To me this looks like it could be the most hotly contested S14 title we have seen in a long time. The Crusaders have lost Carter, Sommerville, Thorne, Williams, Ralph, Tuiali'i, Hamilton and most importantly Deans. Waratahs are without Elsom and Vickerman. Canes, Stormers and Sharks once again looking good, but can they keep it going for a whole season? Not to mention the Blues, Chiefs and Brumbies. (...and dare I say Reds??)
Time to lay it on the line boys, and name your top 4 and eventual winner. For mine:
Sharks
Blues
Stormers
Waratahs
Winner= Sharks
Sharks to finish with a wet sail over the Blues and Stormers, with the Tahs scraping a finals berth ahead of the Crusaders and Canes. Think the stars may align for the Sharks, especially if they can bag a few early wins. Blues will be renewed under Pat Lam, and with Ali Williams back in the fold expect a bold showing.
But I think the sqauds are so evenly matched that the season may be decided by injuries. So many sides rely heavily on one player- Crusaders with McCaw (even more so now Carter and co have gone), Brumbies with Mortlock, Force with Giteau, Bulls with Matfield. Methinks the team that stays injury free may walk away with the title, as there is a bee's proverbial seperating the top 8 or so sides.
Time to lay it on the line boys, and name your top 4 and eventual winner. For mine:
Sharks
Blues
Stormers
Waratahs
Winner= Sharks
Sharks to finish with a wet sail over the Blues and Stormers, with the Tahs scraping a finals berth ahead of the Crusaders and Canes. Think the stars may align for the Sharks, especially if they can bag a few early wins. Blues will be renewed under Pat Lam, and with Ali Williams back in the fold expect a bold showing.
But I think the sqauds are so evenly matched that the season may be decided by injuries. So many sides rely heavily on one player- Crusaders with McCaw (even more so now Carter and co have gone), Brumbies with Mortlock, Force with Giteau, Bulls with Matfield. Methinks the team that stays injury free may walk away with the title, as there is a bee's proverbial seperating the top 8 or so sides.