Waratahs
Last year: Sixth (8-6), lost in quarterfinals.
Coach: Darren Coleman (second year).
Key forward: Michael Hooper. The magnificent Wallabies flanker deserved some time away from the game and should be ideally placed to inspire the Tahs back to their best.
Key back: Jake Gordon. The halfback and captain is an under-rated campaigner. He will have to lift again following news Kurtley Beale is standing down while fighting sexual assault charges.
The oil: The Waratahs surprised a few last year but they look a genuinely decent shout in 2023. From Angus Bell and Dave Porecki up front, to Ned Hanigan and Charlie Gamble further back in the scrum, the pack looks solid. Gordon, Ben Donaldson, Lalakai Foketi and the dynamic Mark Nawaqanitawase lead a potent backline.
Meikle’s prediction: Third. Not sure the Tahs can win it all but they won’t die wondering.
Brumbies
Last year: Fourth (10-4), lost in semifinals.
Coach: Stephen Larkham (replaces Dan McKellar).
Key forward: Rob Valetini. The bruising loose forward only knows one way to play.
Key back: Len Ikitau. You can go a long way with a dangerous ball-runner in the midfield.
The oil: Losing prop Scott Sio and fullback Tom Banks is a big blow. But Larkham, who comes home after a stint in Ireland, is a canny bloke and appears to have some depth. The Brumbies won Super Rugby AU in 2020 and made the final in 2021, and only fell by a point to the then-rampant Blues in the semifinals last year. Valetini, Pete Samu, James Slipper and captain Allan Alaalatoa lead a dynamic pack, and inside backs Nic White and Noah Lolesio can control a game.
Meikle’s prediction: Fourth. Potentially higher if they have some luck.
Reds
Last year: Seventh (8-6), lost in quarterfinals.
Coach: Brad Thorn (sixth season).
Key forward: Exciting No 8 Harry Wilson looks the class act in a relatively underwhelming forward pack.
Key back: Halfback and captain Tate McDermott is always capable of sparking something.
The oil: The Reds had a season of two halves in 2022, starting with four straight wins then ending with five straight losses. Injuries hurt, and they just couldn’t cope with New Zealand teams. Super prop Taniela Tupou is still sidelined with injury, and veteran playmaker James O’Connor also appears to be breaking down. Enough talent — including exciting rookie Tom "son of" Lynagh — to make the playoffs but not to win the thing.
Meikle’s prediction: Eighth. Hard to see them finishing much higher.
Rebels
Last year: 10th (4-10).
Coach: Kevin Foote (third season).
Key forward: Hooker Jordan Uelese will be keen for a big season to impress Wallabies coach Eddie Jones.
Key back: First five Carter Gordon will basically need to turn into Dan Carter if the Rebels are to make much of a splash this season.
The oil: The Rebels’ lack of depth was exposed last year, and could again be an issue. There are already injury concerns with lock Matt Philip gone for the season, captain Rob Leota out indefinitely, and star attacker Andrew Kellaway sidelined for six weeks. Do not expect miracles from what is left.
Meikle’s prediction: 10th. But could be lower.
Force
Last year: Ninth (4-10).
Coach: Simon Cron (replaces Tim Sampson).
Key forward: Big lock Izack Rodda is on the comeback trail after foot surgery.
Key back: Former Hurricanes fullback Chase Tiatia seeks a fresh start and instantly becomes the Force’s biggest attacking threat.
The oil: Cron, a mate of former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, has added some solid players to his squad, including hooker Folau Fainga’a, and there is certainly hope in the west that better things lie ahead. But depth is wafer-thin, and there are few players of genuine class.
Meikle’s prediction: 12th. The Force is not strong in this one.
OTHER NZ TEAMS - Tomorrow
