Super XV 2014 General Discussion Thread

Swiwi.

Welcome to the Super XV thread for 2014! Hopefully, there’ll be plenty of exhilarating action on the field, and a bit of friendly banter on the thread. Without further ado, let’s press on with the season preview. Useful links are provided below for easy reference during the season.

http://www.superxv.com/fixtures/
http://www.superxv.com/table/

THE NZ CONFERENCE

Setting the scene
Any NZ conference can’t be previewed without first discussing the implications for the national team. The ABs had a successful season in 2013, but nevertheless a few concerns remain. Chief among these is the front row, especially hooker. With Andrew Hore retired, and Kevin Mealamu increasingly prone to calf injuries, there will be 1 if not 2 hooking spots up for grabs. If you’re going to follow the NZ teams this year, keep an eye on the rakes in what is sure to be a fierce battle for that all-elusive black jumper.

Likewise, a backup 13 to Conrad Smith has already been signalled by Hansen as a priority - NZ contributed to its own demise in 3 consecutive world cups (’99, ’03, ’07) by selecting specialist fullbacks at centre. The NZ conference always throws up the next Christian Cullen - last season it was probably Charles Piutau, but it’s one of things that makes the SXV worth watching.

BLUES

Forwards: Tom McCartney, Keven Mealamu, James Parsons, Charlie Faumuina, Sam Prattley, Angus Ta'avao, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Tony Woodcock, Tom Donnelly, Liaki Moli, Culum Retallick, Patrick Tuipulotu, Kane Barrett, Luke Braid, Jerome Kaino, Steven Luatua, Brendon O'Connor, Peter Saili

Backs: Jamison Gibson-Park, Bryn Hall, Piri Weepu, Baden Kerr, Chris Noakes, Pita Ahki, Ma'a Nonu, Francis Saili, Jackson Willison, Frank Halai, Benji Marshall, George Moala, Charles Piutau, Lolagi Visinia

This is John Kirwan’s second season in charge, and he’ll be hoping his team doesn’t have a case of the blues (sorry, couldn’t help myself). The Auckland-based team started strongly last season but faded from about the half-way mark and finished mid-table. They have lost Rene Ranger to France but picked up the previously outstanding Jerome “Ferris” Kaino, and ex-AB lock Tom Donnelly. They also have returning prodigal sons in the form of Woodcock and Nonu - can Ma’a actually be bothered will be a point of interest. However, the most notable signing is Benji Marshall: not since Carlos Spencer have the Blues had a championship-winning flyhalf, and they have tried a myriad of players over the years, including Leinster’s own Jimmy Gopperth. If, and it’s a massive if, Marshall turns out to be half-decent, the Blues could go OK, otherwise they will be forced to revert to their backup 10s Kerr, Noakes or even Weepu. The Blues have a number of ABs and should win a reasonable number of games, often in dazzling fashion (Halai, Moala, Piutau). With Luatua, the under-rated Braid, and Kaino (rumoured to play 8) on the field they will have a very competitive loose-forward trio. However, the lack of a top-class second row, the uncertainty at flyhalf, and a lack of squad depth mean I don’t see them as title contenders. I predict 3rd or 4th in the NZ conference, and no qualification for the knockout stages.

CHIEFS

Ben Afeaki, Bundee Aki, Gareth Anscombe, Sam Cane, Nick Crosswell, Aaron Cruden, Hikawera Elliot, Ross Filipo, Mike Fitzgerald, Robbie Fruean, Josh Hohneck, Andrew Horrell, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Tanerau Latimer, James Lowe, Jamie Mackintosh, Pauliasi Manu, Rhys Marshall, Tom Marshall, Liam Messam, Mils Muliaina, Tim Nanai-Williams, Charlie Ngatai, Augustine Pulu, Brodie Retallick, Robbie Robinson, Mahonri Schwalger, Liam Squire, Matthew Symons, Ben Tameifuna, Kane Thompson, Asaeli Tikoirotuma

