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As the Super 15 Rugby tournament draws closer in a World Cup year, the New Zealanders have a wealth of talent looking to impress in the expanded competition for 2011.
Auckland Blues
Rene Ranger – The outside three quarter is one of the most dangerous players in the whole comp with ball in hand. If the Blues can get him the ball often, they will do well.
Jared Payne – Ranger’s Northland team mate joins the Blues after a stint with the Crusaders. A good player who should be challenging for the full back spot in Auckland.
Alby Matthewson – The All Black cap finally gave the Blues some quality at the half back position. He’ll be looking to move up the Kiwi pecking order, so he will be trying to improve his partnership with Brett.
Ali Williams- The lock will, hopefully if all goes well, finally make his return to Super Rugby after a 2 year gap. His return could really boost this pack.
Waikato Chiefs
Colin Bourke – With Lauaki finally out of the picture, Bourke can make the eight spot his own. A very talented player, he offers greater consistency than his predecessor.
Fritz Lee – His challenge for the eight jersey comes from the Counties Manukau player. Lee is a strong, fast and dynamic player and even if he doesn’t start, he could offer real impact off the bench.
Isaac Ross – Ross will be looking for a new start at the Hamilton based franchise after falling out of favour in Christchurch. His style should suit the Chiefs game.
Tana Umaga – The return of the former All Black captain should certainly draw considerable interest. At 37, he’s not the same player he was, but he showed in the ITM Cup, he can still do a job, even if he needs a break every few games.
Canterbury Crusaders
Robbie Freuan – In his second season in Christchurch, the Crusaders will be expecting this talented outside centre to make a big step forward. Strong, explosive and fast, he will cause nightmares for opposition defenses.
Sonny Bill Williams – Probably the player who will grab the most attention. He showed his potential on the Spring Tour. It will be interesting to see how he does throughout a long season, playing week in week out.
Israel Dagg – Just another supremely talented back in the Crusaders backline. It just seems a bit unfair. Should thrive in this side with more playmakers and quality around him.
Chris Jack – With Thorn off for the start of the comp, this is Jack’s chance to stake his claim and his last chance for a shot at the All Blacks.
Otago Highlanders
Tom Donnelly – Has been fantastic for New Zealand and needs to do that for a rebuilding Highlanders squad, with a big turnover from last season. Also, with the emergence of Whitelock, he needs to keep up his standards.
Robbie Robinson – Having to fill the boots of Dagg at full back is going to be no easy task, especially as Dagg was one of the few bright points last season. Robinson is a different type of player and offers another decision maker in the backline.
Colin Slade – Slade finally gets the chance for a starting job in Super Rugby after being Carter’s deputy. Needs a big season so that he can go back to being Carter’s deputy, but this time in a Black jersey.
Telusa Veainu – The Canterbury winger moves down south after an excellent 2010. He was part of a dominant U20 Kiwis side that won the Junior World Championships. He then went on to score 8 tries in his maiden ITM Cup. A real finisher if he gets the chance.
Wellington Hurricanes
Alapati Leiua – A dangerous winger, who can also play at centre. He’s quick and while he doesn’t have the reputation that Savea has, he can pose real problems for opposition.
Julian Savea – The Junior World Player of the Year in 2010, this is his first season in Super Rugby. He has been likened to Jonah Lomu and while there are similarities, there are also plenty of differences. Very quick, very strong, but also quite willowy and a good swerve.
Aaron Cruden – Last year he was picked for the All Blacks, but that was more on potential than any true showings of performance. Needs to start meriting the hype. If the ‘Canes are going to get over the hoodoo, he needs to be the one that takes them there.
Ma’a Nonu – He is going to need to keep up his performances, as the media train that is Sonny Bill Williams is on his tail and wants his All Black jersey.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.