's a choice of four with Lachie Turner, Beale, Drew Mitchell and former All Black Sosene Anesi all in contention.
Where the backline may have been inconsistent in recent years, the forward pack has been rock solid for the Waratahs. Captain Phil Waugh and No. 8 Wycliff Palu are expert back-row practitioners and a front row of Benn Robinson, Tatafu Polota-Nau and Sekope Kepu will be a match for any team at scrum-time.
Another new face is the two-metres tall, Emerging Springbok Hendrik Roodt, who will join Wallaby Dean Mumm in the new look second row.
Player to watch: Berrick Barnes - He's as Queensland as they come but now finds himself wearing blue. If he settles quickly and can stay injury-free, he could lead the Waratahs to the semi-finals.
Predicted finish: Semi-finalists
Western Force
The transit lounge has been busy for the Force with Wallabies Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell checking out for returns back east. To replace Giteau, Springbok Andre Pretorius has arrived and the veteran will be a steadying influence in a team being rebuilt.
With Matt Dunning and Brett Sheehan also now in Perth, the Force have plenty of Super Rugby experience. Whether that will be enough to reverse their horrible home form will be the determining factor of their season.
Although history is just that. With the Force moving to a rectangular stadium for the 2010 season there is a bounce in the step of the fans, who now won't require binoculars to see the action. It's now up to the players to give their (very) loyal fans something tangible to cheer and a team with the talents of James O'Connor, Ryan Cross and Cameron Shepherd in their backline can certainly provide that.
With the opening match against the Brumbies in Perth before another four home games (and the bye) in the first half of the tournament, the Force need to make best use of their new surroundings, before their three-match South African sojourn begins in week 12.
Predicted finish: 10th
Player to watch: Cameron Shepherd - The forgotten man of Australian Rugby has seen his recent career disrupted by injury. With Robbie Deans' fullback selection far from settled, 2010 may be Shepherd's chance to shine.
Highlanders: Between 1998 and 2002 the Otago based franchise finished at least fifth and featured in four semi-finals. After a fourth consecutive ninth place or lower finish, there is something about this year's current squad that suggests there could be a change of fortunes. It might be too optimistic considering their recent record to say that they will challenge for the title. But with a handful of All Blacks in key positions and a healthy number of the Ranfurly Shield winning Southland team, the Highlanders could be a far more intimidating proposition this year.
After all, the fact that by pure results the Highlanders were the worst New Zealand franchise in 2009 is a little bit misleading.
The team, with fewer All Blacks than any other New Zealand franchise by at least half, and with the second fewest test representatives of any side in the competition, actually had a very good season despite their 11th place finish.
They beat the defending champions, the Crusaders, in a 6-0 shutout.
They smashed the champions elect Bulls 36-12 in one of the most impressive wins of the competition.
Despite suffering nine losses, they only twice lost by more than eight points. Only the Blues and Waratahs inflicted strong winning margins on them, and their close but no cigar results was an illustrious group. The second (Chiefs), third (Hurricanes), sixth (Sharks), seventh (Brumbies) and eighth (Force) placed teams only barely managed to beat the Highlanders.
They finished with a points difference of only -14, well over a 100 points better than the three teams that ended the season below them.
However many coaches would constantly preach a statement that is a well used cliché “rugby is a game of inches.”
Close losses (by inches!) are better than crushing defeats. But a loss is still a loss.
The classic Highlanders game was evident as always, a committed and tenacious side with an honest defensive system and a lot of grit and power up front.
But they do not wield the fantastic squad they had nearly a decade ago.
The famous Otago years where they had the All Black starting front row, and numerous internationals in the loose such as Josh Kronfeld, Taine Randall and Isitolo Maka.
The key difference from then and recent years is that they had as much talent in the backline. Any team that could call on the services of Byron Kelleher, Tony Brown, Jeff Wilson, Pita Alatini and even Brian Lima was always going to be a title threat.
And it is here where one could identify where the Highlanders have struggled slightly. They have lacked x-factor players, test capped footballers or world class players in the backs to give that killer edge.
The men who can often be the difference between an extra five to seven points, an extra points buffer that if the Highlanders had had last year in five matches, they would have finished in the top four.
