Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:09a.m.
Every Super competition has thrown up questions and this year’s final instalment of the 14-team tournament is no different.
Leading the way is whether the teams are able (and willing) to embrace the push to play attractive rugby. And if they do, will the crowds return? Or are most people happier watching the games on the telly? Battling the traffic to get to the construction zone that is Eden Park comes a distant second to sitting at home on the couch with a couple of beers and no need for the babysitter.
Of interest too will be what impact the tinkering (again) with the laws around the break down and how they will be interpreted has on the game.
As for the teams, can the Chiefs repeat last year’s effort of making the final for the first time – and even go one better and win the title? They are without skipper Mils Muliaina for the first three weeks but need to shake their reputation as poor starters and return from the trip to South Africa and Perth with at least two wins.
And what of the Blues? They’ve been dreadful underachievers for too long and desperately need some success this year, but will Stephen Brett and Alby Mathewson solve their problems at first five and halfback?
Mathewson is a lively player with a good pass but he’s inexperienced. Brett can be a talented attacker, but has lacked consistency and is a defensive liability. The loss of Ali Williams is also significant.
Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper has done a superb job of turning the franchise into one that consistently makes the playoffs, but they are yet to show they have the ability to win the competition. Many think Aaron Cruden’s arrival will change that – but that’s a big ask of a young and inexperienced player. It’s also intriguing that Rodney So’oialo has passed the captaincy to Andrew Hore in an effort to resurrect his own game after Kieran Read overtook him with the All Blacks.
This is Cooper’s final year with the ‘Canes – their fans will be hoping the ever popular coach’s departure will provide added motivation.
At the Crusaders they are looking for Zac Guilford to develop even more as potentially our best wing while lock Isaac Ross has plenty to prove after he was sensationally left at home to bulk up when the All Blacks went on tour last November.
With Williams again injured, Ross has everything to play for.
Another lock of interest in Christchurch is Chris Jack. He was on the decline when he left New Zealand after the 2007 World Cup so it will be a remarkable reversal if he plays well enough to interest the All Black coaches.
The Crusaders have dominated the Super competitions to the point where last year, despite never really setting the world on fire, they still made the playoffs. That was without Daniel Carter. He’s back so expect the seven-time champion to be as powerful as ever.
Further south the Highlanders have a decent starting XV but will need them to stay fit for the duration of what is a gruelling competition. Even then, the Highlanders are probably mid-table at best.
Across the ditch the Waratahs are promising to play attractive rugby – which would make a nice change - while the Brumbies shape as Australia’s best hope with the return of Matt Giteau and former Wallaby lock Justin Harrison, and the recruitment of the outstanding Rocky Elsom.
While in South Africa all Kiwi eyes will be on Carlos Spencer and whether he still has the old magic now he’s with the Lions. The Bulls will miss Bryan Habana and might discover that teams have worked out how to counter their simple, forwards’ based game plan.
The Stormers look okay on paper – but then they always do – but the Sharks loom as the team to beat from the Republic. They are full of Springboks, have a good draw, and are superbly coached by Kiwi John Plumtree and Chris Boyd.
Without a game having been played, I’ll boldly tip the Crusaders and Hurricanes, with the Sharks, Brumbies, Chiefs and Blues pushing hard to join them.