Kiwi S14 Teams SWEET CUZ!

Crusaders
The Crusaders have a tough task ahead of them. They are the most talented team in the world and have a habit of winning no matter what – this year however I feel they pose the biggest challenges of all they have lost the Worlds Best coach – Robbie Deans and the worlds best player Dan Carter. They have also lost NZ #1 lock in Ali Williams returning to the Blues. The question becomes can they pull insane talent out of no where they like have in the past? Stephen Brett would be the AB number 12 if it wasn’t for Ma Nonu resurgence. Now it’s his chance to show the world that there is more than Dan Carter in Christchurch. Tim Batemen is another to watch in the midfield as he was unlucky to not receive a call up to the AB’s for the fall tour according to Graham Henry himself. When we move to the forward we have to speak about none other that New Zealeands fearless leader himself - Richie McCaw. Some people want to hate on him but watching him play and dominate all over the pitch is an absolute joy for the avid rugby watcher. He’s not a cheat – he’s just better than you and everyone else. The comparisons him to Schalk Burger are not quite fair - both can have similar impacts on a game but do so in very diffrent ways. Schalk plays with such animal like intensity and a work rate not previously seen in this 15 man game where as McCaw has mastered everything about being a pure #7, his running lines, his defense, and the most controversial part of his game – his work on the floor. One brings brute force and pure hustle to an entirely new level, where the other gives you a textbook on how the position should be played. Look for McCaw to simply dominate another season. Brad Thorn is another to watch. The ageless Thorn’s return from Rugby league has been nothing short of remarkable; his work rate - his brute force at the breakdown - his ball carrying ability are off the charts. The Crusaders could take the title home again, if they can win on the road and the new coaching can find some of Robbie Deans magic. I see them getting back to the playoffs and beyond there; your guess is as good as mine.

Blues
The Blues or the Polynesian basketball team as described by Eddie Jones is just awesome to watch. The Blues promise to be exciting this year but just how much excitement can put them into the final 4 of the S14. They have to huge off season signings in Ali Williams and Jimmy Goppath. Ali Williams is rivaled only by Victor Matfield in the number one lock in the world. His size, speed, and general athleticism is usually only seen on the court of an NBA team. (Note: Ali Williams represented New Zealand’s basketball team, “The Tall Blacks.”) They have lost Daniel Braid (Reds) who’s work will be greatly missed, Nick Evans at first five, and Mr. Do Everything Ica Necewa. I have no doubt the Blues will play some great rugby this year but on paper they are just not as strong as some other teams in the competition. I’m a huge fan of “Ice” Isaia Toeava, Rudi Wolf, Anthony Tuitavake and Joe Rokocoko. They might have the most exciting back three in the comp but this wont be enough. Blues to miss the semi’s and end up mid table.

Cheifs
Watching Sione Lauaki run with the ball is like watching an adult playing keep away from kids on a play ground. After missing the fall tour expect him to come back fitter and harder than you’ve ever seen. Stephen Donald and Richard Kahui will also look to impress. I expect the Chiefs to be in a similar boat to the Blues, they have a solid team, they’ll play great rugby but the semi’s will prove to be just out of their reach.

Hurricanes
The Hurricans will have a great side in 2009. I rate Piri Weepu as the best half back in NZ right now. His ability to speed up a game, and his tactical kicking are what really sets him apart. When the All Blacks beat the Springboks in Durban in 2007, he came on the field with 20 minutes left and simply took control. He won the test for AB’s in some of the greatest half back play I’ve ever seen. The Hurricane’s also feature an awesome All Black midfield of Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith. In the back three I’m a huge fan of Cory Jane. I first watched him when he was in the states with Moldies playing against the Eagles in 2006. He might have scored 3 or 4 tries that game as the NZ Maori humped the hapless Eagles. I have followed his career closely since then as I was very impressed with his young talent, and he produced a great highlight last year when he charged down a Kurtley Beale kick with his face. He has progressed into a full All Black along with Hosea Gear two New Zealand’s most exciting young talents. These players in the back line will give them constant attacking options that can at anytime break the game open. Jason Eaton will lead the forwards hopefully with less hair this year along with hooker Andrew Hore and ever reliable Rodney So’oialo. Look for the Hurricanes to make a real challenge for a finals spot.

Highlanders
It is not going to be pretty for these boys on the South Island. Otago is not the hotbed of rugby as it once was and not only do they have the ugliest S14 uniforms they are going to fight with the Cheetahs for bottom of the table. Adam Thompson will be their one bright spot as he impressed as an All Black last year and will most likely shine for this underperforming out fit. The highlanders will be lucky to finish above 10th.