JAMES LAWLER
Last updated 05:00 07/11/2013
James Lawler runs the rule of the New Zealand Super Rugby squads and their prospects for the 2014 season.
Blues
Last season: 10th
prediction: 9th
Captain: Daniel Braid
Losses: Ali Williams, Anthony Boric
Gains: Tony Woodcock (Highlanders), Jerome Kaino (Panasonic Wild Knights) Ma'a Nonu (Highlanders)
Analysis:
The Blues welcome a couple of key players back to the forward pack, which will add vital exeprience. Prop Tony Woodcock and loose forward Jerome Kaino will add balance to the forwards so expect the Blues to be more dominant up front in 2014.
The big additions in the backs are Ma'a Nonu and Benji Marshall. Can Nonu finally have a solid Super Rugby season at long last? And can Marshall live up to the hype and expectations following his code switch from the Wests Tigers in the NRL?
Chiefs
Last season: Champions
Captain: Liam Messam
Losses: Lelia Masaga, Craig Clarke,
Gains: James Lowe (Tasman), Tom Marshall (Tasman), Mils Muliaina, Liam Squire (Tasman), Mathew Symons (Canterbury), Carl Axtens (Bay of Plenty), Nick Barrett (Southland), Tavita Kolomatangi (Tasman), Jamie Mackintosh (Southland), Robbie Fruean (Canterbury)
Analysis:
Chiefs have probably got the most depth of any of the franchises. Their versatilty is arguably their strength this season, but it's whether or not they can keep going. The signing of the season has to be Tom Marshall who can play pretty much anywere in the backline. His ability to read play is exceptional. It's bizzare how the Crusaders have let him slip through their fingertips. Robbie Fruean - can he finally show what he is all about? And we welcome back Mils Muliaina who is a great servant of New Zealand rugby.
Hurricanes
Last season: 11th
Prediction: 6th
Losses: Karl Lowe, Ray Lee-Lo
Captain: Conrad Smith
Gains: Mark Abbott (Hawke's Bay), Hadleigh Parkes (Auckland), Marty Banks (Tasman), Cardiff Vaega (Southland)
Analyis:
The Hurricanes will make the top six in 2014 (this is coming from a Crusaders' supporter). They are a well balanced team, different to your usual Hurricanes' side.
Coach Mark Hammett has gone with pretty much the same squad of last year but what I like about this squad is that he has signed hard working players and a bit of class to boot. I think Marty Banks will be the signing of the season and I hope he has a strong season like many predicting he will, but will he get game time.
I'm disappointed that Ihaia West has not been snapped up by a Super Rugby franchise. I thought that he would be signed by the Hurricanes. It will be a far more stronger Hurricanes team than in previous years I expect a few twists this season with a couple of big scalps.
Crusaders
Last season: 3rd
Prediction: 1st
Losses: Tom Marshall, Robbie Fruean
Gains: Nemani Nadolo (Japan), Ray Leo Lo (Counties), Nafi Tuitavake (North Harbour), Colin Slade (Canterbury)
Captain: Kieran Read
Analysis:
The Crusaders have a well balanced team and a foward pack chock full with All Blacks. 2014 will this be the year they finally win amnother tittle. With 27 players returning from last season and the hunger to win their eighth title (and first since 2008) driving them there is no question the Crusaders could go all the way next season.
Highlanders
Last season: 14th
Prediction: 7th
Losses: Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock, Hosea Gear, Ma'a Nonu, Kade Poki
Gains: Kurt Baker (Tarinaki), Willie Ripia (Bay Of Plenty), Jed Robinson (Melbourne Rebels)
hey you forgot Winston Stanley (Western Force)
Analysis:
The Highlanders will do well this season despite everyone else backing against them. Expect them to have a superb season. I believe they will be one of the dark horses of the 2014 Super Rugby competion. Expect a few shock upsets.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff-nation/...pects-for-2014