That is why there is much to enthuse about the Highlanders this year, as there are some key differences this year in personal, both up front and in the backs.
Their squad is a heady blend of Otago based players, and a balanced collection of men from two of the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup semi finalists, both Southland (the current Ranfurly Shield holders and best defensive team in the ANZC) and Hawke’s Bay (the best offensive team in the ANZC).
Up front, the Highlanders will field their typically powerful front row, with Chris King, Clint Newland and Jamie Mackintosh all continuing the tradition of immense Southern props. They will be supported by an outstanding hooking combination of Jason Macdonald and Jason Rutledge.
In the locks, new All Black Tom Donnelly will be supported by a good collection of tall timber, including Southland second rower Joe Tuineau, who joins the Highlanders for the first time. He will be backed by his provincial partner Josh Bekhuis and experienced local lad Hayden Triggs.
In the loose, Adam Thomson, who appears to have finished the year as the starting All Black blindside, will lead a solid back row. Nasi Manu and John Hardie come into the side, while former Sevens star Alando Soakai remains with the team.
Starting All Black Jimmy Cowan remains with the Southerners, with young Sean Romans his understudy.
But the big gain is reliable Hawke’s Bay first five Matt Berquist, one of four magpies within the squad.
In the backs Jason Shoemark will lead a solid midfield, but it is in the three quarters where again the Highlanders look stronger than they have been in some time.
New All Black Ben Smith will be joined by two mercurial and potential future test stars in Robbie Robinson and Israel Dagg, as well as the always exciting Fetu’u Vainikolo. They may form what is overall a young backline, but one that could be the impetus for the Highlanders to make progress up the Super rugby table.
The Highlanders begin their 2010 campaign with a big clash against Southern rivals the Crusaders in Christchurch, before heading back home to play the Blues in Dunedin.
They then travel off shore to play the Cheetahs, Stormers and Bulls in the Republic.
They will return to home comforts to host the Sharks and Lions, before travelling to Mt Maunganui to play the Chiefs. They will play the Western Force in Queenstown before taking their bye.
They then host the Hurricanes, before playing the Waratahs in Invercargill. They finish the season with the Brumbies and Reds in Canberra and Brisbane respectively.
HIGHLANDERS 2010 REBEL SPORT SUPER 14 SQUAD
Jamie Mackintosh, Clint Newland, Chris King, Bronson Murray (D)*, Jason Macdonald, Jason Rutledge, Josh Bekhuis, Tom Donnelly, Hayden Triggs, Joe Tuineau**, Adam Thomson, Alando Soakai, John Hardie**, Tim Boys, Nasi Manu*, Stephen Setephano, Jimmy Cowan, Sean Romans, Matt Berquist (D), Michael Hobbs*, Jayden Hayward, Jason Shoemark (D), Kendrick Lynn, James Paterson**, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Ben Smith, Robbie Robinson**, Israel Dagg.
Todd Blackadder will take his fabulous team into a 2010 campaign again with the pedigree and squad to challenge for yet another title. If the Crusaders could achieve what they have become very accomplished at doing and win another championship, it would be their eighth overall.
Such is their record that they have precisely a 50 percent chance of winning based on their seven titles in the fourteen years of Super rugby competition.
In the professional era, the world has seen some dominant periods from powerhouse provinces and domestic teams. In the North, both Toulouse, Munster and the Leicester Tigers have won multiple Heineken Cups and league titles to stake claims. Closer to home the Brumbies were once the foundation in which the Wallabies built their golden reign a decade ago.
Of course in New Zealand, Auckland still holds a place as quite possibly the greatest provincial team ever with some fantastic title reigns.
But Canterbury in a short amount of time has established a dynasty.
Only on three occasions have they not finished in the top four, and they currently boast a record of eight consecutive semi final appearances. They also have two grand final appearances to go with their seven titles, and hold most of the records that are etched in the annals of Super rugby.
They approach 2010 with a squad that is as strong as ever, with 11 capped All Blacks. Their twin masterpieces of Richie McCaw and Dan Carter will be fit to commence the season, although the New Zealand test captain will be rested in the early stages of the competition.
And all the essential platforms are there.
The province won the Air New Zealand Cup last year, and Blackadder has a year under his belt. Many expected the local legend to struggle in his first year in charge, but he took his side, without the services of many key players, into yet another semi final.
