After two makeshift seasons, Super Rugby is about to get a whole more super as the competition moves to a full-fledged Pacific competition.

Making it all the more appealing for fans – and administrators – is that the competition’s future will be announced Friday, with the competition to be set in stone until 2030.

That will be music to the ears of fans and franchises because it will provide security for the game, allowing teams to plan and bring in investors and the general public to get used to matches playing on a weekend that aren’t in the dead of the night like previously.

What’s more, Rugby Australia will benefit from their hard-line stance, with more money to be distributed over time to the organisation, which continues to get up off its knees following the clearing of the decks and change in administration following the onset of COVID-19.

But the million-dollar question is: will the competition be competitive?

Dave Rennie wasn’t the only Australian-based coach left frustrated by the injury crisis unfolding Down Under, the five local Super Rugby coaches were too.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL SQUADS FOR EVERY SUPER RUGBY TEAM IN 2023

From the Queensland Reds losing Taniela Tupou for the season to the Rebels losing two of their best forwards in Matt Philip and Rob Leota, some of the best talent Australia has to offer won’t lace up a boot in 2023 for their Super Rugby franchises.

They are devastating blows for a national sporting body that has faced – and will continue to face – questions about their depth and whether Australia has enough quality players for five Super Rugby franchises.

Pain will be experienced for some franchises, with the Rebels particularly up against it following the injury blows to their tall timber.

Simon Cron’s operation to reboot the Western Force will take time and won’t be an overnight fix, while Stephen Larkham has returned to the Brumbies with questions hanging over his head as to whether he has grown as a coach.

The Reds underwent a brutal post-season review, with their own questions over the makeup of their coaching structure looming large following a massively underwhelming campaign which saw Brad Thorn’s side go backwards.

As for the Waratahs, well, Darren Coleman shocked many by leading NSW to the finals and there is an expectation they will continue to kick-on, particularly with their young squad another year older as well as the addition of experience to complement their emerging list.

Across the ditch the expectation is the Crusaders and Blues are two of the competition favourites, and with a World Cup on the horizon their lists remain incredibly strong.

The remaining three franchises have made subtle tweaks to their squad, while Moana Pasifika and the Fiji Drua should be stronger after having another year to build on their lists.

Here we breakdown all 12 squads – which are now official – while also bringing out the crystal ball to predict where they will finish in 2023.

The Australians

ACT BRUMBIES

With a new coach in Larkham and a new general manager (Chris Thomson) and a number of crucial players heading overseas, the Brumbies may well have missed their moment to push for a third Super Rugby title by losing in last year’s semi-final in dramatic circumstances. Starting well will be crucial for the Brumbies.

Strengths

Despite the loss of Scott Sio and Folau Fainga’a, the Brumbies still have a rock star forward pack with class littered throughout it. They also have a Wallabies halves pairing in Nic White and Noah Lolesio, while Tom Wright will likely spend more time at fullback.

Weaknesses

Inside centre. Irae Simone’s departure means the Brumbies don’t have the strength and the foil in the midfield they were previously used to. It’s a big blow.

The Boss

Larkham – the former World Cup-winning playmaker – returns for the first time since 2017 and no one quite knows how it will come off. Whispers out of Ireland was Munster’s attack resembled Jake White’s South African style and many were left underwhelmed. The Brumbies never missed the finals under Larkham V1 though.

Young gun

Billy Pollard – hooker

The Brumbies were prepared to let Fainga’a leave to invest in the youth of Lachie Lonergan, who starred off the bench during the Wallabies’ win over Wales and Pollard – the exciting young hooker, who was chased by NRL clubs. While the 2023 World Cup might be a stretch too far at his young age – he turns 21 on December 9 – he’s one to watch.

Long range prediction: 6th

The departures of Tom Banks, Irae Simone and Scott Sio will prove difficult to replace. Throw in a new coaching set-up and the Brumbies could have one or two teething issues, particularly at inside centre.

WESTERN FORCE

The second Australian Super Rugby franchise with a new coach, Simon Cron is a man who knows about rugby Down Under but he faces a giant rebuilding task. The Force lack some big names in the halves and inside backs. Cron cast the net out wide, but the reality is he is more likely to land a big fish in 2024.

Strengths

With a trio of New Zealand speed demons, the Force could cause some problems out wide and much will depend on whether the likes of Chase Tiatia, Toni Pulu and Manasa Mataele can keep fit. Throw in Jake Strachan, who is a talented fullback, and the Force have some ballers in the outside backs. Can they get the ball there though?

Weaknesses

Where to begin? Cron’s list is stacked with youth, which could prove great in the long-term, but in the short-term it could bring issues. The Force are going to lack creativity in the inside backs, which means they need to dominate up front.

The boss

Cron spent years around Sydney and helped the Waratahs reach the semi-finals in 2018. He spent three seasons working in Japan alongside director of rugby Steve Hansen and those experiences will prove invaluable. Cron talks a good game; the proof will be in the pudding – but judge him in 2024.

Young gun

The Force have a handful of academy players coming through, but more likely we’ll see them from 2024. While he’s no fresh meat, back-rower Tim Anstee is someone with speed, power and athletic ability.

