Otago Highlanders
Consistently, New Zealand's also-rans. Each season they appear capable of causing a few surprises, yet struggle to maintain any form over the course of the tournament. They have recruited well, bringing hardened hooker Andrew Hore and the devastating Hosea Gear from the Hurricanes, as well as James Haskell, who could well prove to be a revelation in the southern hemisphere.
A backline featuring Colin Slade, Siale Piutau, new addition Tamati Ellison, Kade Poki, the aforementioned Gear, and Ben Smith should really be challenging for progress from the conference, but a questionable pack means it's likely they will once again be failing to challenge for honours. They have some good players in the front eight, but there is a clear lack of depth. The updated format of Super 15 means the season is considerably more attritional, and those teams who do not have a decent bench are likely to suffer at various points throughout the season, and this, unfortunately, includes the Highlanders.
They will beat some heavyweights, and expect to see some exciting rugby when they meet the Chiefs in round one, but these boys will find themselves staggering towards the end of what is due to be another frustrating season for Otago's finest.
Player to watch: Tamati Ellison
A silky smooth centre/wing/full back, who's had previous Super 15 experience with the Hurricanes. Capped for the All Blacks, his return to this level is long overdue - has deceptive turn of pace and has something of the Conrad Smith's about him. It all looks very easy when he has his hands on the ball, and expect Ellison to provide some direction and calmness alongside Slade and the dancing feet of one of last season's shining lights, Siale Piutau.
Waikato Chiefs
Losing finalists in 2009, the Chiefs seem to have fallen by the wayside over the past two seasons, failing to realise the potential that their squad suggests. With Ian Foster gone, Dave Rennie and Wayne Smith are now tasked with trying to light the tinderbox that could well see the Chiefs finally take it up a couple of notches and push on to challenge the Crusaders, and with the squad currently possessed in Waikato, it looks like 2012 may well be the year.
Despite losing Sivivatu, Donald, and the briefly resurgent Tana Umaga, the Chiefs have recruited well, bringing in Aaron Cruden and Sonny Bill Williams. If they can keep Richard Kahui fit, expect a centre partnership that will be tearing down trees every weekend and can hopefully provide the explosive Lelia Masaga with all the ammunition he needs to continue running in the tries.
Any doubts over the threat of this team mainly stem from their frustratingly inconsistent pack. The tight five at times gets bullied off the park, leaving a back line oozing ability to kick their heels and make the most of whatever scraps come their way. The likes of Liam Messam, Craig Clark, Scott Waldrom, and the powerful Friz Lee will need to step up if the Chiefs want to push for honours.
Despite this, I have a sneaky suspicion that this could well be season of the Chiefs realising that undoubted potential. The pack should hopefully overcome their difficulties now Wayne Smith is in the camp, so expect this team to be dark horses. My (outside) tip for the title.
Player to watch: Lelia Masaga
Probably the most dangerous winger in the Super 15, Masaga has deceptive power for someone of his height, and also a serious pair of rocket boosters. His ability to beat players one on one is superb, and every year seems to have his own try of the season competition, regularly running in some extraordinary five pointers. With fellow twinkle toes Tim Nanai-Williams in support, the Chiefs have some serious firepower out wide.
