RugbyRebels

& if you're man enough, state your claim here before it kicks off in a week's time

ROWAN - HURRICANES

I'll take the Canes, with Milner-Skudder back to compliment last years winning line-up, though I think the 7-time champs Crusaders will be the major threat, and am certainly expecting an improvement from the Blues, as well as Australia's big 3. Saffas, who have only ever produced one champion (Bulls on 3 occasions) will likely struggle again. Dark horses - Jaguares. The bulk of the squad toured Europe with Argentina on the AIs so they'll be very familiar with one another by now. I reckon they'll scrape into the playoffs. Force, Rebels, Kings, Cheetahs & Sunwolves to prop up the table again.

Hey, I wanted to make a poll but there isn't a poll option on the forum...

cashead - Chiefs

As much as I dislike the Chiefs, they've managed to put together one of the best-balanced sides from front-to-back in the competition - a star team complemented by star players that fit into their structures with the internationals they have on their books and the workmen-like players all complementing each other, with the result being the latter playing above what most would consider to be the ceiling of their abilities, along with potentially one of the best loose forward units in Messam, Cane and Leitch, as well as the option of picking horses for courses halfbacks in Kerr-Barlow and Weber. Having a player that, when fit, can make a solid claim to being one of the best running 10s in test rugby and an experienced back-up that has often shone at this level doesn't hurt.

The Blues. Because SBW is sexy.

Natural order will be restored. Crusaders.

Lions. They don't have to play the NZ franchises in the regular season, so will secure the top spot, and home advantage, for the playoffs. Unlike the Stormers, the Lions are good enough for the lack of NZ regular season matches to not affect them, should they have to face a NZ side in a knockout match. I also imagine/hope that the NZ sides will also be aiming to peak for the B&I Lions tour matches, with SR being of secondary importance.

As for the winner of the NZ conference, I'll go for the Blues. Because f*ck logic.

So we're underway then. That's the good news. Bad news is, first indications suggest a repeat of last year's lopsided competition. Blues were New Zealand's weakest team last year and they've just demolished the Rebels on their home patch. I said the Blues would be better this year, but was nonetheless expecting a much closer result in today's championship opener.

Meanwhile, something which appears to have fallen by the wayside in match reporting since my day is attendances. This is a really important detail but generally omitted these days, like the journos just can't be bothered making that one extra phone call to find out.

The Blues. Winner winner chicken dinner.

Looks like Len might have got it right. Can't see anybody stopping the Saders this year. 8th title coming up? Remember, nobody else has more than 3, and Australia & SA combined only have 7, I think...

Have to say I'm massively surprised by this Crusaders mob. Not many big names in there but as a team they're smashing it out.

Len wrote:Natural order will be restored. Crusaders.

Well done, Len!