SUPER SIX

FOX SPORTS EXPERT AND WALLABIES GREAT TIM HORAN NOMINATES SIX PLAYERS TO WATCH THIS SEASON

Jordan Petaia

Club: Reds. Age: 18

Tim says: As long as he doesn’t get second-year syndrome, Petaia will probably be rated one of the most outstanding talents we have seen for the past 10 years. Became the youngest ever debutant in Super Rugby last year, at 18 years, 24 days.

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto

Club: Reds. Age: 22

Tim says: Formerly Lukhan Tui, he played a couple of games for the Wallabies and got a really good taste for it. He took a break at the end of the season for family reasons. Salakaia-Loto should be, I believe, the No.6 for the Wallabies at the World Cup.

Tevita Kuridrani

Club: Brumbies. Age: 27

Tim says: Kuridrani has got the passion back and will want to try to reclaim the No.13 gold jersey. Kuridrani had a number of injury problems last season and his return is a major boost for the Brumbies. Breaking the lines is one of his big strengths and if he does that, the Brumbies will have a top season.

Jack Dempsey

Club: Waratahs. Age: 24

Tim says: Dempsey played the last couple of internationals for the Wallabies at the back end of last year after a season out with injury. He has got the taste for the game again and will want to keep that flanker’s spot for the World Cup.

Damian McKenzie

Club: Chiefs. Age: 23

Tim says: McKenzie was deservedly named the Super Rugby player of the season last year. He’s such an expansive player, you want to watch the Chiefs. I’m expecting him to light up Super Rugby again this season.

Akira Ioane

Club: Blues. Age: 23

No.8 Ioane was outstanding for Auckland in the Mitre Cup tournament last season. He looks like being one of the rising stars who can help change the culture at the Blues.