The teams for the 2009 Super 14 season, which kicks off Friday, February 13.
AUSTRALIA
BRUMBIES
Base: ACT
Home Ground: Canberra Stadium
2008 Finish: 9th
Best Finish: Champions (2001, 2004)
Coach: Andy Friend
Squad: Ben Alexander, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Betham, Mitchell Chapman, Mark Chisholm, Huia Edmonds, Francis Fainifo, Gene Fairbanks, Mark Gerrard, Ben Hand, Nic Henderson, Stephen Hoiles, Joshua Holmes, Peter Kimlin, Christian Lealiifano, Salesi Maafu, Shawn Mackay, Alfi Mafi, Stephen Moore, Stirling Mortlock (capt), Patrick Phibbs, Clyde Rathbone, Julian Salvi, Guy Shepherdson, George Smith, Tyrone Smith, James Stannard, Sitaleki Timani, Afusipa Taumoepeau, Matt Toomua, John Ulugia
In: Ben Alexander, Ben Hand, Shawn Mackay, Alfi Mafi, Stephen Moore, James Stannard, Afusipa Taumoepeau, Sitaleki Timani
Out: Alister Campbell, Anthony Faingaa, Saia Faingaa, Julian Huxley, Peter Playford, Richard Stanford, Jone Tawake, Adam Wallace-Harrison
TAB Sportsbet: $23
How they look: A new era begins under Andy Friend, who has promised a return to running rugby in the national capital. Smart recruitment, Wallaby tour experience and last year’s injury crisis have bolstered the depth and the Brumbies could return to the mantle of Australia’s best side.
Prediction: Fourth
QUEENSLAND REDS
Base: Brisbane
Home Ground: Suncorp Stadium
2008 Finish: 12th
Best Finish: Semi-finalists (Minor premiers 1996, 1999)
Coach: Phil Mooney
Squad: Berrick Barnes, Daniel Braid, Adam Byrnes, Blair Connor, Quade Cooper, Ben Daley, Rod Davies, Dayna Edwards, Anthony Faingaa, Saia Faingaa, Charlie Fetoai, Will Genia, James Hanson, Sean Hardman, Scott Higginbotham, Greg Holmes, James Horwill (capt), Leroy Houston, Van Humphries, Peter Hynes, Digby Ioane, Jack Kennedy, Poutasi Luafutu, Ben Lucas, Mark McLinden, Hugh McMeniman, Robert Simmons, Ezra Taylor, Aidan Toua, Morgan Turinui, Brando Va’aulu, Laurie Weeks
In: Daniel Braid, Adam Byrnes, Blair O’Connor, Rod Davies, Anthony Faingaa, Saia Faingaa, James Hanson, Jack Kennedy, Mark McLinden, Ezra Taylor, Aiden Toua, Laurie Weeks
Out: Geoff Abram, Josh Afu, Ole Avei, Rodney Blake, Caleb Brown, Sam Cordingley, Ben Coutts, David Croft, AJ Gilbert, Herman Hunt, Lloyd Johansson, Chris Latham, Stephen Moore, Ed O’Donoghue, John Roe, Clinton Schifcofske, Chris Siale, Henari Veratau, Andrew Walker
TAB Sportsbet: $41
How they look: The Aussie under-performers will hope six spring tour Wallabies and All Black Daniel Braid can lift them as they desperately seek to restore some pride.
