Australian sides have always had plenty of potential about them.
Most years, though, they have failed to deliver.
But, last year, the Waratahs finally got it all together and won the title.
It was a close-run thing - just getting home ahead of the Crusaders in a pulsating final.
The Sydney-based side has always had the talent and finally delivered on it last year.
With mostly the same side this year, confidence should be reasonably high for a repeat title.
But the Waratahs had their fair share of luck with injuries last year and some temperamental but talented players stayed on the rails. There is no guarantee that is going to happen again this year.
Coach Michael Cheika may have his mind elsewhere but the side has the ability to be a serious contender.
Up the coast, the Reds have gone to the chequebook to try to get back in the running after a dismal season last year.
The side was forever losing players to injury in 2014 and, at no stage, did it ever have a full-strength team. Key players had lengthy spells on the sideline.
So for the Reds' sake the side must keep everyone on the paddock.
Whatever happens, it should be interesting.
Wild child James O'Connor is back and looking to make an impact. Karmichael Hunt is giving rugby a go after stints in league and Australian football. He has some rugby experience, having played in France before he went to rules.
Super rugby is a different kettle of fish and Hunt may struggle, especially if the Reds put him in the No 10 jersey to cover for Quade Cooper who is set to miss the first two months because of a shoulder injury.
Adam Thomson has returned from Japan and linked with the Brisbane side. He was always top-notch at this level for the Highlanders and will enjoy the hard Australian grounds.
Down in Melbourne, the only way is up after the Rebels finished dead last in 2014. There have been the usual comings and goings with Mike Harris a useful addition to the team.
The Rebels tried to bring in some big stars when they first started but appear to have gone the other way, getting some hard grafters and trying to do the basics well.
The side lost plenty of close games last year so may just need a slice of luck to have a better season.
The Force was right in the playoff picture the entire season but tripped up in the last few weeks. Whether it can make a play for the post-season is debatable.
The Perth side has already lost skipper Matt Hodgson for nearly half of the competition with a hamstring injury. The Force is always good at home and should pick up a few wins there.
The Brumbies should be in the frame again. They have competent players in key areas and a game plan which gets results. They also welcome back Stephen Moore and David Pocock, who are coming off knee troubles.
However, they may struggle against a side with X-factor which can absorb the sometimes one-dimensional Brumbies attack.
How the Australian teams shape up
WARATAHS
Captain: Dave Dennis
Coach: Michael Cheika (third season)
Key forward: Flanker Michael Hooper
Key back: Fullback Israel Folau
Last year: Champion
Prediction: Finalist
BRUMBIES
Captain: Stephen Moore
Coach: Stephen Larkham (second season)
Key forward: Lock Sam Carter
Key back: Midfield back Christian Leali'ifano
Last year: Fifth
Prediction: Sixth
FORCE
Captain: Matt Hodgson/Sam Wykes
Coach: Michael Foley (third season)
Key forward: No 8 Ben McCalman
Key back: Halfback Alby Mathewson
Last year: Eighth
Prediction: 12th
REDS
Captain: James Slipper
Coach: Richard Graham (second season)
Key forward: Lock Rob Simmons
Key back: Halfback Will Genia
Last year: 13th
Prediction: 10th
REBELS
Captain: Scott Fuglistaller/Scott Higginbotham
Coach: Tony McGahan (second season)
Key forward: Lock Caderyn Neville
Key back: Halfback Nic Stirzaker
Last year: 15th
Prediction: 14th