But what makes the red and blacks so dangerous is that they have all of the qualities that many teams will never have, irrespective of all the coaches, personal or money spent.
They know how to win, can peak at the right time, are adept at closing a game out, and play a precision style that is very difficult to overcome. A strategy that puts immense pressure on the opposition - any team that plays the Crusaders know that if they commit mistakes they will be severely punished.
If they were to have a weakness, perhaps it is the fact that they are so used to achieving, that maybe an aberration awaits. Maybe the bubble could burst and a new cycle could begin.
Or so their opposition would hope.
Within the forwards, there will be much interest on their buttressed front row stocks, with Wyatt Crockett and Owen Franks both part of the new breed of the countries test props. Corey Flynn will commence the new season, after making it back into national colours after a horror run with injuries.
In the second row, the Crusaders will have no less than three All Black locks to choose from. There is much anticipation in how Chris Jacks “assimilates” back into New Zealand rugby, but based on his recent performances for Western Province in South Africa, he will quickly settle back in. Brad Thorn, the ageless workhorse, will be a pivotal pack leader, while Isaac Ross will be watched considering he was under orders to get more equipped for the rigours of test rugby.
The back row will be powerful, led by McCaw, and supported by provincial captain George Whitelock and impressive “tank engine” Thomas Waldrom. Kieran Read will be closely monitored, as he is now considered the country’s leading Number eight and will look to continue what has been a meteoric rise in the last two years.
Andy Ellis will look to fight his way back into a crowded national queue, with the Canterbury scrum half one of five players featured at All Black level in the position in the last two years (every New Zealand franchise will feature an test capped number nine). He will be backed up by Kahn Fotuali'i.
At first five, Dan Carter, who will rejoin the Crusaders for the first time since 2008, will be crucial to their campaign. Young Daniel Bowden – the sides only draft players - will back him up.
In the three quarters, Sean Maitland, who had a brilliant season with Canterbury this year, will guide their attacking efforts. Joined by new All Black wing Zac Guildford and standby test player Colin Slade, the Crusaders will also have the services of young Jared Payne who was brilliant for Northland this season.
However, despite the young talent out wide, they will not field as decorated or experienced a backline as other sides in the competition.
The Crusaders will open their campaign with a local derby against the Highlanders. This match will see numerous Canterbury and Southland players cross for the first time since the Southerners famous Shield victory, ensuring a passionate opening to both side’s 2010 seasons.
The Crusaders then travel to Brisbane to play the Queensland Reds, before returning home to play the Sharks and then play another big game clash against old rivals the Blues.
A week later they travel north to play the Chiefs, who usurped them in 2009 as the best New Zealand team in the competition. They will then return home to play the Lions before taking their bye in week seven.
They then play another derby with a big game in Wellington against the Hurricanes, before returning home to host the Waratahs and the Cheetahs.
They then finish the season in challenging circumstances. They will travel to play the Force in Perth, before playing the Stormers in Cape Town and the reigning champions in Pretoria. Their final match of the regular season will be against the Brumbies at home.
CRUSADERS REBEL SPORT SUPER 14 SQUAD
Wyatt Crockett, Owen Franks, Ben Franks, Peter Borlase**, Corey Flynn, Ti'i Paulo***, Brad Thorn, Isaac Ross, Chris Jack***, Sam Whitelock**, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, George Whitelock, Jonathan Poff, Thomas Waldrom, Andy Ellis, Kahn Fotuali'i, Daniel Carter***, Daniel Bowden (D)*, Ryan Crotty, Tim Bateman, Robert Fruean**, Adam Whitelock, Sean Maitland, Kade Poki, Zac Guildford*, Colin Slade, Jared Payne.
Take one look at the Blues roster for the coming season of the Super 14, and one could easily believe that they will be among the title favourites. But unfortunately for the faithful of the Northernmost New Zealand franchise, this has been a reoccurring theme in recent years.
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An All Black tight five, with another test representative in the loose forwards. Potentially a backline stacked with not only one of the up and coming first five eighths in the country, but six All Blacks.
The region historically is the strongest hub of rugby power in the country, but in terms of both winning percentages and titles won, they have been superseded by two other strongholds in Canterbury and Wellington of late.
