Auckland Blues
Perennial underachievers, this year looks like they may finally make the step-up, with shrewd backline signings Ma'a Nonu, Pirri Weepu, and the return of Rudi Wulf. My only doubt over their backs, as talented as they look, is whether or not Weepu really has what it takes to provide the necessary direction at 10, or if it will be yet another season of flattering to deceive. Weepu is a classy 9 but a standard fly half, and this I fear will be their undoing. A pack including the likes of Kaino, Braid, Williams, Boric, Mealamu and the barnstorming Charlie Faumuina will always provide good front-foot ball, but whether this will equate to tries is another question entirely. Rene Ranger will no doubt have another season of two good games/one bad, and whilst a centre partnership of Benson Stanley and Nonu will take some doing to get past, with Weepu alongside it lacks options.
Expect the Blues to start, as ever, strongly, but fade as the business end of the season is approached. Surprising to say, but I do not think they will make it past the conference, making it another year of disappointment.
Player to watch: Charlie Faumuina
An absolute bull of a prop, who invariably leaves a trail of bodies behind when he gets his hands on the ball. Expect All Blacks recognition soon.
Canterbury Crusaders
The classy Crusaders will always be in the mix for the title, and expect this season to be no different. An ever-strong front 8 will provide ample base for Carter (once fit) and rookie Tyler Bleyendaal to get those outside him firing, and it looks like it will be a case of who can stop them....the answer to which is not entirely clear!
They will only get stronger as the tournament progresses, with the return of Dan Carter and Richie McCaw provoking much envy and jealous looks for Todd Blackadder from his opposition coaches, although McCaw may have his work cut out getting his 7 shirt back from the hugely impressive Matt Todd. It would not surprise me if McCaw finds himself at 6, with Todd continuing where he left off in 2011. This pairing, along with Read, the barrelling Wyatt Crockett and the resurgence of Tom Donnelly mean the Crusaders are in safe hands up front for this season.
So, the big question is, do they have a weakness? For me, the main issue will be in the centres. Robbie Fruean is a serious game breaker but lacks the more subtle skills required to pick the lock of the tightest of defences, whilst the return of Ryan Crotty in place of Sonny-Bill Williams means the Crusaders will be down on their offloading capabilities, instead having a more a steady hand at 12. Will this pairing provide a cutting edge? We shall see.
Progression for the Crusaders is inevitable, and I expect them to finish top of the New Zealand conference. They will take some beating and are once again going to be the team to beat.
Player to watch: Matt Todd
Maybe an obvious call, but this guy has the lot. Speed, hands, is imperious in the tackle and his work at the breakdown is already up there with the best. Another destined for the All Blacks this season, and if he does indeed push McCaw to 6, then you know he must have something special.
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