Prediction: 10th
NSW WARATAHS
Base: Sydney
Home Ground: Sydney Football Stadium
2008 Finish: Runners-up
Best Finish: Runners-up (2005, 2008)
Coach: Chris Hickey
Squad: Ben Batger, Al Baxter, Kurtley Beale, Luke Burgess, Will Caldwell, Matt Carraro, Tom Carter, David Dennis, Matt Dunning, Scott Fava, Adam Freier, Daniel Halangahu, Rob Horne, Sekope Kepu, Ben Mowen, Dean Mumm, Ratu Nasiganiyavi, Sam Norton-Knight, Dan Palmer, Wycliff Palu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Beau Robinson, Benn Robinson, Brett Sheehan, Timana Tahu, Chris Thomson, Jeremy Tilse, Lote Tuqiri, Lachie Turner, Phil Waugh (capt)
In: Ratu Nasiganiyavi, Chris Thomson, Scott Fava
Out: Daniel Vickerman, Rocky Elsom, David Lyons
TAB Sportsbet: $11
How they look: Great in the backs, not so great in the forwards where departures and injuries have handed new coach Chris Hickey a stern test. With so many big shoes to fill, the Tahs will struggle to equal last year’s final appearance.
Prediction: Eighth
WESTERN FORCE
Base: Perth
Home Ground: Subiaco Oval
2008 Finish: 8th
Best Finish: 7th (2007)
Coach: John Mitchell
Likely squad: Richard Brown, Ben Castle, Pekahou Cowan, Ryan Cross, Nick Cummins, Scott Daruda, Matt Giteau, Gareth Hardy, Dane Haylett-Petty, Tom Hockings, Matt Hodgson, Luke Holmes, Tamaiti Horua, Kieran Longbottom, Tai McIsaac, Drew Mitchell, James O’Connor, Pat O’Connor, Chris O’Young, Junior Pelesasa, David Pocock, David Pusey, Haig Sare, Nathan Sharpe (capt), Cameron Shepherd, Richard Stanford, Scott Staniforth, Troy Takiari, Josh Tatupu, Josh Valentine, AJ Whalley, Sam Wykes
In: Josh Valentine, Richard Stanford, Filipe Manu
Out: Matt Henjak, Lachlan MacKay, Scott Fava, James Stannard, Sitaleki Timani, James Hilgendorf
TAB Sportsbet: $23
How they look: Coach John Mitchell was the subject of an off-season inquiry following a player revolt while Matt Giteau mulled over his exit strategies. The talent’s there but the will to overcome adversity will be most needed.
Prediction: 11th
NEW ZEALAND
BLUES
Base: Auckland
Home Ground: Eden Park
2008 Finish: 6th
Best Finish: Champions (1996, 1997, 2003)
Coach: Pat Lam
Squad: John Afoa, Onosai Auvaa, Josh Blackie, Anthony Boric, Justin Collins, Charlie Faumuina, Jimmy Gopperth, Kurtis Haiu, Jamie Helleur, Michael Hobbs, Jerome Kaino, Tasesa Lavea, Chris Lowery, Tevita Mailau, Tom McCartney, Keven Mealamu (capt), Taniela Moa, Rene Ranger, Joe Rokocoko, Chris Smylie, Benson Stanley, Isaia Toeava, Anthony Tuitavake, Ali Williams, Jay Williams, Paul Williams, Tony Woodcock, Rudi Wulf
In: Charlie Faumuina, Tevita Mailau, Ali Williams, Jay Williams, Josh Blackie, Chris Lowery, Chris Smylie, Tasesa Lavea, Jimmy Gopperth, Michael Hobbs, Rene Ranger, Paul Williams
Out: Ben Atiga, Daniel Braid, Bryn Evans, Nick Evans, Troy Flavell, Danny Lee, Isa Nacewa, George Pisi, David Smith, Nick White, Nick Williams
TAB Sportsbet: $8
How they look: New coach Pat Lam has recruited strongly as he seeks to restore the inconsistent Blues to their former status as a tournament powerhouse. A serious threat if all the new elements gel, particularly during a tough early season draw.