Long range prediction: 9th

Given the Force are short of star power they will struggle to challenge the big teams like the Blues, Crusaders, Chiefs and Waratahs. They’ll snag wins along the way but it looms as a difficult year. That said, the pillars can be put in place for 2024.

MELBOURNE REBELS

Hit hard by injuries in the forward pack, the Rebels look short of some serious timber up front. Which is a shame because they have some talented backs, including the arrival of Italian star Monty Ioane.

Strengths

With an all-international back three, the Rebels should be able to finish tries. One thing is for certain – their internationals will have to stand up. Last year they didn’t, and Reece Hodge missed selection initially for the Wallabies. Up front the Rebels have some muscle in Wallabies props Sam Talakai, Matt Gibbon and Pone Fa’amausili, while Cabous Eloff packs a punch too. If there is one aspect which should fire it’s the scrum.

Weaknesses

The loss of Philip and Leota can’t be understated. They are hammer blows. The halves won’t scare many either, but Carter Gordon could change that perception.

The boss

South African Kevin Foote spoke optimistically in 2022 but his game-plan and selection was confusing. One minute he wanted to inspire and get Super Rugby back to its former heights and the next he was dropping his young playmaker, who is supremely talented but lacking time in the saddle.

Young gun

Carter Gordon is someone who has been around for a little while but is barely a man at this point. He’s a top talent but needs to be backed for the entire year.

Long range prediction: 10th

If Gordon can stay fit and focussed, and not weighed down by what could be a tough season, there could yet be sunny skies ahead, but 2023 will be tough without notable forwards and inside backs that lack genuine, proven quality.

QUEENSLAND REDS

The loss of Tupou is colossal. His recent season-ending Achilles injury is the single biggest injury in Super Rugby. They have a number of Test players in the backline, but it’s up front where the Reds will be tested.

Strengths

A number of Wallabies who are playing for their World Cup dreams. Think Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight. These two young men must lead. If they do that, they’re a chance of taking the Reds to the finals and helping their own cause. The James O’Connor-Tate McDermott partnership is crucial, while there’s pace and class out wide.

Weaknesses

Tupou’s absence. It starts and stops there. Up front the Reds don’t quite have the starch that might have seen them go from pretenders to contenders.

The boss

The heat is on Brad Thorn. He needs to lead the Reds to the semi finals to have a chance of a contract extension.

Young gun

Josh Flook is someone who has a bright future, and the Reds need Zane Nonggorr to step out of Tupou’s shadow, but the young man who I would like see given some game time, no matter his size, is Tom Lynagh.

Long range prediction: 7th

Tupou’s absence sees the Reds go from a top four outside chance to battling to make finals.

NSW WARATAHS

There was no expectation in 2022 so how will they fare in 2023? The Waratahs won crucial games against the Crusaders and Highlanders to seal a quarter-final. Now the expectation is they push on – and so they should.

Strengths

Wallabies form the front-row, back five forwards, halves, centres and backline – the Waratahs aren’t short of star power. Kurtley Beale is almost a diamond up their sleeves and could float anywhere from 12 and 15 to the bench. Ditto Nemani Nadolo. What should help the Waratahs is they have two young playmakers, hopefully a third in Will Harrison should he get back to full fitness, battling it out to wear the No.10 jersey.

Weaknesses

Depth in the tight-five. The Waratahs have quality to start, but beyond Angus Bell and Harry Johnson-Holmes, how much is there? Ditto in the second-row.

The boss

Coleman was Australian rugby’s coach of the year in 2022. The real pressure test will be how he handles it when he loses a few players to injury.

Young guns

Max Jorgensen and Jack Bowen are players for the future, but whether we see either of them remains to be seen. Keen an eye out on Joey Walton who returns after a number of frustrating injuries.

Long range prediction: 3rd

The New Zealanders

BLUES

Last year’s runners up. The Blues are good, like really good. They boss teams up front and have speed and pace to burn via Beauden Barrett and Stephen Perofeta. Throw in Rieko Ioane and Caleb Clarke and the Blues are scary good.

Strengths

Perhaps the best back-row in the competition and the hottest backline in club rugby across the globe.

Weaknesses

If there’s one, it’s perhaps depth in the second-row.

The boss

Leon MacDonald is smart and savvy. He had the Blues singing from the same song sheet. The former All Blacks star plans to outsmart his former teammate Scott Robertson next year.

Young gun

The reality is this is a team that is in its prime and there will be very few new faces. Back-rower Rob Rush – the son of former New Zealand great, Eric – joins the squad. Good luck squeezing into that back-row.

Long range prediction: 1st

2023 will be the year of the Blues.

CRUSADERS

Will Scott Robertson take the eye of the ball for one second? We’ll see, but he’s been a busy man in recent months putting himself in a position to strike if a coaching domino falls up in the northern hemisphere. The Crusaders juggernaut will continue to roll on 2023 but they will continue to push most sides most of the time.

