Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:09a.m.
By Jim Kayes
Will the new format excite the fans? The logic makes sense. More derbies should mean more interest because, lets be honest, it’s more exciting for Kiwis to watch the Blues tackle the Crusaders rather than the Cheetahs, just as Australian like watching the Reds and Waratahs bash each other to bits and the South Africans thrill to their domestic demolitions. But will it be enough to get the crowds heading back to the stadiums – in New Zealand at least.
Can the Bulls make it stampede number three? Back-to-back winners of the Super 14, they’ve been a tough side to beat in Pretoria and a revelation on the road. One other team’s completed a three-peat and the Crusaders will be contenders again this year – especially if Richie McCaw and Daniel Carter and fit going into the playoffs.
Who will be the first big-name casualty? Already McCaw, Tom Donnelly and Colin Slade will miss the first six weeks of the competition. There will be more injuries, and who and when could decide the eventual champion.
Is Sonny Bill Williams the real deal? He impressed for Canterbury and was okay against modest opposition for the All Blacks, but ‘Money Bill’ Williams will be up against the world’s best midfield in the SuperRugby. His form is one of many fascinating sub plots.
Who will be Dan’s deputy? Colin Slade is already injured, but Aaron Cruden, Stephen Donald and Mike Delaney are fit and fighting what’s probably a five way battle to be Carter’s back up if Luke McAlister is include. Sure he wants to play at second five and will (no surprise here) miss the opening round with concussion, but McAlister is a mug if he doesn’t think his best chance at making the All Blacks isn’t as a goal kicking first five.
And what about Richie? Who will be his deputy at the All Blacks? It won’t be Scott Waldrom or Tanerau Latimer, but it could be Adam Thompson or, perhaps more likely, Daniel Braid. But what about Liam Messam? The great Michael Jones thinks he has the athleticism, speed and power to be a good international openside but he will better suit the Chiefs as No8. The roughies are both at the Crusaders – George Whitelock or Matt Todd.
Can Ali Williams re-find his form? The Blues lock was one of the best in the world before his Achilles problems began two years ago. Can he get back there? The Blues desperately need him too and he’d be a handy addition to the All Blacks World Cup squad.
Can the Blues rediscover their mojo? Champions in 1996 and 997, losing finalists in 1998, New Zealand’s biggest franchise has rarely been sighted in the playoffs apart from when Graham Henry returned to the coaching staff in 2003 and they collected their third title. The Blues have 14 former and current All Blacks so there is really no excuse for them not to be in the hunt in June – but they’re probably not good enough at first five to be champions.
Will the referees cope? It’s a longer season and their stocks are not flash, so the top referees will be asked to control a lot of games. How they cope with the extra work could have a massive impact on the competition because history shows that when we near the bottom of the refereeing barrel this go a bit wonky.
Who of last year’s Kiwi stars will shine again? Step forward Israel Dagg, Rene Ranger, Jerome Kaino, Alby Mathewson and others, and show us you know how to back up. You can play with competition structures as much as you like but it’s the players who pull in the fans so fellas, it’s time to start earning you pay cheques.