Rugby: 40 new faces in Super Rugby reshuffle

Sean Maitland of the Crusaders. Photo / Getty Images

The opening salvos of Super Rugby were fired, 40 new players named and 12 others recycled in different jerseys yesterday as details of the expanded competition were unveiled at a function at Eden Park.

Little-known players like Nicholas Barrett and Brayden Mitchell emerged, there were surprise choices like David Te Moana and old faces like Tana Umaga and Chris Jack.

Injured players Ali Williams, Brad Mika, Karl Lowe and Piri Weepu have been chosen though their participation remains uncertain as they recover.

There will be home and away matches within each conference and cross-conference matches before the winners of each group and the three next-best sides move into the playoffs finalising on July 9.

Squads have been expanded to 32 players as the series moves into a 15-team format with the introduction of the Melbourne Rebels coached by Rod Macqueen. The tournament starts on February 18 when the Hurricanes host the Highlanders followed by the Rebels and Waratahs match in Melbourne.

The Hurricanes new coach is Mark Hammett, Jamie Joseph starts his Super career with the Highlanders while Ian Foster moves into his eighth and last season with the Chiefs.

Blues coach Pat Lam: "We've gone for a core group and want to build on that. We want to continue to grow and develop and build on the last two years.

"We believe leadership and experience within the team on and off the field is crucial and the return of players such as Daniel Braid and Brad Mika brings us that. With Alby Mathewson and Stephen Brett running the backline for their second season, we are confident the Blues have a very solid foundation for this competition."

Chiefs coach Foster: "We have shored up our experience particularly in the tight five where we have gained Isaac Ross and Hayden Triggs. With Tana we were debating how much he would be used. We thought four or five starts but he wants more.

"Mike Delany and Stephen Donald have been chosen at first five-eighths and we want them to fight for that No 10 jersey. The increased number of local games and the ability to qualify by winning your conference will guarantee much intensity in each game."

Hurricanes coach Hammett: "We have good experience in the tight five and midfield. We have a vision around the culture in the group. They know how to play rugby but getting to rugby in July will be challenging.

"With the injury to Karl Lowe which will keep him out of action for the majority of the season, we've obviously stacked the squad more heavily with forwards."

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder: "You can't scrape into fourth then fly across the Indian Ocean and hope to win this competition. We have picked players who have earned their places through the ITM Cup and players like Chris Jack for balance. Every New Zealand franchise has a very strong team and it will be a very tough conference to play in."

Highlanders coach Joseph: "We are rebuilding so part of the selection process is looking to the future. We have a new captain, Jamie Mackintosh, and we want to build a strong campaign with the momentum provided by the experience of seasoned Super Rugby performers."