Prediction: Sixth
CHIEFS
Base: Hamilton
Home Ground: Waikato Stadium
2008 Finish: 7th
Best Finish: Semi-finalists (2004)
Coach: Ian Foster
Squad: Sosene Anesi, Colin Bourke, Callum Bruce, Mark Burman, Craig Clarke, Michael Delany, Aled de Malmanche, Stephen Donald, Hika Elliot, Richard Kahui, Tanerau Latimer, Sione Lauaki, Brendon Leonard, Serge Lilo, Toby Lynn, Ben May, Lelia Masaga, James McGougan, Liam Messam, Toby Morland, Mils Muliaina (capt), Kevin O’Neill, Joe Savage, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Dwayne Sweeney, Arizona Taumalolo, Jackson Willison, James Wilson
In: Arizona Taumalolo, James McGougan, Joe Savage, Hika Elliot, Craig Clarke, Mark Burman, Serge Lilo, Colin Bourke, Toby Morland, Michael Delany, Jackson Willison, James Wilson
Out: Ben Castle, Simms Davison, Craig West, Tom Willis, Jono Gibbes, Tom Harding, Hayden Hopgood, Tasesa Lavea, Jamie Nutbrown, Kristian Ormsby, Vili Waqaseduadua
TAB Sportsbet: $13
How they look: A potential surprise packet. Fringe All Blacks Richard Kahui and Stephen Donald have a point to prove and are poised to take a step up.
Prediction: Seventh
CRUSADERS
Base: Christchurch
Home Ground: AMI Stadium
2008 Finish: Champions
Best Finish: Champions (1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008)
Coach: Todd Blackadder
Squad: Tim Bateman, Stephen Brett, Wyatt Crockett, Ryan Crotty, Andy Ellis, Ross Filipo, Corey Flynn, Kahn Fotualii, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Casey Laulala, Jason Macdonald, Leon Macdonald, Sean Maitland, Nasi Manu, Richie McCaw (capt), Bronson Murray, Michael Paterson, Jared Payne, Kade Poki, Jonathan Poff, Kieran Read, Isaac Ross, Colin Slade, Brad Thorn, Thomas Waldrom, Adam Whitelock, George Whitelock
In: Owen Franks, Bronson Murray, Jason Macdonald, Isaac Ross, Thomas Waldrom, Jonathan Poff, Colin Slade, Ryan Crotty, Adam Whitelock, Jared Payne
Out: Dan Carter, Hamish Gard, Campbell Johnstone, Tii Paulo, Caleb Ralph, Greg Somerville, Reuben Thorne, Mose Tuialii, Ali Williams, Scott Hamilton
TAB Sportsbet: $4.50
How they look: Favourites, a huge threat – even without former coach Robbie Deans and champion flyhalf Dan Carter – but just possibly vulnerable as a new era begins.
Prediction: Third
HIGHLANDERS
Base: Dunedin
Home Ground: Carisbrook Stadium
2008 Finish: 11th
Best Finish: Runners-up (1999)
Coach: Glenn Moore
Squad: Josh Bekhuis, Matt Berquist, Daniel Bowden, Tim Boys, Jimmy Cowan (capt), Israel Dagg, Tom Donnelly, David Hall, Jayden Hayward, Ross Kennedy, Chris King, Johnny Leota, Kendrick Lynn, Jamie Mackintosh, Brett Mather, Lucky Mulipola, George Naoupu, Clint Newland, Anthony Perenise, Sean Romans, Jason Rutledge, Stephen Setephano, Jason Shoemark, Ben Smith, Alando Soakai, Adam Thomson, Hayden Triggs, Fetuu Vainikolo
In: Anthony Perenise, Jason Rutledge, Josh Bekhuis, Ross Kennedy, George Naoupu, Sean Romans, Matt Berquist, Jason Shoemark, Jayden Hayward, Kendrick Lynn, Ben Smith, Israel Dagg
Out: Craig Newby, Hoani MacDonald, Niva Taauso, James Wilson, Jason Macdonald, Isaac Ross, Paul Williams, Mike Delany, Toby Morland, Aaron Bancroft, Ezra Taylor, Keith Cameron
TAB Sportsbet: $81
How they look: Not this year. NZ’s dour fifth team take on a new look – yet again – and will rely on skipper Jimmy Cowan for their inspiration.