Auckland, the principle feeder union to the Blues, has won 16 NPC/Air New Zealand Cup titles, and has almost defended the Ranfurly Shield 150 times, three times more than any other side with the exception of Canterbury.
When adding to this three Super rugby titles, one could assume on pedigree alone they will be a threat.
But in the last eleven years of competition, they have only twice made the top four.
Last year was a disappointing season by their lofty standards. Only once did they win two games in succession. Twice they had 50 plus points put on them and finished with the third worst defensive record in the competition. They lost four matches at home, and their list of scalps – Western Force, Stormers, Cheetahs, Lions and Highlanders – is poor reading due to the fact that they were unable to beat a team ranked in the top half of the table.
There was some promise though.
They scored a competition record 12 bonus points, a crucial register throughout the season, and surprisingly finished as the second best attacking team of the year. It was the second consecutive year that the team completed the season with such an outstanding offensive record despite missing the playoffs.
And in this, one can ascertain the simple problem that the team needs to rectify.
Super 14 is built on attacking rugby, but while the best attacking teams often finish near the top of the table, there are other factors that play a crucial part.
These are the basic tenets of rugby.
Precision and accuracy in execution is crucial, for making too many mistakes or unforced errors are a killer in first class rugby. The ability to quickly switch a mindset from attack to defence and vice versa gives a side a championship edge. But most importantly, it is the ability to put the opposition under pressure, either when attacking or defending.
This above paragraph suitably applies to two teams in recent years, the Crusaders and the Bulls, both cold and methodical sides.
So in essence, the Blues need to make sure they hone their ruthless edge.
They are not a lost cause, and can build on their recent seasons.
In 2009 they clocked up more running metres and line breaks than any other side. Their defence (dare we say it when it was “on”) was one of the more physically intimidating defensive systems in the competition.
Clearly the Blues are comfortably when playing flamboyant rugby, but they need to remember that against some of the more drilled and precise operations in the Super 14, they need to play it tight and safe. They certainly have the personal to do so.
But there are plenty of different faces with nine changes from 2009’s squad.
Up front the Blues will be able to roll out an All Black front six.
John Afoa, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock, Ali Williams, Anthony Boric and Jerome Kaino will be the platform in which the three time champions need to rely on, especially in the opening stages of the match and season, when the Blues can historically start too loosely.
Much interest will be on the returning Williams, who missed most of 2009 due to injury, and was New Zealand’s premier lock before missing the back end of the year.
But with so much youth in the Blues squad, the veterans up front will need to take the reins to ensure that the side plays with a specific purpose.
This is especially the case in the back row, with Kaino joined by plenty of new faces including Wellington flanker Serge Lilo (one of three draft players), Aucklander Peter Saili and North Harbour duo Viliami Ma'afu and Tom Chamberlain.
In the halves Taniela Moa is the highest profile omission, but is replaced by one match All Black Alby Mathewson (debuted against Munster). Joining him is first five Daniel Kirkpatrick, with both players moving north from the Hurricanes.
The trump cards for the Blues could be two playmakers, one a high profile draft player and the other a returning All Black.
How Blues coach Pat Lam decides to allocate his axis will be the key. A Brett-McAlister 10 and 12 combination could be a title winning one. With players such as Kirkpatrick and the impressive Benson Stanley adding to their resources, the side won’t be lacking for options.
In the three quarters, there is depth aplenty.
Isaia Toeava will make his return from injury, after having brief periods of excellence when playing for the All Blacks in 2009. Fellow test players Joe Rokocoko, Rudi Wulf and Anthony Tuitavake all have points to prove, and with Rene Ranger and Paul Williams in the mix as well, the Blues will have a verifiable squadron of attacking backs at their disposal.
The Blues begin their season with a huge clash with the Hurricanes at Eden Park.
They then travel away to play the Highlanders, Reds and Crusaders; no doubt these first four matches will make or break the Blues season, but thankfully they have a bye in week five.
They then host the Brumbies, before travelling to Sydney to play the Waratahs.
There will then be three straight games at Eden Park, playing the Bulls, Stormers and Western Force. Home comforts will then be shelved with a three match South African safari, playing the Sharks, Cheetahs and Lions.
