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BLUES
The Blues should do better than last year with Cribb off the back
and six home games. However, they still have a backline that lacks
organisation, no quality tight-head prop and a lack of guts in the
pack - too many seagulls. They should be pushing for the top four,
but don't expect them to go any further.
CHIEFS
Ah yes. The Chiefs, being the Chiefs and with only 5 home games
look like competing (if that's the word) with the Bulls for the
wooden spoon. However, their one saving grace may be John Mitchell
who hasn't yet been indoctrinated into the PC school of forward
coaching. I personally am really looking forward to seeing what he
does with this mob and pre-season form has been encouraging. Don't
expect them to be a semi contender but may
do better than most people expect and if nothing else should be
good for a bit of biffo. Remember though - don't play that wild
card in a round where you tip the Chiefs!
HURRICANES
By rights, this should be the canes year. They have a backline of
superstars, an aggressive pack and a good draw. But there are
still doubts about their discipline and their consistency
and whether the tight five is quite up to it. Their biggest
challenge may be to make the top four. If they can get there they
should be able to go the whole way.
CRUSADERS
Every year people write them off and every year they rise to the
occasion. Injuries look to have put a dampener on the start
of their season but the key players are still there and there is
no doubt they will be near the top at the business end of the
season.
HIGHLANDERS
The success of my boys depends entirely on them keeping their best
15 on the track as they have no depth. They have imported the pace
out wide they were missing last year and have the best front row
in the comp if they can keep it fit. The loosies aren't as strong
as they traditionally are but the Highlanders should again be very
competitive (with 6 home games) even if they lack the class to go
all the way.
CATS
They have the best coach in the comp and should be looking to
improve on last years showing. Their pack is as good as any and
better than most but they lack a cutting edge in the backs. With
six games at home on the high veldt they have to be a serious
challenger for a semi.
STORMERS
Almost the opposite of the Cats. Plenty of backline flair and pace
but question marks over the power in the pack. At home, they will
be very hard to beat. May well end up vying with the Cats for a
top four finish.
SHARKS
The kippers were dreadful in last years super 12 but showed some
improved form in the Currie Cup. Unfortunately, they have reverted
to a traditional Seth Efrican style which won't cut it at this
level. Another year as also-rans.
BULLS
Six away games (including the Sharks in round one) should see the
Bulls finish last as in 1999.
REDS
Retirements have really hurt the Reds and their lack of depth in
the inside backs and a tough draw will mean not even John Eales
can drag them to the top half of the field.
WARATAHS
Always promise a great deal but fail to deliver and have never
made the semis. Sly-dog rates them this year and they have six
home games but I'm not convinced. Watch this space.
BRUMBIES
Have also lost a couple of important players and have the extra
away game but still look to be the best of the Aussie teams. The
new rule interpretations may hurt them more than any others.
Serious contenders.
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