Strengths

Richie Mo’unga remains in the top five playmakers in the world. (Who are the others, you ask? You’ll find that out in due time. Sam Whitelock is one of the best leaders and most consistent players in world rugby. You can build an army around those two – and the Crusaders have for years.

Weaknesses

There isn’t one. Perhaps the only one might be that a number of players are rested throughout the year with the greater good (the All Blacks) in mind.

The boss

‘Razor’ Robertson. (No further words required – you’ve read LOTS about him lately).

Young gun

Taha Kemara turned down the chance to sign with the Chiefs. The 19-year-old playmaker looks a young gun for the future.

Long range prediction: 2nd

HURRICANES

Any side with Dane Coles, Ardie Savea and Jordie Barrett is going to be one that takes some beating. The Hurricanes will be more consistent in 2023 than in the past two years, particularly with Barrett growing by the year.

Strengths

Tryscoring ability out wide through the likes of Julian Savea and Salesi Rayasi, but I can’t look past Ardie Savea – the most consistent and dominant forward since 2019.

Weaknesses

With TJ Perenara suffering an Achilles injury and Beauden Barrett long gone, the Hurricanes don’t quite have the same threat in the halves.

The boss

Jason Holland has been in the top job for a few years now and will be after consistency.

Young gun

Riley Higgins. Came through the pathways and is a centre who could be a well-known quantity by year’s end.

Long range prediction: 5th

CHIEFS

This side just oozes class and without getting too X-rated the return of Damian McKenzie just sexes up the Chiefs. They will be up there in 2023.

Strengths

The Chiefs’ back-five in the forward pack is world class. From Brodie Retallick to Sam Cane and Luke Jacobson and Pita Gus Sowakuwa, I mean, wow! Hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho was one of the world’s best hookers in 2022 while the Chiefs will grow a leg with McKenzie and Anton Lienert-Brown, who remains one of the best centres in the world, back and fit and ready for a World Cup push.

Weaknesses

Opposition teams will go after their front-row. But good luck. The top four will be formidable.

The boss

Clayton McMillan has been operating somewhat in Warren Gatland’s shadow, but the Chiefs coach needs to deliver because the Waikato-based side have the talent in the team to go a long way.

Young gun

Tupou Vaa’i isn’t new. Indeed, he’s an All Black. But this will be the year he turns from fringe All Black to one who demands a spot.

Long range prediction: 4th

Quality from start to finish. The Chiefs are the most likely to spring an upset to one of the big two, but because of rotation policies and the fact they’ll take on New Zealand opposition more than the Aussies, they’ll drop to fourth in the overall standings.

HIGHLANDERS

The Highlanders simply don’t have the same star power up front as the Blues, Crusaders and Chiefs, which has them hard pressed to challenge at the top. They also have a new captain, Billy Harmon, and new coach Clarke Dermody, which always brings new challenges.

Strengths

The best 1-2 halfback pairing in the competition. The Highlanders also have a couple of All Blacks up front.

Weaknesses

Light back-five forward pack. While Super Rugby is more loose than international rugby, you still have to win the battle up front to go forward. The Highlanders are a mobile pack but lack some size. Just ask the Waratahs how that went for them under Darryl Gibson.

The boss

Clarke Dermody has one of the best right-hand man’s in the competition, with Chris Boyd returning to New Zealand as his No.2. That will help the first-year Super Rugby head coach.

Young gun

Folau Fakatava just makes rugby fun. He’s got promise galore.

Long range prediction: 8th

MOANA PASIFIKA

One year in and Moana Pasifika will be better placed than last year, where COVID outbreaks hurt their chances, but they still have a long way to go.

Strengths

More than anything last year showed how tight the collective is. They have experienced leaders in the team, as well as a competent coaching staff.

Weaknesses

Depth, quality, and the rigours of playing week-in, week-out. Good luck. Their youth will begin to shine through more and more.

The boss

Aaron Mauger knows a thing or two about Super Rugby. He’s gone for experience. Four wins will be a good year.

Young gun

Former Samoan Sevens player Miracle Fai’ilagi is the only uncapped player in the squad, which features 28 internationals in it, after being spotted in Suva recently.

Long range prediction: 11th

It almost seems unfair for Moana Pasifika, who like the Japan Sunwolves, were thrown together at the last moment. Moana will stay in the fight of a lot of games, but can they come out on top? That’s the challenge.

FIJIAN DRUA

The fact the Drua will play more games in Fiji is a plus for the Super Rugby Pacific competition. Can they succeed? We will see, but they will challenge sides at home.

Strengths

In an ever-increasing structured game, Fiji throw it around and can cause headaches to oppositions. They’ve got to continue to do that. They have incredible athletes. The challenge will be at the set-piece and the travel, particularly to New Zealand.

Weaknesses

Depth and world class talent.

The boss

Mick Byrne. Well known on either side of the ditch, Byrne did well to see the Drua to a couple of victories, while they pushed the Highlanders at home at the end of their season.

Long range prediction: 12th

The Drua will challenge a number of sides, but the final 20 minutes will be an issue. Either way, they’ll put some serious heat on Australia’s sides, who don’t always have the skill to keep up with the razzle dazzle nature of the Fijians.