The quarterfinals for Super rugby start tonight and there is the possibility of all four New Zealand teams winning and setting up a blockbuster weekend. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at four reasons why the four teams from the land of the long white cloud will be coming to training next week.
One step ahead
Last Saturday night it was as plain to see as a bad haircut in Cleveland this week.
The Hurricanes, Crusaders, Chiefs and Highlanders went at it hell for leather.
Then followed a drab, boring affair, which featured a scoreless second half, as the Brumbies beat the Force.
The teams from New Zealand are just far better, faster and play the game at such a high intensity.
They are playing at a level and standard far above the others.
History never repeats
The playoffs have traditionally always had a form team from Australia or South Africa, one that has really looked like a threat.
This year, though, there is no side which has come through from either country to look top dog.
The Lions have been flirting around the top of the ladder but still look to have a soft underbelly.
And they lack experience at playoff time. No Australian teams have looked the goods.
The Brumbies started off like a house on fire, thumping the Hurricanes but never got anywhere near those heights again.
Six months in a leaky boat
This competition started in February, half a year ago, and the New Zealand fleet has been sailing strong and true ever since.
They have massive depth and their skippers - players in key positions - are great navigators and know the way round, no matter what conditions they strike.
In contrast, the Australian ship has run aground in some parts - the Force and Reds - others seem rudderless and can only sail one way - Brumbies - while others have too many sailors tacking or in the sick bay at the same time - Waratahs and Rebels.
The South Africans simply have too many ships and not enough competent sailors.
I hope, I never
Right, so it is that simple.
The New Zealand teams are better so they should win.
If it was only that easy.
One should never count the chickens before they hatch.
The New Zealand teams have better skills, game plans and athletes but it does not always come down to this.
There are a million other variables which come into play - some that can be controlled, others that cannot.
Logically, there should be four New Zealand teams doing battle next weekend.
But, just in case, now cross all appendages.
