Rugby: Another successful crusade on the cards

The Super 14 has been a rich hunting ground for New Zealand teams, with sides from this country winning the competition 10 times. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at four New Zealand sides, and assesses their chances for the coming season.

He will look at the Highlanders' chances tomorrow.

Every year it is the same - and it pains those from the South to say it - but the Crusaders appear the team to beat in the Super 14 this year.

Though the Hurricanes, Chiefs and the Blues have plenty of ability and points to prove in this year's competition, the Crusaders on paper have the artillery to win the title.

They have been bolstered by the return of Dan Carter and Chris Jack, have a group of players all the better for a year's experience in this competition, and have brought in some exciting young talent in the form of Zac Guildford and Robbie Fruean.

The return of Carter is probably the biggest plus for the Christchurch-based side.

His goalkicking, and ability to read play can not be matched in the competition.

If he stays on the field, it is hard to see the Crusaders finishing out of the top four.

Richie McCaw will also be there, although he is missing the first three weeks to rest after a gruelling 2009.

His absence will be felt, but the side has vowed to be quicker out of the blocks then previous seasons.

Jack's return will be watched with interest, though it is debatable whether he will get a start with Isaac Ross and Brad Thorn backing up from an impressive season last year.

Jack was a bit too much of a seagull near the end of his career here, and it is hard to see his game having improved after nearly three years in England and South Africa.

A wrist injury means he will miss the first few rounds.

Fruean has plenty to prove after failing to back up his potential with Wellington last year.

Guildford headed south after his path was blocked at the Hurricanes, and teamed with Sean Maitland, the Crusaders should not struggle to score tries.

The team from Wellington has plenty to prove.

It is Colin Cooper's eighth and last year in charge of the side and after plenty of near misses - five semifinals and a final - he will want to go out with a bang.

Rodney So'oialo has given up the captaincy though he will miss tomorrow night's game against the Blues as he is busy in the gym.

Andrew Hore is the new captain, and one would imagine he will be a follow-me sort of leader.

Prop Neemia Tialata needs a consistent season, while the likes of Jeremy Thrush and Jason Eaton will want to show they still have something to offer the national selectors.

Aaron Cruden is talked about as the next big thing and should get a severe examination at a level which is markedly higher than running up against young colts.

The Hurricanes have been close before but have they passed their peak?The Chiefs overachieved last year, reaching the final, and will not catch teams by surprise this season.

They have an explosive set of backs and if their tight five can muscle up and compete, they should be in the running.

Injuries may play a big part in the Chiefs campaign, and whether players such as Richard Kahui and Stephen Donald play up to their potential.

Brendon Leonard must also recapture the form of 2007.

Further up the road the Blues are, as usual, full of promise but one never really knows with them.

Their destiny may rely on the qualities of Stephen Brett, and whether he can bring any consistency to his game.

The loss of Ali Williams is a big blow and it is up to Anthony Boric to stand up and dominate at line-out time.

The Blues have plenty of skilful outside backs, and an All Black front row, but they need to be a bit more ruthless and do the simple things well.

The squads

BLUES
Coach: Pat Lam (second year).
Captain: Keven Mealamu.
Last year: Ninth.
Key forward: Anthony Boric - with Ali Williams gone more pressure will go on Boric to bring some steel to the second row and dominate at line-out time.
Key back: Stephen Brett - can be hot and cold and for the Blues' sake needs to step up and show the authority he has promised for some time.
Prediction: 10th.

CHIEFS
Coach: Ian Foster (sixth year).
Captains: Sione Lauaki, Mils Muliaina.
Last year: Finalists.
Key forward: Craig Clarke - underrated but was a key for the Chiefs run to the final last year with his ability at the line-out and breakdown.
Key back: Stephen Donald - seemingly fighting for his position but leads a backline loaded with ability, and if he can unleash it look out.
Prediction: Semifinalists.

HURRICANES
Coach: Colin Cooper (eighth year).
Captain: Andrew Hore.
Last year: Semifinals.
Key forward: Rodney So'oialo - has plenty to prove this season with many predicting his feet are halfway into the pasture paddock.
Key back: Aaron Cruden - much has been written about the Manawatu youngster but it is a different kettle of fish at Super 14 than age group stuff.
Prediction: Fifth.

CRUSADERS
Coach: Todd Blackadder (second year)
Captains: Kieran Read, Richie McCaw.
Last year: Semifinalists.
Key forward: Isaac Ross - will he come back resembling the Incredible Hulk and wreaking havoc at the breakdown?
Key back: Dan Carter - one gets the feeling if Carter can stay on the paddock then the Crusaders will take some beating.
Prediction: Champions.