Despite the loss of Craig Clarke to Connacht, and a couple of other players to Japan, the Chiefs remain a formidable unit for 2014. Once solid mid-table fare, the Chiefs have now won 2 consecutive titles and should be in the mix once again under the watchful eye of Dave “Schmidt” Rennie. In the forwards, the main weaknesses I identify are in the 2nd row where the gap between Brodie Retallick and the rest is a gulf, and they also lack a top-class 8. However both Afeaki & Tameifuna are decent props, and Sam Cane & Liam Messam need no introduction to Irish readers. It’s in the backs however, where the Chiefs have a lot of class. They might have missed out on SBW for this season, but with Cruden, the returning Muliaina and dead-eye dick goalkicker Anscombe as well as a host of excellent open-field runners (Robinson, Nanai-Williams), and decent midfielders, the Chiefs should do well again. It will be worth seeing how Robbie Freuan does in his new home – the excellent under-age player had his career blighted by rheumatic fever, and never reached the promised heights with the Crusaders, but on his day is very difficult to handle. I predict 1st or 2nd in the NZ conference, and qualification for the semi-finals.

HURRICANES

Forwards: Mark Abbott, James Broadhurst, Dane Coles, Ash Dixon, Ben Franks, Reggie Goodes, Jack Lam, Faifili Levave, Motu Matu'u, Mark Reddish, Ardie Savea, John Schwalger, Brad Shields, Eric Sione, Blade Thomson, Jeremy Thrush, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Victor Vito

Backs: Beauden Barrett, Marty Banks, Tim Bateman, Cory Jane, Alapati Leiua, James Marshall, Hadleigh Parkes, TJ Perenara, Matt Proctor, Julian Savea, Conrad Smith, Chris Smylie, Andre Taylor, Cardiff Vaega

The Hurricanes remain the perennial underachieving entertainers of NZ Super Rugby. When you think of some of the players they have had through the years (Cullen, Lomu, Umaga…), it’s amazing they haven’t been more successful. However, they have always suffered from flaws of one type or another in their pack, and this year strikes me as being no different – they have a decent backrow with Shields, Savea and Vito (who might look at switching back to 7s or heading overseas if he misses out on higher honours again), but their tight 5 (especially outside of the starting XV) is underwhelming. Likewise, their backline is a mix of excellent (Savea, Smith, Barrett, Perenara) and run-of-the-mill. This is a big season for coach Mark Hammett who needs to do better than mid-table. However, I see them fighting it out with the Blues for 3rd and 4th spot.

CRUSADERS

Dominic Bird, Tyler Bleyendaal, Daniel Carter, Wyatt Crockett, Ryan Crotty, Israel Dagg, Mitchell Drummond, Andy Ellis, Corey Flynn, Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Zac Guildford, Willi Heinz, Nepo Laulala, Rey Lee-Lo, Richie McCaw, Johnny McNicholl, Joe Moody, Nemani Nadolo, Tim Perry, Kieran Read, Luke Romano, Colin Slade, Jordan Taufua, Codie Taylor, Tom Taylor, Matt Todd, Jimmy Tupou, Adam Whitelock, George Whitelock, Luke Whitelock, Sam Whitelock

The Crusaders are always there or thereabouts when it comes to Super Rugby but have not brought home the bacon in a while now. The team once again comprises a mixture of ABs and less talented players that the Crusaders have traditionally excelled in turning into top-rate provincial players (who promptly become average again if they shift to another franchise). The issue in recent seasons has been a lack of deadly finishing power out wide, and hence the failed attempt to secure Julian Savea for 2014. The other issue this season will be at flyhalf where Dan Carter will spend the round-robin on sabbatical. Pre-injuries, Colin Slade looked very promising at 10, and Tyler Bleyendaal has his moments, but neither are Carter. It will be interesting to see how McCaw and Todd are used this season, I would be happy to have McCaw at 6 if needed, rather than the hardworking but a bit underwhelming George Whitelock. The Crusaders should be in the mix, and if they can reach the knockout stages will have a good a chance as any team. I expect them to finished 1st or 2nd in the NZ conference and reach the semi-finals at least.

HIGHLANDERS

Forwards: Josh Bekhuis, Shane Christie, Liam Coltman, Matias Diaz, Elliot Dixon, Gareth Evans, Ma'afu Fia, Tom Franklin, Kane Hames, John Hardie, Jarrad Hoeata, TJ Ioane, Chris King, Nasi Manu, Brayden Mitchell, Brad Thorn and Joe Wheeler.