They then play the Chiefs in a big clash to finish the regular season.
BLUES 2010 REBEL SPORT SUPER 14 SQUAD
Tony Woodcock, John Afoa, Charlie Faumuina, Tevita Mailau, , Keven Mealamu, Tom McCartney, Anthony Boric, Ali Williams, Kurtis Haiu, Jerome Kaino, Peter Saili**, Serge Lilo (D)*, Tom Chamberlain**, Chris Lowrey, Viliame Maafu** +, Alby Mathewson*, Chris Smylie, Stephen Brett (D)*, Daniel Kirkpatrick (D)*, Luke McAlister***, Benson Stanley, Isaia Toeava, George Pisi***, Rudi Wulf, Anthony Tuitavake, Joe Rokocoko, Rene Ranger, Paul Williams.
Championships aside, there has been no more successful team in Super Rugby as the Hurricanes in recent years, and for one key man involved with the side, this will be the last year that he can hope to break what has been a heartbreaking title drought.
This lack of trophy winning success has had the Hurricanes labelled by some as the perennial bridesmaids of Super Rugby. Alone this may not be the case, but when coupled with the fact that their main feeder province Wellington has had similar fortunes in recent years, it has become a stigma that many locals would dearly love to lose.
Still, even without a sparkling reminder in the trophy cabinet, one cannot take away the remarkable record that the Hurricanes have built in recent years. In the last seven years they have been in the semi-finals five times.
Only two teams have better records over that time.
They are the Crusaders and the Bulls, who hold seven and two titles respectively.
Over the years the team has equalled both the historic strongholds of Auckland and Canterbury, as well as their “super-franchises” the Blues and the Crusaders, as the prominent suppliers of All Blacks.
In fact, since 2003 often the national team has featured more Wellington or Hurricanes based players than any other side.
And in 2010 it will likely be no different.
So we come back to the man who will be with the powerful franchise for just one more season. The coach, who will by season’s end, be only the second man to have overseen a century of games in Super rugby.
Colin Cooper will depart for Taranaki and his move to the famous region comes based largely on the fact that he is a stalwart of the area, and wishes to continue plying his trade in New Zealand. But one wonders if his move from the Hurricanes is a mental ploy, trying one last trick to bring an elusive title to the capital.
Maybe this year, they will be doing it for Coops.
The evolution of the Hurricanes under the former Taranaki forward has been noticeable. They have at all times retained their attacking genius, but have added consistency and the ability to play it with more structure when required.
Certain historic traits, such as weaknesses up front or a tendency to switch off, are things of the past. Hurricanes teams of the past always had tremendous backlines but forward pack’s that were vulnerable to more powerful teams up front.
But with seven past or present All Blacks in the Hurricanes pack, to go with the typically star studded backline, again sees the team approach 2010 as a legitimate title threat.
Up front, the Canes will field an impressive pack.
Neemia Tialata has an impressive back end to this year, after being put on notice by the All Blacks coaches, and the big prop finished the season back at the top of the pecking order. Front line test rake Andrew Hore often is considered arguably the best hooker in the competition, and with hard nuts like John Schwalger, Jacob Ellison and Anthony Perenise in support, their scrum will be the goods.
In the second row, Jason Eaton made something of a comeback this year, but will need to keep impressing with New Zealand rugby suddenly looking flooded with locks. Bryn Evans will look to build on his national call up, while Canterbury lock James Broadhurst will add depth to the second row with always reliable Jeremy Thrush.
In the loose forwards, Rodney So’oialo will be the one to watch.
The warhorse, who has been unchallenged as one of the countries (if not worlds) premier back rowers for so long, saw his position under threat this year, and will look to come out firing on all cylinders.
Scott Waldrom, another player who had an injury interrupted 2009 will look to get back into the national frame. He will be aided by a strong group of loose forwards, with Victor Vito and Karl Lowe both having strong domestic campaigns this year. Add to this incoming Canterbury flank Michael Paterson and Manawatu forward Nick Crosswell, and the biggest challenge for the Hurricanes will be getting their balance right.
Alby Mathewson has departed for the Blues, but is ably replaced by Canterbury number nine Tyson Keats. But All Black Piri Weepu, who missed selection at the end of year tour, will look for a strong season, and will likely remain in his favoured scrum half spot.
