Highlanders

RECRUITMENT BALANCE

Not quite neutral because the loss of Lima Sopoaga is significant and while Marty Banks and Bryn Gatland are both good players and the former experienced and mature, they aren't quite in the same class as the man they are replacing.

And as everyone knows, first-five is a critical position in Super Rugby. No side has ever won a title without a high quality No 10.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT TACTICALLY?

The Highlanders are the best team in the competition at adapting week by week to mould their game to the opposition they are facing.

They do their research and analysis better than most and they subtly change the emphasis of their game every time they play.

They can work their kicking game, they do fast and wide and they have a pack that can storm up the middle.

GUT FEEL – RISERS OR FALLERS?

We made the mistake last year of being a bit dismissive of the Highlanders and we won't do it again. Whatever they lack in star quality they make up for with sheer grit and will power and they are a team that 'finds a way'.

Aaron Mauger was such a clever player and astute tactician and with a year of head coaching experience behind him, we imagine he'll 'find a way' to improve the Highlanders.

WHERE WILL THEY FINISH?

It's hard not to imagine the playoffs looking much like they did last year. The Highlanders are going to be in there – not in the top category, but somewhere in the region of fourth to eighth.