As we approach the start of another season of super rugby, it's time to take a look at the leading contenders for the title, the men under pressure, the new All Black potentials and those men within the franchises who are most under pressure.
Blues:
Who To Watch- Charles Piutau, explosive power from the back, will add a lot to the Blues backline this year.
Key Men- Ali Williams, new captain looking to prove himself, Coaching Staff need to also show they are the ones to get the Blues out of their current turmoil.
Under The Most Pressure- Whole team, all coaches. Need to turn it around from an awful 2012.
New All Blacks- Probably none, Piutau MAYBE if he has an absolute blinder but unlikely.
Placing- Middle of the table most likely, not likely to contend strongly for the title.
Chiefs:
Who To Watch- Sam Cane, no Richie this year. Enough said, needs a massive season. Also the comeback of Richard Kahui.
Key Men- Cruden and Kahui. Direction from No.10 and power in the midfield from Kahui, also key on D.
Under The Most Pressure- Anscombe, dropped from Blues so needs to prove himself again. Whole team needs to back up for title defence, again Sam Cane needs to prove himself as the right man to take over McCaws No.7 jersey.
New All Blacks- Nanai Williams potentially, has to have a blinder. Spot open on the wing now due to Cory Janes ACL. Tawera Kerr-Barlow likely to be dropped unless he does something freakishly good.
Placing- Probably top 3
Hurricanes:
Who To Watch- TJ Perenara- look for him to stake his claim for an All Black call up in June, also expect another big season from Andre Taylor and Victor Vito.
Key Men- Midfield, experience of Conrad Smith and Tim Bateman will be vital to the Hurricanes attack, look for a big year from all the backs, back three will need to step up in the absence of Cory Jane.
Under The Most Pressure- Mark Hammett. Needs a really strong season from his men, showed potential last year but fell away towards the end of the season. Need the consistency all year. Also TJ Perenara, been talked up a lot over the off season so needs to repay the faith showed in him.
New All Blacks- TJ Perenara a likely contender, also Tim Bateman if he has a blinder, injury to Benson Stanley opens the door for a new midfielder.
Placing- Top end of the table, could push into top 5.
Crusaders:
Who To Watch- Andy Ellis- wants his black jersey back, expect him to go up another gear from 2012. Matt Todd- same as Sam Cane, no Richie so expect a big season from Todd, will look to challenge Cane for the All Blacks No.7 jersey.
Key Men- Kieran Read and Dan Carter. Crusaders will rely on their experience and expertise. With no McCaw the Crusaders need another big season from these two.
Under The Most Pressure- Todd Blackadder. Needs to win a title. Enough said.
New All Blacks- Matt Todd if he outplays Cane, reserve spot in AB's up for grabs also. Recall for Andy Ellis, he deserves it. Tom Taylor, big maybe! Needs a huge season!
Placing- 1 or 2
Highlanders:
Who To Watch- Colin Slade- wants to be back in black after several injuries. Interested to see how he goes with consistant game time all year.
Key Men- Tight five, need to make the most of the experience they have there, especially with Brad Thorn. 9,10,12 combo of Smith, Slade and Nonu will be crucial to their attack game.
Under The Most Pressure- Colin Slade under pressure to perform, Nonu under pressure to actually play well at super rugby level as well as test level. Also Jamie Joseph to get them higher up on the table and actually consistently win games.
New All Blacks- Possible recall for Colin Slade.
Placing- Somewhere in top 6
Battle To Back Up Dan:
There will be several contenders who will want that second first five spot in the All Blacks. Slade from the Highlanders, Taylor from the Crusaders, Barret from the Hurricanes, Cruden from the Chiefs. Steve Hansen is certainly spoilt for choice here;
My Pick:
Dan Carter
Aaron Cruden
New Era For Read:
Kieran Read will be having a busy old time in 2013. Not only is he taking over the captaincy of the Crusaders but he will most likely take over for All Blacks in their June tests against France. He'll have to make sure he keeps his standards high with his own performance now that he has the added responsibility of the captain's armband. Surely no issue for Read though, he's an experienced campaigner who has captained the Crusaders on many occasions before. Expect him to slip into the Captains role with ease.
Eventual Winner:
I'm picking it'll be number 8 for the red n blacks.
Crusaders to take it out in 2013.