This will be largely due to the inclusion of under 20’s world cup winning captain Aaron Cruden, who with reliable number ten Willie Ripia, will see the Canes enter 2010 with two class first fives.
Much attention will be on Cruden, who is being touted for big things.
The outside backs are world class, and there direction could be the winning of the title for the team.
Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith, the starting All Blacks midfield, finished the year as one of the planet’s premier centre combinations, and have the added benefit of new test rep Tamati Ellison and hard hitting Jason Kawau.
Outside of this, Cory Jane ended the season as a starting All Black, while Hosea Gear will look to remind the country of his undoubted talents. New addition Andre Taylor will play alongside David Smith in the three quarters as well.
The Hurricanes kick off their season with a blockbuster clash with the Blues at Eden Park, before hosting the Force and Lions in Wellington.
They then embark on a tricky three match road trip to South Africa, playing the Cheetahs, Stormers and Bulls. They then return home for a double header at home playing the Sharks and Crusaders.
After the bye, they travel to play the Brumbies and Highlanders, before returning home to play the Chiefs and the Reds. Their last match of the season will be away to the Waratahs.
HURRICANES 2010 REBEL SPORT SUPER 14 SQUAD
John Schwalger, Jacob Ellison, Neemia Tialata, Anthony Perenise*, Andrew Hore, Dane Coles, Jeremy Thrush, Bryn Evans, James Broadhurst (D)**, Jason Eaton, Michael Paterson*, Victor Vito, Karl Lowe, Scott Waldrom, Rodney So'oialo, Nick Crosswell**, Piri Weepu, Tyson Keats (D)**, Aaron Cruden**, Willie Ripia, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Jason Kawau (D), Tamati Ellison, David Smith, Hosea Gear, Andre Taylor**, Cory Jane.
This year the Waikato based franchise recorded their best ever result in a Super rugby season. All manner of records were achieved, and although they fell short at the final hurdle, with a powerful squad for the season ahead, there is no reason why they cannot be challengers again.
The year included their second ever qualification for the semi finals, their highest ever table finish, a new record set for consecutive wins, their best ever defensive season, and so the list went on.
In fact, had they finished with just one more point in the final standings, they would have finished top of the log and would have potentially hosted the 2009 Super 14 final.
However, that honour went to the Pretoria based Bulls.
The Chiefs, already buoyant (perhaps too much so?) in achieving so much for the year, travelled to Loftus Versfeld in high spirits. They had just beaten a very powerful Hurricanes unit in their first ever semi-final win, and as sports have often demonstrated, it can be difficult for a team to move onto another achievement after completing such a landmark feat.
C’est la vie! (Such is life).
Mils Muliaina and his team encountered a Bulls side with no less than twelve Springboks in their match day 22, in probably the most intimidating venue in world rugby.
They would start strongly with Leila Masaga scoring the first try, clutching the ball out of the air from none other than rugby’s finest aerial technician Victor Matfield. But this would only serve to provoke a frightening response from the 2007 champions, who would over the next 74 minutes score 61 points and eight tries.
It was quite possibly the finest ever performance seen in Super Rugby.
So the Chiefs will view this season with a positive state of mind despite the rude awakening from the cold and efficient South African Bulls.
They know that they can mix it with the best of them, but the key is too approach the new season with the same work ethic and approach that suited them last season. One only has to take a fleeting glance at the other squads to know that at least half of the teams in the 2010 season are capable of threatening for the title; and at least two or three of them are from New Zealand.
But the Chiefs are a consistent group, and despite only reaching the semi finals twice in the 14 years of Super rugby competition, in seven of the tournaments the Waikato based lads have finished in the top six.
Ian Foster, who many believe is on the right track for higher honours as a coach, oversaw a brilliant campaign last year. He also co-coached the Junior All Blacks, and if he could take his flamboyant outfit one step further this year, he would cement his position as one of the leading New Zealand coaches.
A “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” approach will probably be taken, with the region knowing too well that when their open attacking game works, it is difficult to counter.
The real only point of interest will be whether or not the region takes a slightly more conservative slant to their rugby. 2009 highlighted the need for a team to be able to play pragmatic and patient rugby if required, and as the All Blacks themselves discovered early in the year, sometimes all out attack simply cannot work.