Backs: Kurt Baker, Phil Burleigh, Jason Emery, Malakai Fekitoa, Patrick Osborne, Hayden Parker, Buxton Popoalii, Willie Ripia, Aaron Smith, Ben Smith, Lima Sopoaga, Winston Stanley, Fumiaki Tanaka, Shaun Treeby and Frae Wilson.

Once again it’s hard to see the Highlanders going too far this season. In the backs, Ben and Aaron Smith are world class but the remainder vary from decent to average to frank journeymen. And it’s the same in the forwards, where only Liam Coltman might challenge for higher honours. Brad Thorn was a great player, but I’m sorry Leinster lads, he looked past it last season. I think John Hardie is potentially Scottish eligible, and given Scotland’s 6N performances to date, he could well consider doing a “Maitland” and aiming for RWC 2015, as I’d imagine he could just about go straight into their starting XV. The Highlanders will probably be cellar dwellers again, although could well trip up visiting sides along the way. I predict 5th in the NZ conference.

Tox56

Swiwi. wrote: »

Any NZ conference can’t be previewed without first discussing the implications for the national team. The ABs had a successful season in 2013,

I guess you could say that, yeah

matthew8

Following on from the discussion about good attack vs. bad defense in the other thread, I think the better pitches has a lot to do with it. Super rugby pitches are lovely and far more supportive of attacking rugby than the vast majority of pitches in the NH. Heyneke Meyer (having coached at Leicester) commented once that it wasn't surprising the Premiership teams weren't able to attack very well given so much of the season was played in poor conditions.

You also have the fact that you have a better quality of national team concentrated into fewer teams playing a shorter season and generally have access to their players throughout the season.

Morf

Tamati Ellison is in Japan then?

Any pressure on Jamie Joseph after the big-spending and failure last year?

A S. Africa and Aussie equivalent of Swiwi's conference preview would be great too!

errlloyd

I know one problem I have is kick off times, because of the differing time differences even with the league they seem random to me. I recently discovered that the sky sports website actually has a pretty good rugby union calendar regardless of whether they are covering the games or not. It displays everything from All Ireland League fixtures, Welsh Premiership, to International and Top 14.

Saturday 15th February there are two S15 games live on SS1 and SS2



Friday 21st February



Saturday 22nd February

Swiwi.

Morf wrote: »

Tamati Ellison is in Japan then?

Any pressure on Jamie Joseph after the big-spending and failure last year?

A S. Africa and Aussie equivalent of Swiwi's conference preview would be great too!

Ellison is playing for the Rebels. He tried to do his usual caper of playing SXV in NZ and then head to Japan for the ITM cup (which he did anyway). The NZRFU said "no more SXV contract for you son", so he was snapped up by the Rebels. A very good rugby player, who has chased the Yen rather than AB honours.

Joseph apparently has some clause that he can't be fired from the Highlanders purely based on results. If he can get the Highlanders to mid-table this season, I think that will be an OK effort. It's a bit like Pat Lam and Connacht: there is only so much you can do with the players and squad depth on offer.

No promises, but a couple of other lads may well provide SA & Aussie franchise previews.

Swiwi.

Reds v Chiefs pre-season friendly. Will & Quade directing the Reds nicely there.

.ak

Bah, Saders v Chiefs on at 6.30 on a Friday... guess I'll be missing that one.

awec

Allez les bleus!

errlloyd

I think this season I'm going to make it my aim to support the reds. I'm a big fan of Quade Cooper and atm I think Aussie rugby needs all the support it can get

.ak

errlloyd wrote: »

I think this season I'm going to make it my aim to support the reds. I'm a big fan of Quade Cooper and atm I think Aussie rugby needs all the support it can get

You make it sound like a charity.

pickarooney

I'll stick with the 'Canes and the 'tahs.

The Cheetahs, that is.

matthew8

Is Nadolo going to get much playing time for the Crusaders? I love that 20 stone winger.

Swiwi.

matthew8 wrote: »

Is Nadolo going to get much playing time for the Crusaders? I love that 20 stone winger.

