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With the 2013 Super Rugby season to start soon, TRF_darwin, TRF_nickdnz and TRF_Ezequiel are trying to break down the strengths and weaknesses of the 15 teams. Today, TRF_nickdnz takes care of the New Zealand conference.
2012 Record: 4 Wins, 12 losses (32 Points) - 12th Overall
This poor finish has resulted in the dismissal of head coach Pat Lam, who has since found a position as head coach of Irish team Connacht. Pat Lam's replacement as head coach is the recently knighted Sir John Kirwan, who will look to bring youth and enthusiasm into the three time Super Rugby winners. The makeup of the team is considerably different than last years, with many of the high profile players joining other franchises, and Kirwan looking to create a side to build upon. With expectations of improvement of New Zealand's largest franchise high, Kirwan and the team will have their work cut out for them going into this season. One of the big positives for the Blues is the signing of another recently knighted, 2011 Rugby World Cup winning coach Sir Graham Henry, who will hopefully improve the Blues defence as defense coach and technical advisor.
Additions / losses:
The Blues turnover of players this season means the squad will go into the season with a largely unsettled lineup. Major losses to the team include All Blacks Daniel Braid (released), Ma'a Nonu (to Highlanders), Tony Woodcock (to Highlanders), Jerome Kaino (to Toyota Verblitz), Isaia Toeava (to Cannon Eagles), Rudi Wulf (to Toulon), Benson Stanley (to Clermont), Alby Mathewson (to Western Force), as well as first choice fly half Gareth Ansombe, who was originally left out of the Blues squad and subsequently joined the Chiefs despite later being offered a position in the squad. The loss of eight All Blacks and a turnover of 24 players in a squad of 32 means that the Blues will have a fresh start, but will have to work quickly to settle as a squad in order to get off to a decent start - and the loss of so many All Blacks and experienced players makes this a very difficult task.
In terms of new players, the Blues have been busily recruiting in the off season and the squad will feature many new names to Super Rugby. Of the experienced players, Callum Retallick will join the squad from the Highlanders, and depending on the fitness of Anthony Boric may well start. Another Highlanders player in Chris Noakes will join the squad as a fly half, and will battle out for the starting position with Super Rugby debutant Baden Kerr from Counties Manuaku. Several young players from last years New Zealand U20 squad will join the squad such as promising young prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi and U20's captain Bryn Hall.
Strengths:
- New coaching staff.
- Exciting possibilities in midfield and back three.
- Improved fitness from starting halfback.
- Solid line-out
Weaknesses:
- Lack of depth in all positions
- Lack of tested players.
- New captain without leadership experience.
- Untested and inexperienced 1st 5/8ths.
2013 Squad
Props: Charlie Faumuina, Tom McCartney, Tim Perry, Angus Ta'avao, Ofa Tu'ungafasi
Hookers: Keven Mealamu, Quentin McDonald, James Parsons
Locks: Ali Williams (c), Anthony Boric, Cullum Retallick, Ronald Raaymakers, Liaki Moli
Loose forwards: Luke Braid, Peter Saili, Brendan O'Connor, Kane Barrett, Steve Luatua
Halfbacks: Piri Weepu, Jamison Gibson-Park, Bryn Hall
First-five eighths: Baden Kerr, Chris Noakes
Centres: Rene Ranger, Jackson Willison, Francis Saili, Malakai Fekitoa
Wingers: Frank Halai, Waisake Naholo, George Moala
Fullbacks: Charles Piutau, Marty McKenzie
Top XV: 1. Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 2. Keven Mealamu, 3. Charlie Faumuina, 4. Ali Williams (c), 5. Anthony Boric, 6. Steve Luatua, 7. Luke Braid, 8. Peter Saili, 9. Piri Weepu, 10. Baden Kerr, 11. Frank Halai, 12. Francis Saili, 13. Rene Ranger, 14. Waisake Naholo, 15. Charles Piutau
The bottom line:
With a largely unsettled squad full of Super Rugby rookies, it is unlikely the Blues envision themselves making the playoffs this season. Most likely their goal will be to finish better than last season and to develop their squad for the future. A concern for the Blues will be depth as well as inexperience in key positions, and for this reason it is unlikely that the Blues will deliver anything more promising than a step in the right direction this season. Predicted finish: 12th
2012 Record: 12 wins, 4 losses (64 points) - 2nd Overall (Super Rugby champions).
2012 marked the most successful year for the Waikato based franchise, winning Super Rugby for the first time their history. A hard working forward pack and an exciting and dynamic back-line, resulted in the Chiefs winning a home final against the Sharks 37-6, at Waikato Stadium. While several factors contributed towards the teams success, it was evident that the work by newly appointed coach Dave Renee was crucial in turning the underachieving franchise into a winning team. Employing a fast paced running game and tight defense - courtesy in part of former All Blacks World Cup winning backs coach Wayne Smith - saw the Chiefs franchise winning 12 of their 16 games.
