The men from across the Tasman

Brumbies

Coach: Stephen Larkham

Key forward: Blindside flanker

Scott Fardy.

Key back: Midfielder Kyle

Godwin.

Glass half full: Always a contender, bright and energetic coach, solid tight five, bit of a fortress at home. Glass half empty: Shred a load of experience, missing key players all over the park, dull style which doesn’t cut it against top teams.

Last year: Quarterfinals. Prediction: 11th.

Force

Coach: Dave Wessels.

Key forward: Lock Adam

Coleman.

Key back: Outside back Dane

HaylettPetty.

Glass half full: Good loose forward trio, solid enough support, financially more sound after new deal with naming sponsor.

Glass half empty: Consistent underachiever, little flair and not enough Xfactor players, sitting on the chopping block and the axe is swinging.

Last year: 16th.

Prediction: 16th.

Reds

Coach: Nick Stiles.

Key forward: Hooker Stephen

Moore.

Key back: First fiveeighth

Quade Cooper.

Glass half full: Reloaded with

some big names returning, plenty of class in important areas, still got a real core of support.

Glass half empty: Always seem to have injured players, best years behind some of the returning stars.

Last year: 15th.

Prediction: Quarterfinals.

Waratahs

Coach: Daryl Gibson.

Key forward: Flanker Michael

Hooper.

Key back: Fullbackcentre

Israel Folau.

Glass half full: Plenty of class, gets South African trip out of the way early, monstrous forward pack, flying wingers.

Glass half empty: Injuryprone,

lack a decent halfback, promise much yet rarely deliver.

Last year: 10th.

Prediction: Quarterfinals.

Rebels

Coach: Tony McMahon.

Key forward: Lock Lopeti

Timani.

Key back: Midfielder Reece

Hodge.

Glass half full: Starting to develop some real steel in the pack, quality insideback pairing, good set of loose forwards

Glass half empty: Inconsistent, lack belief, not much depth when injuries arrive and they do. Last year: 12th. Prediction: 13th.