AT A GLANCE

A good year for: Sonny Bill Williams and Liam Messam at the Chiefs, while Aaron Smith put his hand up for the All Blacks halfback berth with his high-speed, slick passing performances for the Highlanders who again tailed off after a strong start to the season.

A bad year for: The Blues under Pat Lam, who finished last in the New Zealand conference and 12th overall, prompting Lam’s sacking as coach.

Crystal ball gazing: The Chiefs without Sonny Bill and the Crusaders without Richie McCaw will have a tough haul to repeat their top-four efforts. Plenty of attention will focus on how a new-look Blues outfit performs under the twin knights – Sir John Kirwan and Sir Graham Henry.