In this series I’ll be looking at the various contenders for the 2014 Super Rugby title. Today the Kiwi conference.
The Blues
Position in 2013: 10th
2014 Luck of the Draw: The Blues have an exceptional draw. They face the Force and Lions away and they face the Waratahs, Reds, Sharks and Cheetahs at home.
Return of Ma’a Nonu and Jerome Kaino
Players to watch: Jerome Kaino, Charlie Faumuina, Charles Piutau, Tom Donnelly.
Predicted position in 2014: 6th
The Blues have traditionally been powerhouses of the Super Rugby competition but have had a disappointing last two seasons. Newly capped All Blacks Francis Saili, Charles Piutau, Steven Luatua and returning players Ma’a Nonu, Jerome Kaino and Tom Donnelly should add a bit of firepower to the team. They are in the capable hands of Sir John Kirwan and should have a strong 2014 season.
The Chiefs
Position in 2013: Winners
2014 Luck of the Draw: The Chiefs will miss out on playing the Reds this season. This is good for the Chiefs as the Reds have been a bogey team for them over the last few years. The Chiefs should not have a problem defeating the Lions at home but the game against the Force in Perth could be dangerous for them.
Players to watch: Tom Marshall, Robbie Fruean, Jamie Macintosh and Mils Muliaina
Predicted position in 2014: Winners
The Chiefs have been the standard over the last two years. They have acquired even more talent in the off season to add to their depth including All Blacks test centurion and Chiefs veteran Mils Muliaina. I do not believe the Chiefs era has ended just yet.
The Crusaders
Position in 2013: Semi-Finalists
2014 Luck of the Draw: The Crusaders are traditionally slow starters so their round 5 clash with the Rebels in Melbourne could be a danger game for the Crusaders. The Rebels have beaten them before! The Crusaders will miss playing the Bulls and Waratahs.
Players to watch: Dominic Bird, Joe Moody, Kieran Reid and Luke Romano.
Predicted position in 2014: Semi-Finalists.
The Crusaders have not missed the play-offs in 12 seasons of Super Rugby so it would be bold to predict otherwise for this season. Their stock of All Blacks is still plentiful; however, they will be without Dan Carter for the majority of the season whilst he takes a sabbatical as he aims to be fresh for the 2015 World Cup. Richie McCaw returns to Super Rugby after utilising his sabbatical last season.
The Highlanders
Position in 2013: 14th
2014 Luck of the Draw: The Highlanders have a difficult tour to South Africa playing the Stormers and the Sharks. They will also play the Reds and Waratahs away but miss out on playing the Brumbies.
Players to watch: Ben Smith, Lima Sopoaga, Brad Thorn
Predicted position in 2014: 11th
At the beginning of 2013 I thought the Highlanders had what it took to go all the way. Boy was I wrong… Week after week they continued to disappoint and they finished the year with a season to forget. The Highlanders will have no Ma’a Nonu or Tamati Ellison in the midfield but retain All Blacks Ben Smith and Aaron Smith. Don’t forget about Brad Thorn either.
The Hurricanes
Position in 2013: 11th
2014 Luck of the Draw: The Hurricanes get their tour to South Africa over quickly as they face the Sharks and Stormers. They will then host the Brumbies, Cheetahs, Bulls and Reds.
Players to watch: Jeffery Toomaga- Allen, Jeremy Thrush, Marty Banks and Ardie Savea.
Predicted position in 2014: 12th
The Hurricanes will be led by Conrad Smith again in 2014. They failed to fire last year. They have some class players but need to be more consistent. Cory Jane returns after an ACL injury put him out of last year’s competition.