Prediction: 13th
HURRICANES
Base: Wellington
Home Ground: Westpac Stadium
2008 Finish: Semi-finalists
Best Finish: Runners-up (2006)
Coach: Colin Cooper
Squad: Josh Bradnock, Dane Coles, Jason Eaton, Jacob Ellison, Bryn Evans, Tamati Ellison, Tim Fairbrother, Hosea Gear, Zac Guildford, Andrew Hore, Cory Jane, Jason Kawau, Dan Kirkpatrick, Faifili Levave, Karl Lowe, Alby Mathewson, Api Naikatini, Ma’a Nonu, Willie Ripia, John Schwalger, Conrad Smith, David Smith, Rodney So’oialo (capt), Jeremy Thrush, Neemia Tialata, Scott Waldrom, Piri Weepu, Victor Vito
In: Dane Coles, Bryn Evans, Api Naikatini, Faifili Levave, Karl Lowe, Victor Vito, Josh Bradnock, Dan Kirkpatrick, Jason Kawau, David Smith
Out: Craig Clarke, Jerry Collins, Hika Elliot, Jimmy Gopperth, Michael Johnson, Chris Masoe, Shannon Paku, Tane Tuipulotu, Bernie Upton, Thomas Waldrom
TAB Sportsbet: $6
How they look: Five All Blacks in the pack, a stable coaching set-up and an abundance of young talent. Could finally overcome their fear of finals.
Prediction: Second
SOUTH AFRICA
BULLS
Base: Pretoria
Home Ground: Loftus Versfeld
2008 Finish: 10th
Best Finish: Champions (2007)
Coach: Frans Ludeke
Squad: Heinie Adams, Bakkies Botha, Marius Delport, Danwel Demas, Stephan Dippenaar, Fourie du Preez, Jaco Engels, Rayno Gerber, Dean Greyling, Bryan Habana, Francois Hougaard, Wayne Julies, Zane Kirchner, Werner Kruger, Derick Kuun, Hilton Lobberts, Bandise Maku, John Mametsa, Tiger Mangweni, Victor Matfield (capt), Wouter Moore, Akona Ndungane, JP Nel, Wynand Olivier, Dewald Potgieter, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Danie Rossouw, Pierre Spies, Gurthro Steenkamp, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Deon Stegmann, Morne Steyn, James van der Walt, Wikus van Heerden, Pedrie Wannenburg
In: Jaco Pretorius, Victor Matfield
Out: Derick Hougaard
TAB Sportsbet: $10
How they look: Still getting over the hangover that followed their 2007 triumph, but Victor Matfield’s return from France might be the Berocca they need. Packed with stars but Derick Hougaard’s loss is a big one.
Prediction: Ninth
CHEETAHS
Base: Bloemfontein
Home Ground: Vodacom Park
2008 Finish: 13th
Best Finish: 10th (1999, 2004)
Coach: Naka Drotske
Squad: Conrad Barnard, Meyer Bosman, Heinrich Brussow, Kobus Calldo, Hennie Daniller, Tewis De Bruyn, David de Villiers, Wian Du Preez, Robert Ebersohn, Kabamba Floors, Bevin Fortuin, Eddie Fredericks, JW Jonker, Herkie Kruger, Sarel Louw, Hendrik Meyer, Darron Nell, Howard Noble, Jongi Nokwe, Falie Oelschig, Barend Pieterse, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Sarel Pretorius, Bees Roux, Egon Seconds, Hendro Scholtz, Juan Smith (capt), Adriaan Strauss, Richardt Strauss, Ronnie Uys, Flip Van Der Merwe, Wayne van Heerden, Duane Vermeulen
In: Nil
Out: Rory Duncan, Barend Pieterse, CJ van der Linde
TAB Sportsbet: $101
How they look: Better than their recent season finishes would suggest, with plenty of their losses by small margins. Winger Jongi Nokwe made his name with four tries against the Wallabies in last year’s Jo’burg massacre.