But by the same token, Foster will want to abide by the truism that a game plan needs to suit the personal, and when looking at the Chiefs roster, it certainly a team that is designed to play rugby.
The Chiefs have a very local feel about them, only brining in one player – Jarrad Hoeata – in via the New Zealand draft system. Seven new players have been introduced to the team, and many of them, including Counties back Tim Nanai-Williams and Bay of Plenty loose forward Luke Braid, give the squad a more even look.
Up front, there is reasonable depth, with six past or present All Blacks located within the pack, and plenty of promising players, such as tight forwards Romana Graham and Culum Retallick.
Key will be for their forward pack, with some new test players and some experienced heads, to make sure they realise how much work they have to achieve if the Chiefs are to compete in 2010.
Every collection of forwards in the other four New Zealand squads looks immensely capable. When also taking in the pseudo Springbok packs of the Bulls and the Sharks, and the simulated Wallabies forward units of the Brumbies and the Waratahs, it puts into perspective what the young Waikato tight five and back row need to achieve.
Especially if their star studded backline is to be utilised.
Potentially, the Chiefs could wield a full All Black backline, and when adding to this the fact that they again have the services of stalwarts such as Dwayne Sweeney and Callum Bruce, the potential for the 2009 finalists is endless.
Key will be who Ian Foster relies on to play at number ten, with Mike Delany and Stephen Donald both test first five eighths. The question will probably be whether or not an All Black sits on the bench, or whether one of them is shifted to second five.
Of further interest is the fact that Muliaina will miss the opening three weeks of the competition, so it will be interesting to see who covers the second most capped All Black and captain as the competition commences. This period will be crucial, as traditionally the Chiefs struggle in the early stages of the tournament.
Richard Kahui will also be fit and ready for the new season.
The Chiefs will start their season on the road, being thrown straight into the Lion’s den with a match against the Sharks in Durban, followed by the Lions in Johannesburg and the Force in Perth.
They will then return home for their first match in front of the Waikato faithful in round four against the Queensland Reds, before hosting the Canterbury Crusaders.
They then take their bye in week six.
They will travel to play the Brumbies in Canberra, the Highlanders in Mt Manganui, and then host the Stormers and Cheetahs in Hamilton. They travel in week twelve to play the Hurricanes in the capital, before travelling to Sydney to play the Waratahs.
Their last regular match of the season is a derby against old rivals the Blues.
CHIEFS SQUAD FOR 2010 REBEL SPORT SUPER 14
Nathan White***, Ben Afeaki**, James McGougan, Sona Taumalolo, Aled de Malmanche, Hika Elliot, Kevin O'Neill, Craig Clarke, Callum Retallick**, Romana Graham**, Jarrad Hoeata (D)**, Liam Messam, Tanerau Latimer, Luke Braid**, Sione Lauaki, Colin Bourke, Brendon Leonard, Junior Poluleuligaga** +, Stephen Donald, Mike Delany, Callum Bruce, Jackson Willison, Richard Kahui, Lelia Masaga, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Dwayne Sweeney, Tim Nanai-Williams**, Mils Muliaina.
On the eve of the new Super 14 season, our South African correspondent Stephen Nell assesses the chances of his country's franchises.
Stormers
They're always over-hyped, but the arrival of Bryan Habana and Jaque Fourie may well see the Cape-based outfit deliver on their promise in 2010. Much was expected last year after an impressive 2008, but a host of injuries and poor tactical decisions by the coaching staff - they started the season running from all positions on the field and ended in a conservative dead end - put paid to their hopes. Allister Coetzee will coach them this year, though Rassie Erasmus is still very much hands on as a senior professional coach (read director of rugby) in the background.
Western Province's successful Currie Cup campaign inspires confidence, though the quality of the opposition in South Africa's domestic competition is questionable. As such, one would not like to offer too many bold predictions about what the impressive front row of Wicus Blaauw, Tiaan Liebenberg and Brock Harris will be able to achieve against Australia and New Zealand's best. Habana and Fourie will provide serious gas among the three-quarters, while they have proven quality up front in lock Andries Bekker, hooker Liebenberg and flanker Schalk Burger.
