Three things that need to happen

01 AUSTRALIAN TEAMS IMPROVE

Obviously things can’t go on as they have been otherwise rugby will virtually disappear off the sporting landscape in Australia.

The four remaining Australian teams need to improve their performance and standing. They have to win a few more games than they have and be more credible opponents.

The whole competition is going to be in strife if they don’t.

02 NZ TEAMS ROTATE THEIR PLAYERS

To be fair, coaches have become far better at using their respective full squads. But this year they are going to have to give it even more thought and planning as playing eight local derbies is a huge ask.

There is also no rest period between the last Super Rugby game and the first June test and then the players are straight back into action after the third June test.

It will be super tough and squad management will be key to success.

03 REFEREES STAY ON TOP OF HIGH TACKLING

Adopting a tough, almost zero tolerance policy on high tackling was a big theme last year.

World Rugby were determined to get the contact point lower and so urged referees to penalise any contact with the head.

Mostly referees were strong on that. But what often happens is that a new season starts with a new priority and the older campaigns are dumped.

That can’t be the case this year. Progress is being made in retraining players to tackle lower and without sanctions, it won’t take long before head high shots are being cheered by the crowd and ignored by the officials.