Prediction: 12th
LIONS
Base: Johannesburg
Home Ground: Coca-Cola Park
2008 Finish: 14th
Best Finish: Semi-finalists (2000, 2001)
Coach: Eugene Eloff
Squad: Willem Alberts, Todd Clever, Rouan Cloete, Charl du Plessis, Jaque Fourie, Ross Geldenhuys, Cobus Grobbelaar (capt), JC Janse van Rensburg, Chris Jonck, Divan Kotze, Robert Kruger, Doppies la Grange, Louis Ludik, Thuliphato Marole, Derick Minnie, Gert Muller, Trompie Nonsthinga, Willie Rickards, Earl Rose, Jody Rose, Justin St Jerry, Lawrence Sephaka, Dewald Senekal, Alistair Siegelaar, Johan van Deventer, Heinke van der Merwe, Hans van Dyk, Walter Venter, Jano Vermaak, Willie Wepener, Justin Wheeler.
In: Willie Rickards, Todd Clever, Trompie Nonsthinga
Out: Jaco Pretorius, Joe van Niekerk
TAB Sportsbet: $251
How they look: The perennial cellar-dwellers have turned to the USA in an attempt to reverse their fortunes, signing American forward Todd Clever. At least he’ll have fewer problems with iconic Ellis Park’s new name.
Prediction: 14th (again)
SHARKS
Base: Durban
Home Ground: ABSA Stadium
2008 Finish: Semi-finalists
Best Finish: Runners-Up (1996, 2001, 2007)
Coach: John Plumtree
Squad: Skipper Badenhorst, Bradley Barritt, Nikolai Blignaut, Wesley Bodmer, Andrew Borgen, Jacques Botes, Craig Burden, Deon Carstens, Patric Cilliers, Keegan Daniel, Jean Deysel, Bismarck Du Plessis, Jannie Du Plessis, Alistair Hargreaves, Robbie Harris, Adi Jacobs, Chris Jordaan, Ryan Kankowski, Rory Kockott, Scott Mathie, Charl Mcleod, Henno Mentz, Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira, Johann Muller (capt), Waylon Murray, Lwazi Mvovo, Skholiwe Ndlovu, Odwa Ndungane, Ruan Pienaar, JP Pietersen, John Smit, Francois Steyn, Nic Strauss, Riaan Swanepoel, Steven Sykes, Stefan Terblanche, Albert Van Den Berg
In: Nil
Out: Frederic Michalak
TAB Sportsbet: $6
How they look: New Kiwi coach Plumtree spent some time with Robbie Deans as an All Blacks assistant. The departure of Frenchman Michalak should be compensated by Ruan Pienaar’s successful move to No.10, while a great draw could also help the long-time bridesmaids go one better.
Prediction: First
STORMERS
Base: Cape Town
Home Ground: Newlands Stadium
2008 Finish: 5th
Best Finish: Semi-finalists (1999, 2004)
Coach: Rassie Erasmus
Squad: Eddie Andrews, Gio Aplon, Andries Becker, Gcobani Bobo, Schalk Brits, Schalk Burger, Tonderai Chavhanga, Bolla Conradie, Jean de Villiers (capt), Paul Delport, Dylan Des Fountain, Robbie Diack, Isma-eel Dollie, Nico du Plessis, Schalk Ferriera, Adriaan Fondsee, Conrad Hoffman, Wylie Human, Juan Harris, Peter Grant, Conrad Jantjes, Ricky Januarie, Tiaan Liebenburg, Francois Louw, Pieter Louw, Justin Melck, JD Moller, Brian Mujati, Pieter Myburgh, Sireli Naqelevuki, Morgan Newman, Hanyani Shimangi, Ross Skeate, Corne Uys, Francois van der Merwe, Janro van Niekerk, Luke Watson
In: Nil
Out: Nil
TAB Sportsbet: $17
How they look: 2008′s big improvers will consider anything less than a semi-final berth a failure. Controversial forward Luke Watson’s season will be interesting after he was booed by home fans in a trial following comments that the Springbok emblem made him feel like vomiting.
Prediction: Fifth
THE ROAR ON