Several key players from last season have left the franchise, most notably Tongan international prop Sona Taumalolo and All Black inside center Sonny Bill Williams. Despite these losses, the bulk of the squad has remained intact with the same coaching staff, and captains in Craig Clarke and Liam Messam. The Chiefs will certainly be looking to repeat last seasons performance and win the competition. Because of the caliber of the team and coaches, not making the playoffs would be an unlikely, bitter disappointment.
Additions / losses:
As previously mentioned - the two major losses for the Chiefs are Sonny Bill Williams and Sona Taumalolo. Sona Taumalolo's form last season was terrific, with the dynamic front rower scoring 9 tries last season alone, having a knack for finishing tries near the opposition line, while at times showing rare speed and athleticism for a big man. His scrumming ability also came on in leaps and bounds last season, combining with Ben Tamiafuna to form a formidable scrum. Fortunately the Chiefs are reasonably well stocked in the front row department, with Tameifuna, Ben Afeaki and Toby Smith all very capable props. The loss of Sonny Bill Williams has many Chiefs fans predicting a considerably less successful season. The charismatic and much hyped Sonny Bill Williams will be returning to the NRL after a stint playing in Japan. Sonny Bill Williams played a key role last season with the Chiefs, being used to gain meters in the midfield while opening gaps for team mates. He ran the most meters of any player with ball in hand last season, so the Chiefs may have difficulty finding a proficient replacement.
The additions to the side are less likely to inspire excitement to the Chiefs fans in comparison to the two losses, however Dave Renee has clearly been looking to build depth in key positions. Bundee Aki (in from Counties Manukau) and Charlie Ngatai (from Hurricanes) have been brought in to try and fill the hole in the midfield left by Sonny Bill Williams. Bundee Aki has had a very successful season with Counties Manukau, playing an important role in their promotion from the Championship to the Premiership of the ITM Cup. He plays a different type of game than SBW, relying on quick footwork rather than pure strength. Ngatai moves to the Chiefs after several seasons at the Hurricanes where he was largely kept on the bench or injured. Ngatai is a reasonably well rounded inside center who can also play at fullback. In the forwards, the Chiefs look to hard working utility forwards in former All Black Ross Filipo and Highlander Nick Crosswell - both capable at either lock or loose forwards. The highest profile signing is arguably former Blues fly half Gareth Anscombe - who was a shock omission from the Blues side. The young play-maker is a very capable goal kicker and is growing more and more capable at running a game. His involvement maybe crucial to the Chiefs success, with star play-maker Aaron Cruden having to play every game last season.
Strengths:
- Depth in most positions - largely settled squad from last season
- Good half back pairing
- Dangerous back three
- Hard working forward pack
- Good coaching team
Weaknesses
- Unsettled midfield
2013 Squad:
Props: Ben Afeaki, Josh Hohneck, Solomona Sakilia, Toby Smith, Ben Tameifuna
Hookers: Hikawera Elliot, Mahonri Schwalger, Rhys Marshall
Locks: Craig Clarke (c), Brodie Retallick, Romana Graham, Michael Fitzgerald, Ross Filipo
Loose forwards: Liam Messam (c), Fritz Lee, Nick Crosswell, Tanerau Latimer, Sam Cane
Halfbacks: Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Brendan Leonard, Augustine Palu
First-five eights: Aaron Cruden, Gareth Anscombe
Centres: Richard Kahui, Bundee Aki, Charlie Ngatai
Wingers: Lelia Masaga, Patrick Osborne, Asaeli Tikoirotuma
Fullbacks: Robbie Robinson, Tim Nanai-Williams, Andrew Horrell
Top XV:
1. Toby Smith, 2. Hikawera Elliot, 3. Ben Tameifuna, 4. Craig Clarke (c), 5. Brodie Retallick, 6. Liam Messam (c), 7. Sam Cane, 8. Nick Crosswell, 9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 10. Aaron Cruden, 11. Tim Nanai-Williams, 12. Andrew Horrell, 13. Richard Kahui, 14. Lelia Masaga, 15. Robbie Robinson
The bottom line:
Expectations from the Chiefs are likely to be very high this season. It is difficult to target any real weakness areas in the current squad, however the loss of Sonny Bill Williams will certainly ask more from the rest of the squad to continue from their form last season. The team has retained the bulk of their competition winning squad, so the team certainly have the capacity to win the competition - whether or not they can do so is yet to be seen. Predicted finish: 1st
2012 Season: 10 wins, 6 losses (57 points) - 8th Overall
Despite only finishing one place higher last season than the previous, there is enthusiasm among Hurricanes fans that this seasons team will make the playoffs for the first time since 2009. Last season started with most Hurricanes fans baying for the blood of new coach Mark Hammett, after he fired captain Andrew Hore and star center Ma'a Nonu. Regardless Mark Hammett eventually won the hearts and minds of New Zealand's capital, by delivering a season which saw young and inexperienced talent put on occasional moments of brilliance - finishing the season in strong form and only one win away from making the playoffs. With such a young group starting their second season the reason for optimism is well placed - however in arguably the most competitive conference a spot in the semi-final is far from guaranteed.
