As another enthralling season draws agonisingly closer, who will the eyes of the faithful be on this Super 14 season?
Even more prudent, what positions will each country put under scrutiny – and what factors will dominate leading into the Tri Nations?
New Zealand
The second row will be a position closely monitored by the coaches this year. In 2008, Brad Thorn took the role often occupied by Jerry Collins as a midfield warhead, which gave the All Blacks impetus in the second phase.
Likewise, it was the reliability of Ali William’s combinations with his hookers that allowed New Zealand to regularly employ five man lines to devastating effect.
Anthony Boric, Jason Eaton, Ross Filipo and even Jeremy Thrush all put their hands up last year. But with the evolution of the role in All Black rugby, the need for capable understudies is crucial, especially with Thorn not likely to last till 2011.
Players to watch
Stephen Donald, Fly half – Chiefs
Officially New Zealand’s back up first five eighth, Donald will want a strong season without Dan Carter breathing down his neck domestically. He is strong all round, like Carter, but still unable to control play tactically as the Canterbury supremo. Donald still can overplay his hand on attack, much like Carter did a few years ago.
Ma’a Nonu, Inside Centre – Hurricanes
The world’s most penetrative inside back completely revolutionised his game, to the point where (in Bledisloe four in Hong Kong) the All Blacks looked lost without his presence in the midfield. Now acknowledged by Wayne Smith as a genuine leader, he must enforce his power on the domestic game where New Zealand Super 14 teams know how to shut him down. If he has a strong season, the Hurricanes can win the title.
Single most important factor
Player Depth. The All Black second XV was almost beaten last season by a Munster second XV. Furthermore, with Henry rolling out his elite starting team game after game, there was little chance for the understudies to get game time at Test level. Backup to players such as Carter, Nonu, the locks and, of course Richie McCaw, is crucial building to a World Cup offense.
Australia
A large reason for Canterbury being so dominant under Robbie Deans was the employment of a tactical second five eighth, in essence a second fly half. This was imitated to great success by the Wallabies, with Stephen Larkham and Matt Giteau in the 10/12 axis.
Due to injuries, Stirling Mortlock played inside centre for the second half of the season, and Australia – while being shored up defensively – often looked wanting for tactical and kicking options.
The question will be who to fill the playmaking bloc.
Is Berrick Barnes better suited to play fly half, with Giteau moving out to centre? What of Kurtley Beale and Quade Cooper, both whom offer traditional Australian playmaking dynamism? Could one of the latter fill the problematic full back position?
Players to watch
Luke Burgress, Scrumhalf – NSW Waratahs
After being undisputed as the premier number nine in Australia, it would be fair to say the wheels fell off in the Autumn internationals for the first choice scrum half. Some would argue that it was due to a bad combination with Giteau, but the poor ball control from both the ruck and first phase stuttered the Wallabies attack last year. Burgess will need a big year.
Al Baxter, Benn Robinson, Greg Holmes and Ben Alexander – Wallaby Props
All lifted their games to startling heights last year, matching Springbok and All Black packs, and famously shoving the English backwards on their beloved turf of Twickenham. Has the long feted weakness of the Australian game disappeared? For the formerly maligned Australian props, the challenge is to maintain.
Single most important factor
What has happened to the Wallaby backline? Rarely looked fluent last year, and you know something is wrong with Australian rugby when their packs start winning them games. As mentioned above, much rests on the shoulders of the creative minds of the inside men. But considering this is considered Deans historical forte, he needs to reinvigorate the traditional Wallaby strength.
South Africa
The Springboks won the World Cup through a controlled pragmatism, combining outstanding defence, brutal set piece organisation, and brilliant tactical kicking from the fly half position.
Butch James commenced the season, and Ruan Piennar concluded 2008.
With Coach Peter De Villiers alternating the battle plans of the Springboks, most pressure was imparted on the pivot position. When James or Piennar struggled, so did South Africa. But when the key to De Villiers madness was found via their first five, the Springboks were devastating, as seen in the final Tri Nations game against Australia, and in the Massacre at Twickenham.
This indecision with game play caused consternation, not only in the national team but within the Super 14 teams as well.
Will a better balance be struck by the South African playmakers this year?
Players to watch
Francois Steyn, Inside Centre – Sharks
Quite possibly the most prodigious kicker in world rugby, he will play this Super 14 at number 12. Many regard him to be a player to build a team around, but he suffered with inconsistency, having played every position in the backline except scrum half. Still only 21, will he show more control since being educated by Andrew Johns recently?
