Fantastic five: Big names behind the eagerly-awaited kick-off to a new era
AUCKLAND BLUES
IT’S BEEN 17 years since the Blues tasted success in Super Rugby.
Graham Henry’s class of 2003 was a stellar squad, containing teak-tough forwards such as Keven Mealamu and Xavier Rush, the maverick brilliance of Carlos Spencer at out-half along with sublime finishers such as Doug Howlett, Joe Rokocoko and Fijian sensation Rupeni Caucaunibuca.
Almost two barren decades have followed since. Time and again, the Blues have flattered to deceive with a revolving door policy in recruitment and coaching tickets.
Now, they finally look ready to reach their undoubted potential.
The coaching team of former All Blacks Leon MacDonald and Tana Umaga is getting the best out of a talented young group, ably led by lock Patrick Tuipulotu (right) who is growing into a real leader. The arrivals of Beauden Barrett and Dan Carter – who have five World Player of the Year awards between them – add real star power to a youthful back line, rich in promise. Their squad depth will be severely tested by this marathon 10-week campaign, but the Blues could be real bolters in this tournament. SUPER RUGBY TITLES: 3 KEY PLAYER: Patrick Tuipulotu
ONE TO WATCH: Mark Telea
WAIKATO CHIEFS
THE scene of Ireland’s 60-0 humiliation at the hands of the All Blacks in 2012, Stadium Waikato in Hamilton is the home of the Chiefs and it is an imposing venue when filled with their die-hard fans who like nothing better than to ring cow bells from the stands during home games.
And there is plenty of excitement about this current ‘Mooloos’ squad.
Warren Gatland once scored a try against the Lions in 1993 when he lined out for Waikato at hooker and the former Wasps and Wales head coach has returned to where it all began this season.
Gatland is running the show at the Chiefs before he takes a year out to focus his attention on the 2021 summer tour of South Africa as Lions head coach.
For now, he is overseeing a talented roster of players.
The Blues may be able to call upon the likes of Beauden Barrett and Dan Carter but the chiefs have Aaron Cruden and the brilliant Damian McKenzie.
They also have newly-appointed All Blacks captain Sam Cane (right) on board.
Brodie Retallick, who is on a sabbatical in Japan, will be sorely missed in the front five but there is no shortage of grunt in the Chiefs pack with Nathan Harris, Nepo Laulala and Lachlan Boshier in the forwards. SUPER RUGBY TITLES: 2 KEY PLAYER: Sam Cane
ONE TO WATCH: Pita Gus Sowakula
WELLINGTON HURRICANES
LOSING Beauden Barrett, arguably the best player in the world, was a major blow for head coach Jason Holland, but the Hurricanes can still call upon front-line All Blacks such as Dane Coles, Ardie Savea and TJ Perenara (right). Ngani Laumape is a wrecking ball of a midfielder in the Ma’a Nonu mould and looks primed to leave his imprint on the Test scene in the coming years.
This is Holland’s first season in charge of the Wellington outfit after John Plumtree – who worked under Joe Schmidt in the early days of his Ireland tenure – was promoted to Ian Foster’s new All Blacks coaching ticket.
Before the season was suspended in March, the Hurricanes were beginning to hit their straps and were playing some thrilling rugby. There has been plenty of excitement about their pacy hooker Asafo Aumua for quite some time as well.
The sight of full-back Jordie Barrett lining up against his brother Beauden on the opening weekend should be fascinating.
SUPER RUGBY TITLES: 1
KEY PLAYER: TJ Perenara
ONE TO WATCH: Tyrel Lomax
CANTERBURY CRUSADERS
THE undisputed kings of Super Rugby, the Crusaders have been the standard bearers in New Zealand rugby for the past two decades.
Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson has led the Christchurch outfit to a three-peat of titles since he took the top job and the Crusaders will be hot favourites to land this forthcoming domestic tournament as well.
Robertson has lost some key personnel with talismanic No8 and World Cup-winning All Blacks skipper Kieran Read hanging up his boots after lifting the Webb Ellis Cup, while world class second row Sam Whitelock is also on sabbatical.
Still, the Crusaders have a superb track record when it comes to identifying young talent and fast-tracking them into Super Rugby.
Take Richie Mo’unga (right), Sevu Reece and George Bridge, for example. All three became fully fledged All Blacks within 12 months last year.
And they still have a fearsome pack containing Joe Moody, Codie Taylor and another Barrett brother, Scott.
SUPER RUGBY TITLES: 10
KEY PLAYER: Richie Mo’unga
ONE TO WATCH: Will Jordan
OTAGO HIGHLANDERS
A BIT like Connacht in this part of the world, the Highlanders are a mixture of local talent and castaways from other provinces who have arrived in Dunedin with a point to prove.
For so long the poorer cousin of their illustrious rivals, the Highlanders made a major breakthrough in 2015 when they won the Super Rugby title, beating a starstudded Hurricanes side on their home turf in Wellington for good measure.
The fact they achieved that feat with players like Aaron Smith (right) and Waisake Naholo – who were deemed surplus to requirement at other franchises – made it all the sweeter.
The same format remains to this very day. What the Highlanders lack in star power, they make up for in team spirit and endeavour.
They also have an excellent coaching team with former All Black Aaron Mauger running the show while Tony Brown, who was part of the Japan coaching team which downed Ireland at the World Cup, is on the backroom team.
SUPER RUGBY TITLES: 1
KEY PLAYER: Aaron Smith
ONE TO WATCH: Chris Kuridrani