An important area the Hurricanes will look to improve on is their work over the ball and retaining field possession. Despite the good results last season, much of the Hurricanes 489 points (the most of any team in 2012), came off the back of counter attacking from long range. Improving possession will be crucial if they plan to make the playoffs this season. Another area which they are looking to improve on is in the scrum - an area which at times looked like a problem area for the Hurricanes, however the form of Jeffery Toomaga-Allen in the ITM Cup as well as the addition of Crusaders prop Ben Franks should go some way towards helping.
Additions / losses:
Unlike the previous season, which saw the Hurricanes lose 11 All Blacks, the Hurricanes have kept a majority of their squad intact with no losses to the regular starting team. Taranaki prop Michael Bent discovered he's actually Irish and thus left the side to pursue an international career with Ireland and Leinster. The loss of Jayden Hayward and Charlie Ngatai somewhat slims the depth of the Hurricanes midfield. As usual the biggest losses in the Hurricanes signings usually occur because a lack of talent identification, with several promising young players missing out on contracts despite belonging to the region - and thus sign with the Highlanders. The other possible loss comes in the form of All Black winger Cory Jane. While still contracted with the squad, it is looking likely that injury to his ACL will keep him out for the 2013 season. This loss may significantly damage the Hurricanes chances, as their back three was a vital part of the Hurricanes success last season.
The major addition to the Hurricanes franchise comes in the form of Ben Franks. The All Black props left the Crusaders in order to get more regular game time and to specialize at loose-head. The 28 year old will offer invaluable experience to a young front row, and should help to turn the Hurricanes scrum into a weapon rather than a liability. The other exciting addition to the Hurricanes comes in the way of Ardie Savea. The 19 year old loose forward joins the squad after an impressive season with Wellington in the ITM Cup. Younger brother of Hurricanes and All Blacks winger Julian Savea, Ardie Savea is unlikely to get significant game-time - however will likely be used as a developing player. James Marshall takes the place of Daniel Kirkpatrick, with his versatility in covering fly half, inside center and fullback to an effective degree being a real asset.
Strengths:
- Good 8, 9, 10 pairing.
- Exciting outside backs
- Improved scrum
- Effective and creative midfield
Weaknesses:
- Still lack in significant depth
- Possible season ending injury to Cory Jane
- Forward pack still possibly lacking grunt
2013 Squad:
Props: Ben Franks, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Reggie Goodes, Ben May, Eric Sione
Hookers: Dane Coles, Motu Matu'u
Locks: Jason Eaton, James Broadhurst, Jeremy Thrush, Mark Reddish
Loose forwards: Victor Vito, Brad Shields, Karl Lowe, Jack Lam, Faifili Levave, Ardie Savea, Blade Thomson
Halfbacks: TJ Perenara, Chris Smylie, Samisoni Fisilau
First-five eighths: Beauden Barrett, James Marshall, Tusi Pisi
Centres: Conrad Smith (c), Tim Bateman, Rey Lee-lo, Alapati Leiua
Wingers: Julian Savea, Cory Jane, Matt Proctor
Fullbacks: Andre Taylor
Top XV:
1. Ben Franks, 2. Dane Coles, 3. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 4. Jeremy Thrush, 5. Jason Eaton, 6. Brad Shields, 7. Karl Lowe, 8. Victor Vito, 9. TJ Perenara, 10. Beuaden Barrett, 11. Julian Savea, 12. Tim Bateman, 13. Conrad Smith, 14. Cory Jane (injured)/Alapati Leiua, 15. Andre Taylor
The bottom line:
The Hurricanes have a lot of potential going into this season, looking to build on last seasons form. To improve from last season, it is vital that the Hurricanes gain parity in the forwards as their back-line has proven to be extremely effective. The outside backs will likely suffer with the loss of Cory Jane, however there is still plenty of finishing ability in Julian Savea and Andre Taylor, though the Hurricanes may look to bring in an effective replacement for the right winger. Providing they build on from how they finished last season - a playoff spot looks like a reasonable possibility. Predicted finish: 6th
2012 Season: 11 wins, 5 losses (61 points) - 4th Overall
The 2012 season concluded another frustrating run of near misses for the Crusaders. Traditionally the perennial favourites, the Crusaders have won Super Rugby in its various forms seven times since its foundation in 1996, making the playoffs fourteen times in seventeen years. Regardless, the Crusaders have failed to win the competition since 2008, when Robbie Deans was coach. It is a display of the expectations on this team when current coach Todd Blackadder is the least successful Crusaders coach in history, despite taking his team to three semi-finals and a final. The Crusaders won't feel too upset with their last season, only losing to the Chiefs 20-17 in the semi-final, however frustration is bound to set in with their failure to win the competition, despite their roster of some of the worlds most successful players.