A new kid on the block to look out for is centre Juan de Jongh, who made his Springbok debut on South Africa's end-of-season tour. The key question is whether they have the depth in the front row to carry them all the way through.
Bulls
They've lost Bryan Habana to the Stormers, but that should not prevent them from mounting a strong challenge. Superstar that Habana is, he was part of a brilliant system and never a one-man show. They have a quite brilliant lineout headed by Victor Matfield, while the halfback pairing of Fourie du Preez and Morné Steyn was a dominant force on the world stage last year. Even so, the champions could struggle to replicate their success of 2009.
Springbok lock Bakkies Botha will be missing for a large chunk of their campaign, while they are also unlikely to have their fortress of Loftus Versfeld available should they make it to the semi-finals as it is a venue for the soccer World Cup. The big factor in their favour is their winning culture. They were outplayed by Western Province in last year's Currie Cup semi-final at Newlands, but the winning habit proved decisive and Steyn landed a magnificent kick to carry them into a home final.
One major concern is their scrum. It's traditionally a strength, but was badly exposed in the Currie Cup. They simply don't have quality at tighthead prop. Steyn also started showing signs of exhaustion on South Africa's end-of-season tour. He and Fourie were both overplayed last year, so hopefully they last the distance.
Sharks
The year started with a mammoth setback when Argentine fly-half Juan Martin Hernandez was ruled out for the entire campaign with an injury. Hernandez did nothing hugely impressive in the Currie Cup and one never got the impression his arrival was money well spent, but the injury has left coach John Plumtree in a bit of a quandary and looking for a new No 10. Ruan Pienaar is, of course, an option, but is also struggling with an injury and the Sharks may start their campaign with Monty Dumond at fly-half. And, even when Pienaar is available, it's a well-known fact that he prefers to play scrum-half rather than the position Springbok coach Peter de Villiers earmarked for him in the national set-up.
The Sharks' biggest strength is the quality of depth they have available in their front row through the likes of John Smit, Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis and Deon Carstens. But Smit and Bismarck du Plessis were seriously overplayed last year and are courting injuries on their current course. New signings Louis Ludik (fullback/wing) and Willem Alberts (No.8/flanker) should add a lot of value, though they are still engaged in contractual disputes with the Lions similar to the one that eventually saw Jaque Fourie released to move to Western Province.
Cheetahs
Last year they had the worst draw imaginable and it showed on the log. However, they still managed victories over the Crusaders and Sharks, proving that you can never write them off in one-off games. History also shows that they are never a factor in Super Rugby and the reason for this is quite simple - they spend as much time and energy as other major unions into contracting and developing the cream of South Africa's young talent, but don't have the financial muscle to hang onto them.
Griquas' impressive form in the Currie Cup, together with the Cheetahs' run to the final, suggests that there is more depth than usual. Keep an eye out for Springbok sevens star Robert Ebersohn and winger Bjorn Basson as newcomers among the backs. They also have some decent front-row forwards with the likes of Wian du Preez, Coenie Oosthuizen, Adriaan Strauss and WP Nel. Heinrich Brüssow and Juan Smith also provide proven class at loose forward. All in all, it looks promising for the Cheetahs to have their best season for some time, though a lack of real star quality all round means it's still unlikely to make them contenders.
Lions
The once proud union is stuttering and they have bled their best players due to loopholes in their contracts. Star men such Jaque Fourie, Willem Alberts and Louis Ludik have all decided that they have had enough. It is believed that improvements are on the cards with former Springbok lock Kevin de Klerk having been installed as president of the Golden Lions Rugby Union, but it may take time.
Dick Muir's appointment as coach should also inspire confidence, but the Springbok assistant coach does not have much quality in the playing ranks at his disposal. The signing of former All Black fly-half Carlos Spencer on a reported expensive two-year contract is indicative of a desperate recruitment policy. They've also brought in injury prone Springbok wing Tonderai Chavhanga and Blue Bulls castaway No.10 Burton Francis. The better signings are probably the Griquas duo of loose forward Jonathan Mokuena and lock Jacques Lombaard. They could be strong in the front row with Heinke van der Merwe and Kevin Buys as props, but generally there's just not enough quality. They may well finish rock bottom.
Super 14 preview
Super 14 preview
