SUPER RUGBY TEAM GUIDE
Get to know the 12 teams taking part in the new Pacific tournament
Coach Leon MacDonald
Squad news Beauden Barrett’s Japan sabbatical is over but Patrick Tuipulotu, plus fellow locks Gerard Cowley-Tuioti and Jacob Pierce, have headed the opposite way. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is the big-name arrival from league.
Key player With second-row resources depleted, the signing of veteran Luke Romano, 35, from Crusaders is crucial. Prediction Fourth
Coach Scott Robertson
Squad news Prop Michael Ala’alatoa is now at Leinster, but the Crusaders, who have won five titles in five years, have retained the rest of last season’s starting line-up. Argentina flanker Pablo Matera is the major recruit.
Key player Super Rugby Player of the Year for the past two seasons, Richie Mo’unga is the Crusaders’ conductor. Prediction Champions
Coach Dan McKellar
Squad news Jesse Mogg returns after half a decade in France while Chris Feauai-Sautia switches from the Reds. Expect Nic White to continue to be an important mentor for Noah Lolesio.
Key player Wallaby full-back Tom Banks is the major threat in attack. He topped the charts for tries, carries, breaks and metres in Super Rugby AU last year. Prediction Fifth
Coach Clayton McMillan
Squad news This will be an emotional season for Chiefs following the tragic death of Sean Wainui. Other regulars in Damian McKenzie and Lachlan Boshier have left, but Brodie Retallick is back and Josh Ioane joins from Highlanders. Key player Sam Cane has hardly played for Chiefs for two years due to injury. He’ll be eager to show his talents. Prediction Second
Coach Mick Byrne
Squad news There’s a mix of local Fijian talent, sevens stars and players joining from overseas clubs in the team for their first campaign. Keep an eye out for Olympic champions Napolioni Bolaca, Kalione Nasoko and Meli Derenalagi. Key player Fiji hooker Mesulame Dolokoto will be vital in this new team developing a solid set-piece. Prediction Seventh
Coach Jason Holland
Squad news Ngani Laumape, Vince Aso and Vaea Fifita are notable departures, while the returning Owen Franks is out long term with an Achilles injury. Dom Bird adds experience at lock while fellow All Black TJ Perenara is back from Japan. Key player Ardie Savea’s influence for the Canes and All Blacks continues to grow, wherever he plays in the back row. Prediction Sixth
Coach Brad Thorn
Squad news Minimal movement at last year’s Super Rugby AU champions sees only Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Bryce Hegarty and Moses Sorovi leaving. A familiar name amongst the arrivals is teenage ten Tom Lynagh, son of Michael. Key player Props don’t often get hailed in this category but the power of Taniela Tupou is crucial in the tight and loose. Prediction Third
Coach Kevin Foote
Squad news Marika Koroibete is a big loss while another Wallaby outside back, Dane Haylett-Petty, has been forced to retire. Isi Naisarani has left too, while Matt Philip is back from a stint in France. Key player Carter Gordon is a rising star at ten but Matt Toomua’s input from midfield will be critical, both in guiding the youngster and rallying the Rebels. Prediction 12th
Coach Darren Coleman
Squad news After a winless campaign last term, the biggest signing is Coleman as coach. New prop Ruan Smith is set to become the first player to represent all five Australian Super Rugby sides.
Key player Michael Hooper spent 2021 in Japan but is back at the Waratahs. The Wallabies skipper has unwavering high standards and is the ultimate link player. Prediction Ninth
Coach Tony Brown
Squad news A third of the starting XV from the Trans-Tasman final – Ash
Dixon, Josh Ioane, Michael Collins, Siate Tokolahi and Kazuki Himeno – have all departed, while Pari Pari Parkinson will miss the entire season with injury and Jona Nareki is also sidelined.
Key player Aaron Smith – talismanic both as a scrum-half and a leader. Prediction Eighth
Coach Aaron Mauger
Squad news Sekope Kepu and Christian Lealiifano are the headline signings for this debut season but Samoa and Tonga internationals feature too, as do a host of up-and-comers. They will play home games at Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium. Key player Former All Black Mauger wants his side to show courage, power and flair. Step forward Samoa’s Jack Lam. Prediction Tenth
Coach Tim Sampson
Squad news Most of the Test experience brought in last year has gone, Tomás Cubelli, Tevita Kuridrani and Rob Kearney amongst the departures. Of the arrivals, Australia lock Izack Rodda is a coup and look out for Fiji wing Manasa Mataele. Key player Feleti Kaitu’u made his Wallabies debut last year and brings plenty of dynamism at hooker. Prediction 11th