A challenge for the Crusaders in the upcoming season will be playing without regular Crusaders and All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, who will miss most or all of the season on sabbatical. Regardless they should be up to the task with Matt Todd proving a very capable replacement.
Additions / losses:
The Crusaders have not quite come of unscathed in terms of losses. The loss of Ben Franks to the Hurricanes means the prop rotation system they have used to good effect may no longer be as effective, and the loss of Quentin McDonald to the Blues further hurts their tight forward ranks. In the outside backs the Crusaders will likely miss Sean Maitland, with the former New Zealand Maori speedster moving to Glasgow to join the Glasgow Warriors and the Scotland international team. The other omission comes in Zac Guildford's withdrawal from the squad. The Hawke's Bay winger has voluntarily taken time out from rugby in order to overcome alcohol related issues.
The Crusaders have picked up some promising young talent however. Dominic Bird joins their squad after a good ITM Cup. Bird is a hard working twenty one year old lock, who at 6'9'' has looked effective in the lineouts. Their looseforwards will be further enhanced by Jordan Taufua and Jimmy Tupou, both dangerous ball carries from the recent New Zealand U20 team. Kurt Baker joins the squad after the loss of Zac Guildford, however until fully recovered from injury will be replaced by Canterbury and former Highlanders winger Telusa Veaniu who performed well for Canterbury in the recent ITM Cup. The final addition to the squad is winger Johnny McNicholl. The 22 year old winger is likely to take over the right wing spot after a very impressive ITM Cup for Canterbury, showing good workrate, vision and try scoring ability.
Strengths:
- World class players in several positions.
- Extremely strong starting forward pack
- Great depth at lock and loose forwards
- Continually make the playoffs
Weaknesses:
- Lack of depth in the front row and outside backs
- Richie McCaw out for most or all of season
- Inability to win playoffs since 2008.
2013 Squad:
Props: Wyatt Crockett, Owen Franks, Joe Moody, Nepu Laulala
Hookers: Cory Flynn, Cody Tyler, Ben Funnell
Locks: Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Tom Donnelly, Dominic Bird
Loose forwards: Richie McCaw, Kieran Read, Matt Todd, George Whitelock, Luke Whitelock, Jordan Taufua, Jimmy Tupou, Shane Christie
Halfbacks: Andy Ellis, Willie Heinz, Jeremy Su'a
First-five eighths: Daniel Carter, Tyler Bleyendaal, Tom Taylor
Centres: Ryan Crotty, Robbie Fruean, Adam Whitelock
Wingers: Johnny McNicholl, Telusa Veainu, Kurt Baker, Zac Guildford (may return in the season)
Fullbacks: Israel Dagg, Tom Marshall
Top XV:
1. Wyatt Crockett, 2. Cory Flynn, 3. Owen Franks, 4. Sam Whitelock, 5. Luke Romano, 6. George Whitelock, 7. Richie McCaw, 8. Kieran Read (c), 9. Andy Ellis, 10. Daniel Carter, 11. Telusa Veainu, 12. Ryan Crotty, 13. Robbie Fruean, 14. Johnny McNicholl, 15. Israel Dagg
The bottom line:
Although the Crusaders will be desperate to win this years competition the squad looks less settled this season than in previous years, with areas such as the front row, halfback and outside backs all looking exceptionally low on depth compared to previous seasons. That said, it is always a mistake to rule out the most successful team in the competition, particularly with the caliber of players that still remain in the squad. Predicted finish: 5th
2012 Season: 9 wins, 7 losses (50 points) - 9th Overall
The 2012 season for the Highlanders was a mixed one. Finishing one place below their previous position at 8th, the Dunedin based franchise suffered from much of the same issues which have prevented them from becoming a regular force in the competition. The combative, forward oriented style Jamie Joseph has enforced has proved effective for two seasons now - however the style of play often result in injuries and fatigue in the squad, which the Highlanders tend not to have the depth to maintain.
