Chiefs: Rennie's men kings in waiting

What happened last year?

The consistency that set the Chiefs apart during their title campaigns suddenly disappeared, the two-time defending champions winning their first three games but never enjoying another such streak. Dave Rennie's men endured an unreasonably high attrition rate and, although the coach is fond of switching up his side, the injuries meant he could rarely settle on first-choice combinations. The Chiefs lost six games before bowing out of the playoffs against the Brumbies, but only two (Force away and Hurricanes away) were against teams who missed the post-season.

Strengths and opportunities in 2015

It was already a hallmark of every Rennie side but the Chiefs' 2014 injury woes seemed to reinforce the importance of depth. While they saw several key men (Tanerau Latimer, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Gareth Anscombe) depart after last season, their recruitment more than made up for the exits. The Chiefs boast an excess of options in the backline - the 22 for their first match features neither Hosea Gear nor Seta Tamanivalu - but the biggest chance of improvement is the one position they want locked up. A broken thumb meant Aaron Cruden played only 12 games last year and it's fair to say the All Blacks first-five has a point to prove.

Where might they be vulnerable?

With the squad looking strong, vulnerabilities must be sought elsewhere, starting with the schedule. After their visit to the Blues, the Chiefs' next three fixtures see them facing playoff sides from last season, before an especially tricky South African trip against the Stormers and Sharks. A dearth of games at their Waikato Stadium fortress could also prove problematic. The Chiefs play only five of 16 matches in Hamilton, with the other three home games split between New Plymouth and Rotorua. It will be rather interesting, if the Chiefs need a result from their final game in the 'Naki, what the 'home' crowd looks like against the Hurricanes.

Which player will give them the X-factor?

A certain set of initials have so far been conspicuously absent from this space. The Chiefs needed 10 different midfield combinations to get through last season and, while a surfeit of centre options will again need juggling, the return of Sonny Bill Williams should ensure some solidity at second five-eighths. Williams matches well with both Tamanivalu and Charlie Ngatai but his inside combination will provide the real spark. The last Super Rugby partnership between Williams and Cruden produced a title and, in a World Cup year, it's in the interests of both men to impress.

Where will they finish and why?

As champions, because they have potentially the best players and possibly the best coach. With the World Cup looming over a season shorn of the international break, a squad with the depth to handle absentee All Blacks is important, while a coaching staff with the nous to manage such disruptions is imperative. The Chiefs are lucky to boast both, as well as recent experience of long 19-game campaigns, the world's best lock, and the ability to thrive in the face of high expectations.