Ken Borland

The more things change the more they stay the same in Super Rugby, with three less teams but the same lousy conference format that means some teams don’t play the top contenders and we could still see a side hosting a quarterfinal despite earning many fewer points than their opposition. Added to this is the fact that more than half (eight) of the franchises will make it through to the play-offs, and it is clear that this is a competition without much credibility.

Be that as it may, a Lions unit that still has the core of their successful playing staff together will be hoping that usual service continues and they once again make it through to the final, but this time with a different outcome, of course.

The Lions still look a powerful outfit, strong up front and with plenty of exciting backs, plus they know what it takes to succeed in the toughest competition in world rugby.

But in order to go that one step further this year, they are obviously going to have to deal with the immense challenge of the New Zealand teams. And being able to win over there is going to be the most crucial aspect of the competition.

After a nice run of games in South Africa, the Lions play the Hurricanes and Highlanders in New Zealand, and those games in May will be the key part of their campaign.

The Kiwi teams are obviously still the ones to beat, but the challenge of the Australian franchises should not be underestimated due to the concentration of their resources in just four franchises. Conference winners New Zealand: Crusaders South Africa: Lions Australia: Brumbies Conference winners New Zealand: Hurricanes South Africa: Sharks Australia: Waratahs