Crusaders
Last year: Won 11 lost 3, second, beat Reds 32-12 in quarterfinal, beat Blues 21-14 in semifinal, beat Chiefs 16-12 in final.
Coach: Rob Penney (third year).
Key forward: You could say Codie Taylor — the widely respected hooker is so consistently good — but a less obvious shout is Christian Lio-Willie. The Otago No 8 was magnificent last year.
Key back: Will Jordan is classy in just about everything he does.
One to watch: Not many newcomers, but Liam Jack is a rising lock with a fair pedigree.
Chances: Sigh. The Crusaders roared to the title last year after their annus horribilis in 2024, and they again look very strong. All Blacks galore, the spark of Jordan and Chay Fihaki, the reliability of Taylor and David Havili . . . hard not to see them contending.
Meikle’s prediction: Beaten finalists, but wooden spoon preferred.
Chiefs
Last year: Won 11, lost 3, top qualifiers, lost to Blues 20-19 in quarterfinal, beat Brumbies 37-17 in semifinal, lost to Crusaders 16-12 in final.
Coach: Jono Gibbes (replaces Clayton McMillan).
Key forward: Tempting to say Wallace Sititi — the most exciting young forward in the competition — but the real glue for the Chiefs is lock Tupou Vaa’i. Highly skilled and influential.
Key back: As always, it is the little fella in the No 10 jersey. If Damian McKenzie fires, the Chiefs win.
One to watch: A remarkably settled squad contains one important newcomer in winger Kyren Taumoefolau, who dazzled for Moana Pasifika last season.Chances: You had one job! The Chiefs were far and away the best team in Super Rugby last year — top in tries, clean breaks and metres gained — but stumbled at the final hurdle against the Evil Empire. They again look stacked. McKenzie, Cortez Ratima, Quinn Tupaea and Emoni Narawa lead the backs, Sititi is in a loaded loose trio with Luke Jacobson and Simon Parker, and Vaa’i anchors a decent tight five. Depth plus talent equals surely they do not lose in the final for a fourth straight year.
Meikle’s prediction: Champions
Blues
Last year: Won 6, lost 8, sixth, beat Chiefs 20-19 in quarterfinal, lost to Crusaders 21-14 in semifinal.
Coach: Vern Cotter (third year).
Key forward: Dalton Papali’i was discarded by the All Blacks last year and is thought to be weighing up his future. The dynamic flanker might have several points to prove.
Key back: Stephen Perofeta has not played a competitive game since May. At his best, the first five has all the tools, and while he might only run the cutter while Beauden Barrett is being rested, he could be a better permanent option.
One to watch: Cody Vai will be eager for some opportunities in the outside backs.
Chances: Which Blues team to expect? They were very poor through the opening rounds of 2025, a year after winning the title, before eventually getting their act together. Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu and Sam Darry provide plenty of punch behind a solid front row, and Caleb Clarke leads a decent outside back platoon. But Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a and the injured Patrick Tuipolotu leave big holes.
Meikle’s prediction: Sixth.Hurricanes
Last year: Won 8, drew 1, lost 5, fourth, lost to Brumbies 35-28 in quarterfinal.
Coach: Clark Laidlaw (third season).
Key forward: Du’Plessis Kirifi has a lot of admirers, and his consistent excellence for the Hurricanes helped get the livewire loosie into the All Blacks last year.
Key back: "Cam Roigard then daylight" — you hear that expression a lot these days. The halfback is simply elite.
One to watch: Warner Dearns is a strapping lock and comes to the Canes with 32 test caps for Japan, where he has lived since he was 14.
Chances: There is plenty to like about the Hurricanes, who are capable of lighting up anyone. Kirifi, Peter Lakai and Asafo Aumua are excitement machines in the pack, and Roigard and centre Billy Proctor are Super Rugby royalty. First five remains the major question mark with Ruben Love keen to take the No 10 jersey.
Meikle’s prediction: Fourth.
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