Another issue that the Highlanders suffered from is creativity in the back-line. The injuries to both first choice first-five Colin Slade and second choice Lima Sopoaga, resulted in a lack of creativity in the back-line, and a tendency to use backs as forwards to make meters, or simply passing from one side of the field to another without making in roads. The issues in depth, as well as the lack of creativity in the back-line, Jamie Joseph has looked to fix for 2013 - continuing to recruit several high profile players from other franchises. Because of these high profile signings, Highlanders fans are optimistic of making the playoffs, with one of the strongest Super Rugby squads on paper.
Additions / losses
The Highlanders have lost several players from last season, most notably former captain Jimmy Cowan who has signed with Gloucester. Long time servant of Highlanders and Southland Jason Rutledge was released by the Highlanders, likely looking for a younger replacement. By all signs so far Adam Thomson and the Highlanders have failed to reach terms, with the All Blacks flanker seeming to take time off rugby to 'consider his options'. Nick Crosswell, who played an important role in the last two Highlanders campaigns has joined the Chiefs, while James Haskell has returned to England to rejoin the London Wasps. Finally both Kurt Baker and Telusa Veainu have joined the Crusaders have missing out on Highlanders contracts this season.
Despite the big names that have left the Highlanders, there are several notable additions to the squad. Long time Blues and New Zealand servant Tony Woodcock joins the squad to bolster the front row. The move may well signify the Highlanders regular captain Jamie Mackintosh, spending significant time on the sideline. Another big name signing is that of All Blacks and former Hurricanes and Blues star Ma'a Nonu, which will hopefully bringing in some creativity and x-factor to the Highlanders often static midfield. Another All Black signed is indestructible legend Brad Thorn, who at 38 will overtake Tana Umaga's record as the oldest player to play in Super Rugby. Brad Thorn has recently spent time at Japanese club Fukuoka Sanix Blues as well as winning the 2012 Heineken Cup with Leinster. Jason Emery, New Zealand's U20 player of the year in 2012, has also been picked up. Emery is a creative and exciting center, who despite only being 19 may well see significant game time with the pre-season injury to Tamati Ellison. The final exciting signing is Fumiaki Tanaka. The Japanese scrumhalf played a big role in Otago's ITM Cup campaign and has gained a cult following in New Zealand - he will be one of the first two Japanese players to play in Super Rugby.
Strengths:
- Some big name signings in traditionally problem areas.
- Extremely exciting possible back-line
- Good second row depth
Weaknesses:
- Still lack depth in loose forwards and outside backs
- Very breakable players in key positions
- Very average loose forwards
2013 Squad:
Props: Tony Woodcock, Jamie Mackintosh, Chris King, Ma'afu Fia
Hookers: Andrew Hore, Liam Coltman, Brayden Mitchell
Locks: Brad Thorn, Josh Bekhuis, Jarrad Hoeata, Joe Wheeler
Loose forwards: Nasi Manu, John Hardie, Elliot Dixon, Tim Boys, Jake Paringatai
Halfbacks: Aaron Smith, Fumiaki Tanaka
First-five eighths: Colin Slade, Lima Sopoaga, Hayden Parker
Centres: Ma'a Nonu, Tamati Ellison, Jason Emery, Shaun Treeby, Phil Burleigh
Wingers: Hosea Gear, Declan O'Donnell, Kade Poki, Buxton Popoali'i
Fullbacks: Ben Smith, Trent Renata
Top XV:
1. Tony Woodcock, 2. Andrew Hore, 3. Chris King, 4. Brad Thorn, 5. Josh Bekhuis, 6. Jarrad Hoeata, 7. John Hardie, 8. Nasi Manu, 9. Aaron Smith, 10. Colin Slade, 11. Hosea Gear, 12. Ma'a Nonu, 13. Tamati Ellison, 14. Buxton Popoali'i, 15. Ben Smith
The bottom line:
The Highlander will look to improve upon their previous season. With some big name signings in Tony Woodcock, Ma'a Nonu and Brad Thorn, the team seem to be well equipped in world class talent to make it to the knockout stages. What will be required however is learning from previous seasons mistakes, particularly in regards to back-line creativity and squad injury and fatigue. At preseason stage the Highlanders have already suffered several injuries, so managing the squads fitness and health will be vital to their success. A lack of depth and general mixture will make the loose forwards a problem area, where last season it was a strength. Predicted finish: 7th
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