South Africa

Have 3 genuine contenders in the Sharks, Stormers and Bulls, and 2 contenders for the wooden spoon in the Lions and Cheaters.

The Cheaters will battle bravely and may even produce the odd upset at home in Bloemfontein, but they could concede some large scores on the road. Simply do not have enough class to produce consistent performances required at this level.

Loffie Eloff has to deliver on his 3 year plan or else a new coach is required. Not enough progress has been made at Super 14 or Currie Cup level. And not enough players have been developed or given opportunities to enable the Lions to make any progress. Why they persist with players like Doppies La Grange, Jaco Van Schalkwyk, Louis Strydom etc. These guys are average provincial players who have been given years of opportunities and done nothing spectacular. Surely we have some young guys who we would be better served developing. Instead they have opted to purchase a wing from Southland, NZ (when we have Trompie Notshinga) and American number 8 Todd Clever. I would like to see some braver decisions like Earl Rose being given an extended go at flyhalf.

The Bulls have the benefit or a year under Frans Ludeke, who I see as their major weak link. The return of our inspirational captain, Victor Matfield, will lead a star studded team with the likes of Habana, Du Preez, Botha, Spies, Ndungane. This should allow a top 6 finish, and paper over the cracks of a coach who is directionless and lacks leadership, as evident with the pre-season camp in George. Will be solid but not spectacular.

The Sharks are a team on a high. Class all over the field, steady leadership from the captain and coaching staff, and tons of confidence from finally winning some silverware in the Currie Cup. Have no real weaknesses, depth in almost all positions, and the ability to play different gameplans. Will make the semis and will be aiming for home advantage.

However my pick for the Super 14 is the Stormers. Finished strongly last year, and have gamebreakers all over the field. Have the best super 14 coach in SA, in Rassie Erasmus, who has been planning for this since last years competition ended. Will be better off for last years experience, and have that “x” factor required to get through the big games. Strong through the backs and loose forwards, but this year I expect the tight forwards to compete well enough for the stars to shine.

New Zealand

Once again we have the usual suspects who are likely to provide the hopes for NZ.

The Islanders will once again be in the bottom 4, with lack of class and lack of depth.

The Chiefs and Blues should both be mid table with some good players and game breaking ability but lack of overall depth and teamwork. I expect both to produce the odd unexpected result but neither will be able to maintain the consistency required to make the top 6.

The Crusaders always have a classy team with good depth. Whilst they will be without Robbie Deans, they have an inspirational new coach in Todd Blackadder. With Dan Carter also away I think they will still be strong without having that edge they always possess. I expect them to be strong contenders for a semi final spot but no more than that.

The Horrorcanes look to be the strongest of the Kiwi teams, with good all round ability and highly experienced. No noticeable weaknesses except for the fact they have a few individuals who lack a bit upstairs at times.

Australia

The Aussies are really there to make up the numbers. Overall they lack the cohesion in the forwards to set good platforms for their backs many of whom could match those of South Africa and New Zealand.

Brumbies, Reds and Farce will all struggle to make an impact on the tournament, with all suffering the same fate of not having a strong enough pack, not enough depth, not enough consistency and too many Australians! Expect these 3 teams to scatter among positions 7-14.

The Worrytahs have consistently finished in the top 6 over the last few years. If there is an aussie hope they are it. They have the experience to enable consistent if not spectacular performances. Should challenge for a top 6 spot which would be a good achievement.

Overall it promises to be a good season for the South African and Kiwi teams. I’m picking the Stormers to come top of the log and win the competition, with the Sharks also making the semis.