Stormers, Jaguares look set for semis

Super Rugby kicks off at the end of this week — yes, it is way too early but it all has to fit in with the playing window. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at the overseas teams and rates their chances.

SOUTH AFRICAN CONFERENCE

Sharks

Last year: Quarterfinals

Coach: Sean Everitt (new)

The Sharks were unlucky last year, losing quite a few games by narrow margins and, if they had gone the other way, who knows? But there have been numerous departures and plenty of key cattle are missing. No more du Preezs, including the coach, and the front row has been stripped. Springbok centre Lukjanyo Am is the new captain and Curwin Bosch is a key man for the new team.

Prediction: 12th

 

Stormers

Last year: 10th

Coach: John Dobson (new)

Blew it at the last hurdle of the regular season in 2019 and will look to do better. Have lost Eben Etzebeth to France and Damian De Allende is playing in Japan. But still have Springboks captain Siya Kolisi and world player of the year Pieter-Steph du Toit. Welsh veteran Jamie Roberts joins which will create some interest although his body may not be up to it.

Prediction: Semifinals

 

Bulls

Last year: Quarterfinals

Coach: Pote Human

Even before last season ended, coach Human was bemoaning the loss of players he is facing. He was not wrong. Plenty have left the Bulls yard, most importantly first five-eighth and captain Handre Pollard who is now in France. Also gone are locks Jason Jenkins, RG Snyman and Lood de Jager. Big holes to fill. Morne Steyn is back on the high veldt but at 35 is there anything left in those legs?

Will still be big but may lack the class needed.

Prediction: 13th

 

Lions

Last year: Ninth

Coach: Ivan van Rooyen (new)

The Lions have overachieved in recent years but whether they can survive the latest departures is up in the air.

Hooker Malcolm Marx is playing in Japan, Lionel Mapoe is in France and flanker Kwagga Smith is also in Japan. No8 and captain Warren Whiteley is out for the season because of a knee injury.

Veteran prop Jannie du Plessis was with the side but has returned to France.

Kingpin first five-eighth Elton Jantjies is still around and will offer plenty while the side has some quick outside backs. The team made the Currie Cup final so cannot be all bad.

New coach Ivan van Rooyen used to be the strength and conditioning coach of the side so fitness should not be an issue.

 

Prediction: Sixth

 

Jaguares

Last year: finalists

Coach: Gonzalo Quesada

The Jaguares over-achieved last year, going all the way to the final, and will have big ambitions this time around. Still have a solid tight five and the departure of Tomas Lavanini to England should help discipline. Pablo Matera has moved to France. Backs Tomas Cubelli and winger Emiliano Bofelli will be keys. If the side can handle the travel factor, it should be good.

Prediction: Semifinals

 

AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE

Reds

Last year: 14th

Coach: Brad Thorn

The Reds continue to build and have promoted players from within the region. Will not lack for fitness and have added Brumbies winger Henry Speight. Another year older for many of the young guns should hopefully give the side impetus to move up the ladder and get Brisbane folk excited about the team again. Much is expected of youngster Jordan Petaia and he needs to stay on the field. Winger Filipo Daugunu scored five tries in a pre-season match and then got suspended for five weeks for a tip tackle in the same game.

Prediction: 11th

 

Waratahs

Last year: 12th

Coach: Rob Penney

The Waratahs have a new coach in Rob Penney and he will be eager to make an impression. Penney had plenty of success with Canterbury but never got a look in with various Super Rugby jobs in this country. Has been around and will work hard. The Waratahs were poor last year in finishing 12th and the Israel Folau drama did not help. Some promising youngsters coming through but, like all teams, have lost experience. Michael Hooper and new captain Ben Simmons are key.

Prediction: Ninth

 

Brumbies

Last year: Semifinals

Coach: Dan McKellar

The Brumbies will never get the pulse racing too much. The tactic of kicking for the corners and backing the side’s lineout drive is not too exciting but it is effective.

A solid set piece backed up with clever driving play has led to many wins for the Brumbies. But losing locks Sam Carter and Rory Arnold is a big blow. Lacking a first five-eighth to start the season could also hit the side hard.

The team will want to stay top dog in the conference but should have more challenges this season.

Prediction: Seventh

 

Rebels

Last year: 14th

Coach: Dave Wessels

The Rebels folded badly when on the cusp of the playoffs last season. Hard to see them getting that close again. Too many big names have left as Will Genia, Adam Coleman and Quade Cooper move on. The tight five looks suspect and wins will be hard to come by. Reece Hodge and Dan Haylett-Petty need to step up.

Prediction: 14th

 

Sunwolves

Last year: 15th

Coach: Naoya Okubo (new)

The Sunwolves are gone after this year and have lost all but three of their players from last season. The team plays at the same time of the year as the Japanese Top League so has no access to the top Japanese players. Anyone willing to put money on a win at all this season?

Prediction: 15th