Lions
Last year: finalist
Coach: Swys de Bruin
Up side: always been there, deep pool of players, good spine, Elton Jantjies saves his best for Super Rugby
Down side: lost some key players, not a great draw to start
Prediction: seventh
Waratahs
Last year: semifinals
Coach: Daryl Gibson
Up side: possess some of the best players in the competition, in a weak conference
Down side: not much depth, lack consistency, prone to off-field dramas
Prediction: semifinals
Jaguares
Last year: quarterfinals
Coach: Gonzalo Quesada (new)
Up side: coming off a good year, combinations will not be lacking
Down side: key man Nicolas Sanchez has gone to France, Juan Martin Hernandez has retired, won't catch anyone unawares
Prediction: 11th
Sharks
Last year: quarterfinals
Coach: Robert du Preez
Up side: continuity in squad, play well against NZ teams, big and strong forward pack
Down side: woefully inconsistent, lose games they should win, too many fair-weather fans
Prediction: semifinals
Rebels
Last year: ninth
Coach: Dave Wessels
Up side: big names throughout the side, could all gel together well
Down side: many past their best, not much depth, could all go horribly wrong
Prediction: 12th
Brumbies
Last year: 10th
Coach: Dan McKellar
Up side: some quality forwards, Christian Lealiifano back as skipper, David Pocock itching for a big year
Down side: safety-first tactics do not transpire into victories, lacking a game breaker in the outside backs
Prediction: eighth
Stormers
Last year: 11th
Coach: Robbie Fleck
Up side: Damian de Allende, Damian Willemse, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Steven Kitshoff - top players, get long Australasian trip over early.
Down side: appear to have lost the art of winning close games, injury-prone players
Prediction: sixth
Bulls
Last year: 12th
Coach: Pote Homan (new)
Up side: in Handre Pollard, Duane Vermeulen and Jesse Kriel the Bulls have some quality cattle, sure to have a good set piece
Down side: Loftus Versfeld no longer a fortress, growing pains as attempt to change style.
Prediction: 15th
Reds
Last year: 13th
Coach: Brad Thorn
Up side: training hard, new optimism about, lot of players a year older
Down side: lost experienced hands, optimism may be replaced by reality, tough start
Prediction: 14th
Sunwolves
Last year: 15th
Coach: Tony Brown (new)
Up side: good core of seasoned NZ players, plenty of resources, coach an innovator
Down side: lack the toughness for the physical intensity of the competition, brutal travel ask, many players may have eye on World Cup
Prediction: 13th.