Bryan Habana, Wing – Bulls
He finished 2007 as quite possibly the most devastating finisher the game has ever seen, but 2008 was a terrible vintage by the standards set by the winger from Benoni. He was rarely seen on attack, and at times he was even considered a liability on defence. Can we see a return to the high standards set by the outstanding three-quarter?
Single most important factor
Consistency. The Springboks and last year’s South African Super 14 teams were either world beating one day, or borderline chokers the next. If they can maintain form and a select game plan, it could be a brilliant year for this powerful rugby nation.
LeftArmSpinner
Roar Guru
great observations on the wallabies backline. They are yet to really click. Lets hope it happens because with the talent and depth, there are exciting things to come.
Jerry
Guest
"The All Black second XV was almost beaten last season by a Munster second XV." All Black 3rd XV really but I take your point.
Jerry
Guest
Habana's a very very good winger, though perhaps not a classic winger. I'd dispute VDM's statement that he single handedly creates backline moves. What he does create is linebreaks (which due to his blistering pace he more often than not will also finish). The fact that these are often through intercepts or scooping on loose balls is not really the point - he does so with such consistency that it becomes a genuine danger. He doesn't actuall score that many tries from being on the end of backline moves but he scores a bucketload regardless. He's not really a classic winger but nor was Jonah Lomu (for the record, I don't think Habana's as dangerous as Lomu was)
mudskipper
Guest
sorry that should read, HURRICANES , Willie Ripia
mudskipper
Guest
Players to watch this Super 14 season 2009 SHARKS Ruan Pienaar moves to flyhalf at the Sharks, he is an outstanding player. HURRICANES Willile Ripu, young talented flyhalf Hosea Gear, winger strong and quick good chance of being the highest try score f or S14 2009 season CRUSADERS Stephen Brett steps out from under Dan carters shadow this year Kieran Read, Blindside flanker his year 2009 Ross Filipo, only getting better made the All Blacks squad last year spring tour BURMBIES Josh Holmes, scrum half, second year watch this kid for the Wallabies 9 jersey 2009 Ben Alexander, Prop made the Wallabies spring tour, getting better every game Stephen Moore, has matured as a world class hooker Adam Ashley Cooper settling in and playing 13 outside centre, he will only become more devastating in attack.
OldManEmu
Guest
You write a whole lot of hooey and dress it up as some sort of intelligent analysis. You get your basic facts wrong. Greg Holmes, not only did not go on the spring tur,but did not play any tests last year. Stop regurgitating and come up with an original idea.
Sam Taulelei
Guest
Key men for me this season are all the relative newcomers in the coaching positions. Todd Blackadder - Crusaders Pat Lam - Blues Andy Friend - Brumbies Glenn Moore - Highlanders Chris Hickey - Waratahs John Plumtree - Sharks Then there's the likes of Rassie Erasmus and Phil Mooney in their sophomore year with their current sides. What impact will all this new coaching blood have on their teams this year?
Hoy
Guest
I concur that Williams looks good, but Habana can make things from nothing. Witness him score three tries against Samoa at the world cup? Or him scoring in the 07 14 final? Not too bad. I have a theory with young prodigous footballers like Steyn. When they start with such promise, but get shifted around to several positions, it invariable ruins them for at the very least several years. I remember Reds fullback McLinden when he burst onto the NRL scene. Possibly ARL at the time. He was a phenomenon. They said in reports that he could run the 100 in the 10's. That is pretty quick. He was a freak at 5/8. Then Laurie came back form injury after a long lay off, and they shifted Mclinden to about 5 different positons, and he was never the same again. Same with Steyn, amongst several others. Steyn should be 12, but they keep putting him on at wing, fullback, 12, 5/8 etc. The bloke has talent, but can't settle if he is playing a different role every week. But what a hoof he has. I bet not too many people were complaining about his kicking drop goals when he slotted those two whoppers to beat the wallabies? But everyone is right. He just has a shot because he has before. He needs to settle down.
van der Merwe
Guest
"Look at Shane Williams the best winger in the world ATM. EVerytime he gets the ball he looks like he can score. Habana just doesn’t have that threat. Give him space an he’ll kill you, but close it down and he has nought!" Did you start watching rugby in 2008?
