Super XV 2012 Preview: New Zealand Conference

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New Zealand Conference
The New Zealand conference is home to the two most successful teams in Super Rugby's history, the Crusaders (7 titles) and the Blues (3 titles). Those two teams are likely to be the two top teams in the NZ conference again this
season, with the Chiefs, Highlanders and Hurricanes fighting over the minor placings.

v2's pick - New Zealand Conference:
1) Crusaders
2) Blues
3) Chiefs
4) Highlanders
5) Hurricanes


Blues
The Auckland-based franchise has recruited very well over the off-season, with Ma'a Nonu and Piri Weepu moving north from the Hurricanes, offsetting the loss of Joe Rokocoko, John Afoa and Luke McAllister to European clubs, and they will hope to progress further into the playoffs than last season. The Blues have suffered in recent seasons from inconsistency, being capable of brilliant razzle-dazzle one week, and turgid dross the next. They face a tough March, travelling to South Africa to face the Bulls and Stormers.

The Blues miss out on playing the Cheetahs and the Waratahs in the 2012 round-robin.

Key Players: Rene Ranger, Ma’a Nonu, Keven Mealamu, Jerome Kaino

Players to watch: Ma’a Nonu and Rene Ranger could be a lethal midfield combination, especially if the Blues can get things right at #10, a problem position for them in recent seasons.

Gains: Ma'a Nonu, Rudi Wulf, Piri Weepu, Michael Hobbs, Pauliasi Manu, Angus Ta'avao, Gareth Anscombe, George Moala, David Raikuna

Losses: John Afoa, Stephen Brett, Luke McAlister, Winston Stanley, Joe Rokocoko, Jared Payne, Chris Smylie, James King, Kurtis Haiu

Main Squad:
Coach: Pat Lam
Props: Charlie Faumuina (Auckland), Tevita Mailau (Auckland), Pauliasi Manu (Auckland), Angus Ta'avao (Auckland), Tony Woodcock (North Harbour)
Hookers: Tom McCartney (Auckland), Keven Mealamu (c) (Auckland)
Locks: Anthony Boric (North Harbour), Liaki Moli (Auckland), Filo Paulo (North Harbour), Ali Williams (Auckland)
Loose Forwards: Daniel Braid (Auckland), Luke Braid (Auckland), Jerome Kaino (Auckland), Chris Lowrey (Auckland), Peter Saili (Auckland), Brad Mika (Auckland)
Half Backs: Alby Mathewson (Auckland), Piri Weepu (Wellington)
First Five-Eighths: Gareth Anscombe (Auckland), Lachie Munro (Counties-Manukau)
Centres: Michael Hobbs (Wellington), Ma'a Nonu (Auckland), Benson Stanley (Auckland)
Wingers: George Moala (Auckland), David Raikuna (North Harbour), Rudi Wulf (North Harbour)
Fullbacks: Isaia Toeava (Auckland), Sherwin Stowers (Counties-Manukau)


Chiefs
The Sonny Bill Williams circus has arrived in Hamilton, and the Chiefs will be fielding an All Blacks’ bench worth of inside backs with Aaron Cruden, SBW and Richard Kahui. Cruden and SBW replace Stephen Donald and the re-retired Tana Umaga, while Mils Muliaina is a big loss at the back.

New coach Dave Rennie will have his work cut out ending the Chief’s record of underachievement in Super Rugby, and his electric backline will be relying on some relative unknowns in the forwards.

The draw has done the Chiefs some favours; they avoid playing the Stormers, while away games at the Cheetahs and Western Force will be targets.

Key Players: Liam Messam, Aaron Cruden, Hika Elliot

Players to watch: The SBW off-loading show; Williams is possibly in his last season of rugby union with return-to-NRL rumours circulating. If he and Richard Kahui can get enough possession the Chiefs will be dangerous, especially if NZ Sevens star Declan O’Donnell can transfer his skills to the fifteen-man game.

Gains: Shane Cleaver, Aaron Cruden, Michael Fitzgerald, Maritino Nemani, Brodie Retallick, Robbie Robinson, Ben Tameifuna, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Kane Thompson, Mahonri Schwalger, Sonny Bill Williams

Losses: Colin Bourke, Mike Delany, Aled de Malmanche, Stephen Donald, Toby Lynn, Ben May, Taniela Moa, Mils Muliaina, Culum Retallick, Isaac Ross, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Dwayne Sweeney, Hayden Triggs, Tana Umaga, Nathan White

