By Jim Kayes
It is less than two weeks since the country celebrated winning the Rugby World Cup, with the afterglow of world cup glory providing a perfect chance for rugby to capitalise on New Zealanders’ re-found love for the game.
But many were not there to hear the announcement of Super Rugby’s new teams today.
As Blues CEO Andy Dalton made his team known there was no skipper present, neither of the two new signings, no World Cup All Blacks, and even the coach was spared - Pat Lam is in Argentina with Chiefs counterpart Dave Rennie who named his team via email.
The All Blacks are expected to front for January's pre-season training, though injuries will obviously delay some.
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder said he hopes Dan Carter will be fit for January.
“But his availability might not be the start of super rugby, it could come at the end of February early March.”
And Richie McCaw's return from probably foot surgery will not be rushed.
“What will be really key for us is that he takes whatever time he needs to get that foot right, rather than just try and get it right for super rugby. Whatever it takes to get it right because I know it was a very frustrating season for him,” said Blackadder.
A frustrating season awaits Hurricanes fans though the starless team's captain-in-waiting at least made today's team launch.
“We've got challenges off the field as well as on and that's why I talk about a culture shift within the side and we're probably going to have to reconnect with fans that have been disillusioned, but I just know there are a lot of good people working for this team and eventually that hard work will pay off,” said Conrad Smith.
The hard work is already paying off for the Highlanders who have snared England loose forward James Haskell.
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