That’s a really sharp breakdown of the season’s dynamics! The Crusaders definitely seem to have a brutal schedule, especially with those double matchups against the Chiefs, Blues, and Hurricanes. That mid-season stretch with the Fiji trip and back-to-back matches against tough Kiwi teams could be a real test. As you said, if they start slow, it could make the rest of the season an uphill battle for them.
Moana Pasifika having to face only Kiwi teams in their doubles is definitely a tough draw. It’s strange that they don’t get the Drua twice—that could have given them a slightly better shot. They’ll need to punch above their weight if they’re going to be competitive with such a hard schedule.
As for the Waratahs, their second half of the season looks rough, especially with all those away trips and matchups against top-tier teams. They’ll really need to capitalize on the easier start. If they aren’t in a solid position by the midpoint, the pressure of the back half could derail their season. Getting the bye after the Fiji trip might be a lifesaver, though, as teams tend to struggle after playing in those conditions.