I hope so! I think he's Lote Tuqiri's cousin. Crusaders could really do with a top-notch try-scorer this season.

hahashake

I think his start will be delayed because of his Japanese commitments but a powerful finisher is exactly what the saders need.

Also this is my $0.02 on who I think will win:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyV2cPLuFuA

Morf

Swiwi. wrote: »

Ellison is playing for the Rebels. He tried to do his usual caper of playing SXV in NZ and then head to Japan for the ITM cup (which he did anyway). The NZRFU said "no more SXV contract for you son", so he was snapped up by the Rebels. A very good rugby player, who has chased the Yen rather than AB honours.

Joseph apparently has some clause that he can't be fired from the Highlanders purely based on results. If he can get the Highlanders to mid-table this season, I think that will be an OK effort. It's a bit like Pat Lam and Connacht: there is only so much you can do with the players and squad depth on offer.

No promises, but a couple of other lads may well provide SA & Aussie franchise previews.

The Highlanders seem to have had a few ABs and a spike in expectation/NZRU support(money) last year and they've gone back to a side with clearly the worst squad. How does NZRU see them?

They've lost Woodcock, Hore, Slade, Gear and Nonu(not that he's a loss) without any real quality coming in.

Any bolters you expect from NZ franchises this year?

stefan idiot jones

errlloyd wrote: »

I think this season I'm going to make it my aim to support the reds. I'm a big fan of Quade Cooper and atm I think Aussie rugby needs all the support it can get

If nothing else, we'll be entertained.

I'll be in block 311, keep an eye out for me on the tele. I'm the fat one.

Swiwi.

Morf wrote: »

The Highlanders seem to have had a few ABs and a spike in expectation/NZRU support(money) last year and they've gone back to a side with clearly the worst squad. How does NZRU see them?

They've lost Woodcock, Hore, Slade, Gear and Nonu(not that he's a loss) without any real quality coming in.

Any bolters you expect from NZ franchises this year?

The NZRFU sees them as any other franchise, ie they aren't viewed specifically as a development or feeder franchise. They were actually one of NZ's better franchises back in the day, reaching the semi-finals in 98 and the final in 99. But then they had Jeff Wilson, Josh Kronfeld etc. If they had done well last year, things would be different, but Nonu & Woodcock added nothing, and Thorn is just too old now. So players tend to shun the Highlanders as it's hard to get AB honours playing for them.

The AB team is pretty settled. The only areas I can really see bolters are hooker, midfield (especially outside centre), and possibly at LH prop. The next wave of new arrivals will be 2016 IMO. There are a decent swathe of good players who might head overseas, unless they feel it's worth waiting for 2016 to roll round.

pickarooney

Swiwi. wrote: »

So players tend to shun the Highlanders as it's hard to get AB honours playing for them.

I think the Smiths would maybe have stood out less in a better side and if anything playing for the Highlanders helped them get cappaed (again). Ben Smith couldn't get a game while Dagg was there.

sydthebeat

saturday morning rugby in bed again!!!

Tox56

pickarooney wrote: »

I think the Smiths would maybe have stood out less in a better side and if anything playing for the Highlanders helped them get cappaed (again). Ben Smith couldn't get a game while Dagg was there.

I dunno sounds like a Connacht situation. Marmion and Henshaw would likely be nowhere near the national squad at this stage if they hadn't got the exposure they did at a young age, but it can be difficult to make yourself a regular when you are surrounded by mediocrity/rarely have a big stage to impress on, and if Marmion for example had displaced Reddan at Leinster then it would be harder to not select him for Ireland. Pros and cons to playing for a below average team

Swiwi.

sydthebeat wrote: »

saturday morning rugby in bed again!!!

Nothing beats fry-up + let's say Reds v Crusaders at Suncorp on a dry track.

Jacovs

Just seen they arent giving 4 points for a bye anymore this year.

LuckyGent88

Just secured my tickets for the crusaders first game.
Should be a belter, still gutted I won't get to see carter in action though.

Still surprised they let Patrick Osborne go to the highlanders. He was superb for canterbury in the itm cup this year.

