Richard Loe: Playing depth remains critical

The Highlanders' Jamie Mackintosh. Photo / Supplied

The New Zealand teams ought to be feeling pretty good about themselves early in the competition even though they are all a bit rusty.

The Crusaders have amassed nearly 100 points in the past fortnight without playing close to as well as they can while the Blues and Highlanders have emerged from South Africa with a win from their two starts. The old adage suggests one win in the Republic is a good return and both sides will be pleased to get the hardest part of the draw out of the way, especially if the Blues overcame the Force overnight as I expected they would.

All three are now poised nicely to kick on.

The biggest concern I have is whether the Highlanders can sustain it.

It's a long competition and their depth will be sorely tested in the coming weeks as injuries and fatigue set in. They will have a good season but it will be a big ask to make the playoffs.

Depth was critical when Super Rugby first started in 1996 but it is even more important now in an expanded competition. I truly believe, and it's something I have said before, you're only as good as your reserves.

The Highlanders' replacements just aren't as good as the ones who are starting. They look thin in the front row, their loose forward stocks drop away and they are clearly being tested at first five-eighths with the injuries to Colin Slade and Lima Sopoaga.

Many went into a spin when Richie McCaw fractured his foot but it's almost a case of Richie Who now as Matt Todd trots around like the All Black-in-waiting he is.

You can see glimpses of Southland in the way the Highlanders play. It is a simple but effective game plan and, while it's easy to read, it's difficult to nullify. The Stormers are the best defensive side in the competition and even they struggled despite playing at home.

The Highlanders were a little unlucky and the golden oldie scrums at the end gave them no favours.

The Stormers should have been forced to send one of their props back on to ensure a decent contest.

One had a hand injury - you can play with that.

The Highlanders will head home reasonably satisfied this weekend but have the visit of the Crusaders now to contend with.

It will be a big ask for their tight five, not to mention the loose forwards and we all know what Sonny Bill Williams and Robbie Fruean can do.

I'm convinced the Crusaders can win the competition this year, no matter where they play their 'home' games, and I hope a few Crusaders fans head south next weekend to Carisbrook.

It will be well worth the effort.