2. Conference strength
Is the Aussie conference the strongest conference? The evidence grows by the week. It has certainly moved well past where it was a few years ago. One thing is for certain: there are no easybeats in Super Rugby this year. The sides you would think will finish in the lower portion of the table (Force, Rebels, Lions, Cheetahs, Hurricanes) have already turned in great performances against good sides.
Why they want to change the competition structure is slightly mystifying. It is hard to believe that SANZAR want to alter Super Rugby when it seems to me that 2014 is the strongest edition so far. Games are skilful and fast, and blowouts are few and far between. But these concerns are secondary where the dollar rules the game.
That aside, the competition has really kicked into gear now and the premiership contenders are beginning to emerge. Once again the Chiefs will be very hard to stop, as will the Sharks. Both the Brumbies and Waratahs have definite claims, and the Blues and Bulls will also be competitive. The dark horse is the Crusaders, who have started slowly but can never be written off.