SimmerDean

Really looking forward to the new season. It's a pity that it's only SA teams playing the first weekend but I suppose the 3.05pm and 5.10pm GMT kick offs are better than early morning games. Hope to see some exciting rugby especially if the weaker teams play like the Highlanders last year. I have a fantasy team full of Cheetahs this year. Jake White might work wonders with the Sharks. The Stormers saying they'll look to play expansive game. The Chiefs and Reds look very strong and looking forward to seeing if the Brumbies can improve.

Thomasme

Sharks for me. SA conference looks weak. Lions poor. Bulls lost so many players (so many players). Cheetahs hit/miss (but so exciting). Stormers v Sharks for top spot. Whoever comes out on top should get no 1 seed and home advantage - favourite

Swiwi.

For this opening weekend I'd predict a comfortable 4-try bonus point victory for the Cheetahs over the Lions, and a win for the Sharks at home. The Sharks have a favourable draw this season, maybe this is the year for the nearly team of Super Rugby.

This is the closest the Sharks have come...once again demonstrating how teams - for reasons I do not understand - kick the ball away at the death rather than just wind down the lock.

Habana snatches victory for the Bulls in 2007

pickarooney

How on earth did the bulls get that ball back legally at 80.48 on the clock?

.ak

Swiwi. wrote: »

For this opening weekend I'd predict a comfortable 4-try bonus point victory for the Cheetahs over the Lions, and a win for the Sharks at home. The Sharks have a favourable draw this season, maybe this is the year for the nearly team of Super Rugby.

This is the closest the Sharks have come...once again demonstrating how teams - for reasons I do not understand - kick the ball away at the death rather than just wind down the lock.

Habana snatches victory for the Bulls in 2007

Jesus. The clock was 80 and he kicked it.

Swiwi.

.ak wrote: »

Jesus. The clock was 80 and he kicked it.

And missed touch! By a mile.

.ak

I don't think he was even going for touch... mad.

Emperor1989

Looking forward to seeing Pieter Steph Du Toit coming up against Flip.

Springbok battles all over the pitch.

errlloyd

Swiwi. wrote: »

Habana snatches victory for the Bulls in 2007

That actually amazing, how that clump of bluish pixels managed to keep that really small group of white pixels away from the grey pixels is fantastic.

Swiwi.

errlloyd wrote: »

That actually amazing, how that clump of bluish pixels managed to keep that really small group of white pixels away from the grey pixels is fantastic.

Well the guy probably had to use a dial-up modem with narrow bandwidth back then...

errlloyd

Swiwi. wrote: »

Well the guy probably had to use a dial-up modem with narrow bandwidth back then...

I know its Africa, but I think they had decent internet 2 and a half years ago. :cool:

matthew8

Cheetahs look so much better than the Lions but can't seem to make it count.

Emperor1989

Rhule is a future bok. Some pace and a big lad.

Kiwi_knock

Lovely by Le Roux, Cheetahs will be wondering why it took them so long to get a try.

Swiwi.

Relatively poor first half from le roux but still looks the most dangerous player on the field.

Kiwi_knock

Poor JOC

Kiwi_knock

Some great play there by the Cheetahs, nice pass by Le Roux for the initial break and then another nice pass at the end. Cheetahs have to keep this up if they want the bonus point.

Journeyman_1

Do the cheetas need to invent a new position and team formation to accomodate LeRoux? He's moving between 10, 12, 13, and 15 it seems!

sydthebeat

Cheetahs breakdown play leave a lot to be desired. ...

Kiwi_knock

That was absolutely stupid.

matthew8

Embarrassing for the Cheetahs that the Lions are even in this.

matthew8

The Cheetahs are absolutely rubbish. How could Watts miss that kick?

Swiwi.

Lions hit the front! Such a limited side, but they have stuck to it.

Journeyman_1

"lets go lions, lets go!"

sydthebeat

1 point victory for lions. ... wow

Kiwi_knock

Very good win for the Lions, never gave up. The Cheetahs, apart a few moments, were rubbish.

Swiwi.

OK, first up game for both sides. But the Cheetahs were rubbish, and the Lions played to their ability I would say. Now for a proper match, go the Sharks!