The Chiefs seem to be a popular guess amongst the experts as to who will win the Super Rugby competition. Photo / Getty Images
NZME.'s rugby experts make some bold predictions ahead of the Super Rugby season.
Who will win and why?
The Crusaders look to have the most depth, the most experience, the best pack and the best decision-maker in Daniel Carter.
He remains the best in the business and starting a campaign fit and eager for the first time in years - watch him dominate and drive the Crusaders to new heights.
Which player should we look out for?
Mitchell Drummond at the Crusaders is a dynamic halfback who is going to get plenty of game time this year given the injury to Willi Heinz and the late return of Andy Ellis. Wouldn't be a surprise if he delivers way more than anyone expects.
Which team will spectacularly fail to live up to expectations?
The Waratahs could go backwards quickly. There was huge motivation to finally win a title - but with that box ticked, do they have the drive to sustain their quality?
Who will win and why?
Chiefs. A consistently high performing No 10 in Aaron Cruden (this time with an extra point to prove after last year's All Black hiccup) in combination with one Sonny Bill Williams, can pave the way for the Chiefs' third title. They have a group of hard-working forwards led by Liam Messam, who seems to be getting better with age, and Brodie Retallick, a deserved winner of last year's IRB Player of the Year title. They have few weaknesses, are very difficult to beat at home, and generally play well in Australia and South Africa.
Which player should we look out for?
SBW. The new dad is back in Hamilton and playing for a team which will go deep into the tournament. Chances are he will dominate most highlights packages this year.
Which team will spectacularly fail to live up to expectations?
Waratahs. I can't see them living up to their heights of last year. The Aussie media will pump them up and they will probably find the increased expectations difficult to live with.
Who will win and why?
The Sharks might pinch the title if they take advantage of a draw which has them playing at home until May. Springbok distractions will impact but they have a strong core, new coaches Gary Gold and Brendan Venter and ability to cope offshore.
Which player should we look out for?
Malakai Fekitoa had an outrageous start to his Super rugby career which earned him All Black selection. More of the same will be needed from him by the Highlanders.
Which team will spectacularly fail to live up to expectations?
There's massive talk about a Reds comeback perhaps as an antidote to their State of Origin slump. Expect the rugby side to go the same way.
Who will win and why?
The Chiefs - they will have key men in key positions (Retallick, Messam, Cane, Cruden, Williams) and all of them with various points to prove. The return of Sonny Bill Williams helps in many areas, but mainly should help stop the 2014 revolving door policy in midfield, as solidity in that area was a key component of the back to back titles in 2012 and 2013. The squad is driven by the best coaching team in Super Rugby.
Which player should we look out for?
Handre Pollard - the reigning IRB Junior Player of the Year will have such a merry old time behind a stacked Bulls pack that it won't surprise if he surpasses Morne Steyn's record of 263 points in a season. He has a glorious all-round game and a game sense that belies his age.
Which team will spectacularly fail to live up to expectations?
There won't be one. Some think Karmichael Hunt could be this year's Benji Marshall, but Hunt's going to be more than serviceable for the Reds and although yes, there will be teams disappointed not to make the playoffs, there won't be a side that will make us look skyward, throw our arms up and yell "what the heck happened there?"
Who will win and why?
The Chiefs. This year's title will be decided by depth and coaching nous given many All Blacks will be required to miss games to remain fresh for the World Cup. Dave Rennie's Chiefs are a deep squad who are well-coached and they've also addressed their problem area by adding punch in the midfield courtesy of Sonny Bill Williams and Taranaki bulldozer Seta Tamanivalu. Rennie has the ability to squeeze every bit of talent out of his players and that will be the difference during the middle of the season when the injury bug hits and the big names are in need of a rest.
Which player should we look out for?
Israel Folau has become a "must-watch" player. Size, speed, power and great anticipation; the code-hopper was the equal-top try-scorer last year and you can expect more of the same this season. The Waratahs boast some of the game's most exciting talents.
Which team will spectacularly fail to live up to expectations?
The primary colours. Don't bet on the Blues doing anything this year. Oh, and the Reds; adding James O'Connor and Karmichael Hunt won't help.
Who will win and why?
The Chiefs. A blockbuster backline to be steered by a first-five with a point to prove, the best forward in world rugby and the cleverest coaching team going around.
Which player should we look out for?
For new(ish) faces look to Ihaia West and Seta Tamanivalu. But the undisputed star will be Sonny Bill Williams ... and won't that wind some people up.
Which team will spectacularly fail to live up to expectations?
The Reds. If I was a supporter of that team I'd be nervously waiting for something or someone to hit the headlines every day. Besides, the Hurricanes and Blues failing to make the playoffs wouldn't count as a spectacular fail, more like normal service.
Who will win and why?
The Chiefs boast the depth and experience to triumph in a competition that will see both coaches and players casting a sly eye towards a slightly more important tournament later in the year. Dave Rennie can shuffle his deck while losing little and the injury load should lessen after last season's horror year.
Which player should we look out for?
Top All Blacks may miss as many as four matches with the World Cup looming but Julian Savea will still have plenty of time to make his mark. For three seasons Savea has featured in the top-10 in try-scoring without emerging as No 1 - look for that to change.
Which team will spectacularly fail to meet expectations?
"Spectacularly" is probably the wrong word - considering they play in the weak Australian conference - but the Brumbies are due to regress. Of last year's semifinalists only the Brumbies (+34) had a points differential under 100, while their 4-1 record in games decided by seven or fewer points could be unsustainable.
Hagley Oval has a new head groundsman ahead of the first test of the summer.