Sonny Bill Williams, David Pocock, James O’Connor and co: the stars ready to make their mark again in Super Rugby

THEY are Super Rugby’s comeback kings — the big names set to make their mark after returning from injury, overseas, or another code.

Comeback kings ready to make Super impact

THEY are Super Rugby’s comeback kings — the big names set to make their mark after returning from injury, overseas, or another code.

The likes of code-hopping superstar Sonny Bill Williams, injury-plagued David Pocock and wayward Wallaby James O’Connor lead a strong list of players with points to prove on the eve of the 2015 season.

Who will make the biggest impact in their return to Super Rugby? Read on and then vote in our poll at the bottom of the story.

DAVID POCOCK (Brumbies)

Brumbies and Australian rugby fans will be holding their breath as the Wallabies star mounts a comeback from a second knee reconstruction in two seasons.

Since joining the ACT outfit in 2013 Pocock has played in just five of a possible 37 matches. With the World Cup on the horizon the 26-year-old will be looking to hit the ground running.

EBEN ETZEBETH (Stormers)

The giant Springboks lock didn’t play a minute of Super Rugby for his Cape Town-based side in 2014 as he struggled to overcome a foot injury.

The 2013 IRB Player of the Year nominee eventually returned to action in the Test arena and played 10 times for the Boks, although his Super Rugby curse has struck again and he’ll miss the opening three rounds of the season after suffering a chest injury in a trial match.

SONNY BILL WILLIAMS (Chiefs)

When he last graced Super Rugby — back in 2012 — code-hopping superstar “SBW” was one of the competition’s most dangerous players

He led Super Rugby for tackle busts (76), offloads (41) and linebreaks (19) as he helped the Chiefs claim their maiden title, before heading off to the NRL where he won a grand final with the Roosters.

After making a successful return to rugby with the All Blacks at the end of 2014, all signs point to Williams having a huge impact yet again.

RADIKE SAMO (Rebels)

The seemingly ageless cult hero returns from a Japanese sojourn to run out for his third Australian side following title-winning stints with the Brumbies and Reds.

While he’ll no doubt prove a hit with the Rebels faithful, how much of an impact the 38-year-old will make on the field remains to be seen.

He played just six games in his last Super Rugby season with Queensland in 2013, averaging just 25 minutes of game time.

JAMES O’CONNOR (Reds)

The talented attacking weapon returns to Australia looking to ignite his claims for World Cup selection after off-field issues had put a halt to his Wallabies career.

O’Connor will relaunch his Super Rugby career in his home state after previously turning out for the Western Force and Melbourne Rebels, before heading overseas for stints with London Irish and Toulon when the ARU tore up his contract.

With star flyhalf Quade Cooper sidelined for 12 weeks, the one-time Wallaby playmaker might see game time at No. 10 in the early rounds.

DAN CARTER (Crusaders)

Super Rugby’s all-time leading scorer has points to prove on multiple fronts in 2015.

Carter missed the bulk of the 2014 Super Rugby season as he embarked on a six-month sabbatical, returning in time to help the Crusaders reach the competition decider — only to have his grand final cut short by a leg injury as the Waratahs clinched a thriller 33-32.

The veteran playmaker is also facing a battle to regain the All Blacks No. 10 jersey with Beauden Barrett and Aaron Cruden impressing in his absence, so he’ll be geared up for a big campaign with the seven-time champions.

JIMMY COWAN (Blues)

The former All Blacks halfback returns after a two-year stint in England to replace another former Test No. 9 — fan favourite Piri Weepu.

Ex-Highlander Cowan is one of just three players to rack up more than 100 Super Rugby matches for the South Islanders, and his new club will be keen to tap into his wealth of experience as they aim to push for a finals berth.

HOSEA GEAR (Chiefs)

As if the return of Sonny Bill Williams wasn’t enough, the Chiefs have been boosted by the signing of another All Blacks attacking ace.

The 14-Test wing is desperate to break into New Zealand’s World Cup squad, and he’ll do his hopes no harm if he can replicate the form he showed in his last Super Rugby campaign.

Gear made the most run metres (1469) in Super Rugby, and was equal second on the try-scoring list with eight five pointers when he was terrorising defences for the Highlanders in 2013 before heading to France for two years.

DAVE DENNIS (Waratahs)

The NSW skipper is no stranger to injury heartache but he suffered the cruellest of blows when his 2014 season was cut short just weeks out from the Super Rugby finals.

Dennis watched on from the sidelines as the Tahs charged to their maiden championship, beating the Crusaders in front of a record Super Rugby crowd.

He has since been working overtime to return from his third knee reconstruction and is itching to return to action to help the Tahs try and claim back-to-back titles.

ROBBIE FRUEAN (Crusaders)

Fruean returns to his former club after a short-lived stint at the Chiefs, where his 2014 season was restricted to just four games as he struggled with ongoing heart problems.

A barnstorming 2011 season — when he led Super Rugby for linebreaks (17), was second for tackle busts (62), and third for run metres (1187) — highlights his huge potential if he can maintain his fitness.

PIERRE SPIES (Bulls)

The Bulls skipper’s 2014 season lasted just one game before he aggravated a serious biceps injury.

The big, pacy No. 8 will be like a new signing for the South African heavyweights as they look to bounce back up the Super Rugby ladder.

Originally published as Sonny Bill Williams, David Pocock, James O’Connor and co: the stars ready to make their mark again in Super Rugby