Main Squad:
Coach: Dave Rennie
Props: Ben Afeaki (North Harbour), Shane Cleaver (Manawatu), Toby Smith (Waikato), Ben Tameifuna (Hawke's Bay), Sona Taumalolo (Hawke's Bay)
Hookers: Hika Elliot (Hawke's Bay), Mahonri Schwalger (Taranaki)
Locks: Craig Clarke (c) (Waikato), Mike Fitzgerald (Manawatu), Romana Graham (Waikato), Brodie Retallick (Bay of Plenty), Kane Thompson (Hawke's Bay)
Loose Forwards: Alex Bradley (Waikato), Sam Cane (Bay of Plenty), Tanerau Latimer (Bay of Plenty), Fritz Lee (Counties Manukau), Liam Messam (c) (Waikato), Scott Waldrom (Taranaki)
Half Backs: Tawera Kerr-Barlow (Waikato), Brendon Leonard (Waikato)
First Five-Eighths: Aaron Cruden (Manawatu), Andrew Horrell (Hawke's Bay)
Centres: Richard Kahui (Waikato), Asaeli Tikoiratuma (Taranaki), Sonny Bill Williams (Canterbury), Jackson Willison (Waikato)
Wingers: Lelia Masaga (Bay of Plenty), Maritino Nemani (Hawke's Bay), Declan O'Donnell (Waikato)
Fullbacks: Tim Nanai-Williams (Counties Manukau), Robbie Robinson (Southland)


Crusaders
2012 is a time of rebuilding for the shattered city of Christchurch, and their Crusaders are no exception. Last year’s beaten finalists have a new ground to replace the earthquake-damaged AMI Stadium, and some good young players queuing up to replace Brad Thorn, Sonny Bill Williams, Kahn Fotuali’I and Chris Jack.

The Crusaders will field one of the best packs in the competition, and will relish playing home games in Christchurch rather than 6 hours’ drive away in Nelson, or half a world away in London – most of the squad logged over 100,000 air miles between March and June 2011. They miss playing the Sharks and the Brumbies this season.

Key Players: Dan Carter, Israel Dagg, Sam Whitelock, Owen Franks

Ones to watch: With Richie McCaw not expected on the field until April his heir apparent Matt Todd has an opportunity to shine. In the backs look out for 2010 U20 World Cup star Tyler Bleyendaal whenever Dan Carter is rested, while Tom “Son of ’87 RWC winner Warwick” Taylor had a very good 2011 NPC. And there’s a chance to play Whitelock bingo, with all four brothers in the squad this year – will they set a record by all being on the field together?

Gains: Tom Donnelly, Ben Funnell, Ross Kennedy, Patrick Osbourne, Tom Taylor, Luke Whitelock, Rugby League Park

Losses: Matt Berquist, Kahn Fotuali’i, David Hall, Chris Jack, Jonathan Poff, Brad Thorn, Sonny Bill Williams, AMI Stadium

Main Squad
Coach: Todd Blackadder
Props: Nick Barrett (Southland), Wyatt Crockett (Canterbury), Ben Franks (Canterbury), Owen Franks (Canterbury)
Hookers: Corey Flynn (Canterbury), Ben Funnell (Canterbury), Quentin McDonald (Tasman)
Locks: Tom Donnelly (Otago), Ross Kennedy (Eastern Province Kings - South Africa), Luke Romano (Canterbury), Sam Whitelock (Canterbury)
Loose Forwards: Richie McCaw (c) (Canterbury), Matt Todd (Canterbury), Kieran Read (Canterbury), Joe Wheeler (Tasman), George Whitelock (Canterbury), Luke Whitelock (Canterbury)
Half Backs: Andrew Ellis (Canterbury), Willi Heinz (Canterbury)
First Five-Eighths: Tyler Bleyendal (Canterbury), Dan Carter (Canterbury)
Centres: Ryan Crotty (Canterbury), Robbie Fruean (Canterbury), Tom Taylor (Canterbury), Adam Whitelock (Canterbury)
Wingers: Zac Guildford (Hawkes Bay), Sean Maitland (Canterbury), Patrick Osbourne (Canterbury)
Full Backs: Israel Dagg (Hawkes Bay), Tom Marshall (Tasman)


Highlanders
An indication of the sad decline of Otago rugby is found in the Highlanders’ squad; the team’s host province contributes just three players to the 2012 team. Even with eight Southlanders in the side the remaining seventeen players are imports. Notably the Highlanders are the only franchise the NZRU are not inviting external investment in – Southland fans don’t like trekking to Dunedin for matches, and it seems that in Otago they can’t be bothered turning up to support, so money is tight around the franchise.

In his first year in charge Jamie Joseph managed to get the Highlanders to the brink of the playoffs in 2011, playing some of their best rugby in years. Can he repeat the dose in 2012?

The Highlanders miss playing the Lions and the Western Force in the round robin.

Key Players: Jimmy Cowan, Colin Slade, Adam Thomson, Andrew Hore

Ones to watch: “Brand” Haskell will be out to put England’s disappointing World Cup behind him, and he’ll have to be very impressive indeed to attract any English notice down in the deep South. Hosea Gear will also be looking to bounce back after an unhappy 2011 at the Hurricanes which ultimately cost him his All Blacks jersey before the Rugby World Cup, while Jarred Hoeata has set himself the goal of filling Brad Thorn’s big boots for the All Blacks.

