Super start with big guns blazing

RUGBY

Liam Napier What better way to open the Super Rugby season.

As Tana Umaga once said, ‘‘it’s not tiddlywinks.’’

In nine days, New Zealand’s two favoured contenders kick off arguably the world’s pinnacle provincial competition at Eden Park, where playoff goals take on grand importance – immediately.

The blockbuster first-up clash between the Blues and Crusaders should whet the appetite of an expectant rugby public still buoyant over World Cup success.

Jovial moods marked the official launch at Auckland’s Rainbow’s End yesterday but, giving your biggest local challenger a legup in the season-opener is not an ideal scenario. Smiles will soon turn to grimaces.

No disrespect to the Chiefs, Highlanders and Hurricanes, but, on paper, the Blues and Crusaders are a cut above in depth and class.

Expect them to lead the quest to wrestle back the title snaffled by the Queensland Reds and further assert New Zealand’s global dominance of the oval-ball code.

In the corresponding fixture last season, also in the first round, the Blues rallied against most predictions to stun their southern rivals 24-22 in a classic battle that belied skill levels normally associated with opening matches. More of the same, please. The seven-time champion redand-blacks have consistently set the bar in this country. No-one has come close to replicating their team-driven culture of success.

But with talisman Dan Carter missing until late March and Richie Mccaw’s foot injury keeping him out of action until April, Todd Blackadder’s men are likely to be underdogs against the settled, All Black-laden Blues.

Pat Lam’s side, with former Hurricane Piri Weepu at the helm, fancy their chances of claiming New Zealand’s No 1 mantle.

Many feel it is time they delivered on their pedigree.

‘‘We made good improvements last year but this year we’ve got to make the final and win it. That’s going to be the goal, to take the competition,’’ All Black lock Antony Boric declared.

Mccaw was well aware that finishing top of your conference allowed home security and made for an easier finals pathway.

‘‘You’ve got to be qualifying top of your pool to get at least one home playoff to give yourself a chance, because travelling is pretty tough,’’ he said.

‘‘If you’re going win it, you’ve got to get that sorted.’’

Outside of our two heavyweight franchises, Dave Rennie’s newlook Chiefs could be the surprise package, with 13 new recruits.

While the acquisition of Aaron Cruden and Sonny Bill Williams highlight their electric backs, scepticism resides around their green tight-five.

The Highlanders are facing an injury crisis, including five midfield casualties.

But if Jamie Joseph’s mental toughness again pays dividends and Hosea Gear gets enough quality ball, they will be competitive.

And while everyone expects very little from the raw, depleted Hurricanes, new captain Conrad Smith is confident his young brigade will display fighting qualities.

Mark Hammett’s voice now has no detractors within the team.

Having cleared the decks, the second-year head coach has the chance to prove that his moun- tains of critics were wrong.

All squads will have to dig deep into their talent pool across the 18-week regular season.

The three-test window in June is another challenge, with player management set to become an increasingly hot topic.

‘‘Timing your run and keeping your players fresh is a big part of being successful,’’ Mccaw agreed.