Guy Smiley
Guest
Habana's record speaks for itself, just because he cannot play any other position doesn't make him a bad winger. He is put there to score tries and he scores plenty. Yes he has faults but when your one dimension is that good it's OK to be one-dimensional. James, Frans Steyn is infuriating. Dick Muir should have pulled his head in a long time ago and told him no more drop goals from 50! Just because he can doesn't men he should especially when his success rate is so low. And as for out half James is old news, they must stick with Pienaar.
Craig
Guest
Brendan, Mate I have seen enough of Habana to know apart from blinding speed he is average. Look at Shane Williams the best winger in the world ATM. EVerytime he gets the ball he looks like he can score. Habana just doesn't have that threat. Give him space an he'll kill you, but close it down and he has nought!
Who Needs Melon
Guest
I also rate Habana. As for the "players to watch" - I agree Burgo is one of them but, more importantly, it's the 2nd-in-line players like Lucas that people keep talking about that I'm looking forward to watching. I include Beale, Cooper and all of the aussie wingers and fullbacks in that category. There's spots up for grabs!!! Surely such players should be saying to themselves now: Hey - I've got a sniff here - I'm not that far behind X and if I have a good season, I'm in with a shot at the Wallabies. Too long have I read about the supposed talents of Beale, Lucas, etc. It's now time for them to step up and fulfill that potential. I'm looking forward to see how these guys rise to the challenge and how the challenged respond.
Hoy
Guest
I rate Habana. I don't know about his defense, but his attack is fantastic I think. He can swerve, step, run, duck, dive, duck, and dodge. He goes good, and has a bit of sack (thanks A-rod) in contact. The reason I don't know about defense, is just about every player has mistakes in defense, end of story. Show me someone who hasn't fallen off a tackle, and I will show you the best player ever in the world. I am interested in this years season, and can't wait. I wish I could see the trial games to get my ruggers fix right now. The mid-field is going to hold a lot of promise for Australia this year in theory, but can they follow through with promise? Will selections in the teams help or hinder? Going to be good to watch the train wrecks, and the triumphs.
Nick_KIA
Roar Rookie
I've got to side with VDM/Brendan. Habana's the best wing in the SH, IMH(KB)O*. *In my humble (kiwi biased) opinion.
Brendan
Guest
Sam, Craig, Terry You three jokers obviously haven't seen much of habana, particularly when he was playing under Jake White. Unfortunately the bok's style of play last year under De Villiers hasn't helped his game in fact a Campo or Joe Roff would look very ordinary as well playing under De Villiers stupid game plan. I suppose you never saw the amazing try he scored against the Blues in the super 14 a few years ago?? Do yourselves a favour and type habana into youtube.
Terry Kidd
Guest
I agree with Sam and Craig, Habana is over rated. Burgess the premier Oz halfback? Sure he was the last Wallaby halfback but I think he will face a serious challenge from Lucas (Reds) and is far from the premier half. Yeah we need to look at the back line talent and see who puts their hands up this year in terms of developing their game, but I don't want to see players played out of position. Given that the Force are likely to lose Giteau after this year I would like to see them play O'Connor at 10 and Giteau 12 .... they should look to the future. I want to see how Turner develops as a full back for the Tahs. I hope he goes well and really nails the guts of the job. Additionally in the next 2 years I believe we need to look closely at Nos 6, 7 and 8 to develop depth and beack up for RWC 2011 .... Waugh will not be around, Smith will be well over 30, Palu should be in his prime but needs back up .... we need to see who is coming thru. Can't wait for Friday week.
van der Merwe
Guest
You are foolish. When on form, Habana doesn't just "finish" backline moves, he single handedly creates them.
Craig
Guest
Here here Sam, Habana annoys the heck our of me because he is not a rugby player. He is a sprinter who can catch a ball. SA do a great job providing him the space he needs and he just goes. Don't get me wrong I would love to have a man with that pace in my sides, but it irritates me when he is feted because he can't play the game to save himself.
sam
Guest
Call me foolish, but I reckon Habana is one of the world's most overrated players. Anyone with speed and a good step could do his job - stand on the wing and finish off backline moves. His defence is often found wanting and he has no playmaking skills that I've seen. He can finish, true, but he can't create. Put him anywhere but the wing and he would be absolutely lost. That's why I don't rate him, and certainly don't see him as one of the world's most important players.