LIONS
The Lions were the shining light in South Africa last year making it all the way to the final before going down to the Crusaders.
Perhaps if they had not lost a man early in that game they could have won the whole thing.
The biggest issue for the Lions is the loss of coach Johan Ackermann who has moved to England. He was a major factor behind their turnaround. His son, Ruan, has also followed him north.
Nippy halfback Faf de Klerk has also left the building although his star dipped somewhat last season.
There are still some solid foundations around which led the Lions revival. Elton Jantjies, Warren Whiteley and Lionel Mapoe have spent the off-season playing in other countries which may catch up with them in the back end of the season.
But the side has a nice base and should be too good for many of its opponents.
Coach: Swys de BruinKey forward: Loose forward Jaco Kriel
Key back: First five-eighth Elton Jantjies
Last year: Finalist
Prediction: Finalist
BULLS
The Magical Mitchell show comes back to South Africa. John Mitchell used to coach the Lions but he arrives a bit further down the road with the Bulls.
What he will bring no-one really knows. He is still talking about processes and the way forward so not much has changed there.
The vintage years of the Bulls of 10 years ago when they won three titles in four years have long gone.
There is no longer the class there but they still have plenty of beef up front. Lost a few close ones last year so if they can turn those into wins may finish further up the table.
May depend on injuries — particularly if Handre Pollard can stay on the field — and form away from Loftus Versfeld.
Coach: John Mitchell
Key forward: Hooker Adriaan Strauss
Key back: First five-eighth Handre Pollard
Last year: 15th
Prediction: 11th
STORMERS
The Stormers finished top of one of the South African conferences last year and lost just once at home before they played poorly against the Chiefs in the first week of the playoffs.
Their sister organisation, Western Province, had been going through some domestic dramas of late but the Stormers have retained most of their cattle from last year.
Midfield back Damian de Allende is a quality player and means a lot to the Stormers so he must stay on the paddock.
Key lock Eben Etzebeth is out for a lengthy period because of a shoulder injury.
The side will look to youngster Damian Willemse to pilot the side around the paddock. Won the Currie Cup last year which should boost confidence.
Visiting teams better not spend too long in the shower at Newlands.
Coach: Robbie Fleck
Key forward: Flanker Siya Kolisi
Key back: Halfback Dewaldt Duvenage
Last year: Quarterfinals
Prediction: 10th
SHARKS
The Sharks benefited from the weird format last year when they did not have to play any New Zealand teams in the regular season.
They won the final playoff spot but went out in the first round.
Most of the side has returned but it does not scream excitement. There are some quick backs while the Sharks always have a solid set of forwards.
Prop Coenie Oosthuizen is a good player but needs to progress while Tendai Mtawarira is still around.
The Sharks usually have a tight defence and if they can continue this then they will be a force. Scoring points may be an issue.
Coach: Robert du Preez
Key forward: Lock Ruan Botha
Key back: First five-eighth Robert du Preez jnr
Last year: Quarterfinals
Prediction: Quarterfinals
JAGUARES
The Jaguares finished 10th last year but this was because the team did not have to play any New Zealand teams. It is always going to be tough for the Argentinian outfit with all the travel.
But it does benefit by playing in the African conference so will have two games each against what are arguably weaker teams.
The side welcomes back former Pumas front rower Mario Ledesma as head coach, coming home after his last job helping to strengthen the Wallabies scrum.
One would imagine Ledesma will not look to build an imaginative style with the Jaguares.
The side is still learning how to get consistent at this level and not to make silly mistakes.
Discipline must also improve markedly to get some wins.
Halfback Tomas Cubelli is back from the Brumbies and is an asset for the side.
Key forward: hooker and captain Agustin Creevy
Key back: Halfback Tomas Cubelli
Last year: 10th
Prediction: 13th