Gains: Tamati Ellison, Ma'afu Fia , Hosea Gear, James Haskell, Andrew Hore, Chris Noakes, Culum Retallick, Doug Tietjens

Losses: Halani Aulika, Tony Brown, Tom Donnelly, Brayden Mitchell, James Paterson, Robbie Robinson, Sean Romans, Matt Saunders, Mahonri Schwalger, Alando Soakai, David Te Moana, Joe Tuineau, Fetu'u Vainikolo

Main Squad:
Coach: Jamie Joseph
Props: Ma'afu Fia (Manawatu), Chris King (Southland), Jamie Mackintosh (c) (Southland), Bronson Murray (Northland)
Hookers: Andrew Hore (Taranaki), Jason Rutledge
Locks: Josh Bekhuis (Southland), Jarred Hoeata (Taranaki), Culum Retallick (Bay of Plenty)
Loose Forwards: Nick Crosswell (Manawatu), Elliot Dixon (Southland), John Hardie (Southland), James Haskell (London Wasps), Nasi Manu (Canterbury), Adam Thomson (Otago), Doug Tietjens (Manawatu)
Half Backs: Jimmy Cowan (Southland), Aaron Smith (Manawatu)
First Five-Eighths: Chris Noakes (Bay of Plenty), Colin Slade (Canterbury), Lima Sopoaga (Wellington)
Centres: Tamati Ellison (Otago), Kendrick Lynn (Southland), Shaun Treeby (Wellington)
Wingers: Hosea Gear (Wellington), Siale Piutau (Counties Manukau), Kade Poki (Tasman), Telusa Veainu (Canterbury)
Full Backs: Kurt Baker (Taranaki), Ben Smith (Otago)


Hurricanes
The Hurricanes have historically been one of the toughest NZ franchises to support, capable of going from the sublime to the ridiculous in the same phase of play; and the team’s achievements have never quite matched its potential. In 2011 Mark Hammett was brought in to impose some Crusaders-style methods on the team. However the move backfired with a number of senior players falling out with Hammett, and consequently the Highlanders start 2012 minus some big names in Ma’a Nonu, Piri Weepu, Hosea Gear and Andrew Hore.

The ‘Canes look a much weaker outfit than last year, especially up front. Can squad cohesion and team ethic make up the difference?

The Hurricanes have a tough start to their campaign, facing the Stormers in Cape Town with the Lions in Johannesburg the following week. They miss out on playing the Reds and the Bulls in the round robin so there are some compensations in the draw for them.

Key Players: Victor Vito, TJ Perenara, Cory Jane

Ones to watch: Beauden Barrett has two U20 World Cup titles with the Baby Blacks in 2010 and 2011 and will be pushing hard for a starting berth at 10 or 15. Locks Jason Eaton and Jeremy Thrush will look to regain the form that had them wearing the Silver Fern in times past.

Gains: Beauden Barrett, Tim Bateman, Ben May, Brad Shields, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, David Hall, Tusi Pisi, Tristian Moran, Motu Matu'u, Reggie Goodes, TJ Perenara, Chris Smylie

Losses: Aaron Cruden, Bryn Evans,Andrew Hore, Hosea Gear, Ma'a Nonu, Rodney So'oialo, John Schwalger, Neemia Tialata, Piri Weepu, Jacob Ellison

Main Squad:
Coach: Mark Hammett
Props: Michael Bent (Taranaki), Reggie Goodes (Wellington), Ben May (Waikato), Tristan Moran (Bay of Plenty), Jeffery Toomaga-Allen (Wellington)
Hookers: Dane Coles (Wellington), David Hall (Southland), Motu Matu'u (Wellington)
Locks: James Broadhurst (Taranaki), Jason Eaton (Taranaki), Mark Reddish (Wellington), Jeremy Thrush (Wellington)
Loose Forwards: Jack Lam (Waikato), Faifili Levave, Karl Lowe (Hawke’s Bay), Brad Shields (Wellington), Victor Vito (Wellington)
Half Backs: Chris Eaton (Hawke’s Bay), TJ Perenara (Wellington), Chris Smylie (Auckland)
First Five-Eighths: Beauden Barrett (Taranaki), Daniel Kirkpatrick (Hawke’s Bay), Tusi Pisi (Suntori, Japan)
Centres: Tim Bateman (Coca Cola West Red Sparks, Japan), Jayden Hayward (Taranaki), Charlie Ngatai (Wellington), Conrad Smith (Wellington)
Wingers: Richard Buckman (Hawke’s Bay), Alapati Leiua (Wellington), Julian Savea (Wellington), Andre Taylor (Taranaki)
Full Backs: Cory Jane (Wellington)

Pity Weepu's kick didnt go over, might have got 100% on Sportguru picks...