Jim Tucker looks at every Super Rugby team and analyses their chances for the 2019 season
The Courier-Mail’s rugby guru JIM TUCKER takes a look at all 15 clubs across the Super Rugby landscape before Friday night’s first game between the Chiefs and the Highlanders.
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Australia’s Super Rugby clubs kick off a pivotal season on Friday night to build their own resonant campaigns and stir some positive chatter about the Wallabies in a World Cup year.
Quade Cooper, Luke Jones and Isi Naisarani (Melbourne Rebels), Adam Ashley-Cooper and Karmichael Hunt (NSW Waratahs), James Slipper and Toni Pulu (Brumbies) and Sefa Naivalu and Bryce Hegarty (Queensland Reds) have all made moves that make their respective clubs look stronger in key positions.
The Courier-Mail’s rugby writer Jim Tucker takes a look at all 15 clubs across the Super Rugby landscape.
All the ins and outs, finishing predictions, the betting odds and a crystal ball look at the season for each club will have you ready for kick-off.
NSW WARATAHS
New blood: Adam Ashley-Cooper (Kobe, Jpn), John Folau (Syd Rays), Karmichael Hunt (Reds), Le Roux Roets (Pumas, S Af).
They’ll miss: Andrew Kellaway (Northampton, Eng), Taqele Naiyaravoro (Northampton, Eng), Paddy Ryan (Rugby Utd, US).
Crystal ball: Juggling rest periods for their many Wallabies will be a challenge but class aplenty. Karmichael Hunt will add teeth in defence and pairs in the centres first up with Adam Ashley-Cooper which allows Kurtley Beale a rest week. Playmaker Bernard Foley is still the creator who led Super Rugby for linebreak assists (32) last year. Tight five are vulnerable against the better sides.
Last year: 3rd. Tip: 3rd. Betting: $15
BLUES
New blood: Ma’a Nonu (Toulon, Fr), Karl Tu’inukuafe (Chiefs).
They’ll miss: Jerome Kaino (Toulouse, Fr), Bryn Gatland (High), George Moala (Clermont, Fr).
Crystal ball: The underperformers are backing a new coach in Leon MacDonald but this is a job that has already speared All Blacks greats John Kirwan and Tana Umaga. Haven’t beaten any of their Kiwi cousins since February, 2016 which is a lame 19-game streak. There needs to be petrol in All Blacks legend Ma’a Nonu, at 36, just for him to keep up with wing star Rieko Ioane.
Last year: 14th. Tip: 12th. Betting: $34
SHARKS
New blood: Ruben van Heerden (Bulls)
They’ll miss: Keegan Daniel (ret), Johan Deysel (Colomiers, Fr), Ross Geldenhuys (Bay of Plenty, NZ)
Crystal ball: Expect a fast start with six of their first nine games in Durban. Centre Lukhanyo Am is a Springbok weapon in the backline for last year’s Currie Cup champions. Momentum will be vital.
Last year: 8th. Tip: 10th. Betting: $34.
QUEENSLAND REDS
New blood: Sefa Naivalu (Rebels), Bryce Hegarty (NSW), Matt McGahan (Yamaha, Jpn), Fraser McReight (Brothers), Feao Fotuaika(Souths), Jack Hardy (WA).
They’ll miss: Kane Douglas (Bordeaux, Fr), Jono Lance (Worcester, Eng), Eto Nabuli (Bordeaux, Fr), Izaia Perese (Redcliffe, RL), James Slipper (Brum), Quade Cooper (Rebels), George Smith (Bristol, Eng).
Crystal ball: An 8-8 season is their limit. Tight-knit, young, fit and motivated but the Reds’ worry is inexperience should they be hit with a key injury. The halves pairing is still learning at this level but Samu Kerevi, Sefa Naivalu, a pile-driving scrum and Taniela Tupou are weapons.
Last year: 13th. Tip: 9th. Betting: $101
CHIEFS
New blood: Jack Debreczeni (Rebels), Stephen Donald (Green Rockets, Jpn), Ataata Moeakiola (Tokai, Jpn).
They’ll miss: Dominic Bird (Racing 92, Fr), Liam Messam (Toulon, Fr), Tim Nanai-Williams (Clermont, Fr), Charlie Ngatai (Lyon, Fr), Toni Pulu (Brum), Karl Tu’inukuafe (Blues).
Crystal ball: Classy, free-running outfit but will miss Damian McKenzie and captain Brodie Retallick when they are rested. Some key player losses and need All Blacks flanker Sam Cane (neck) back in April. A dip coming. Untried Orbyn Leger at No.10 for the opener.
Last year: 5th. Tip: 6th. Betting: $7
LIONS
New blood: Stephan Lewies (Sharks), Danie Mienie (Toulouse, Fr), Carlu Sadie (Stormers)
They’ll miss: Rohan Janse van Rensburg (Sale Sharks, Eng), Jaco Kriel (Gloucester, Eng), Franco Mostert (Gloucester, Eng)
Crystal ball: The 2017 runners-up will have some challenges with key Boks Franco Mostert and Jaco Kriel departing. Went 0-5 against Kiwi sides last year and their three-year run in the final may be up. Hooker Malcolm Marx changes games by himself.
Last year: 2nd. Tip: 4th. Betting: $9.
BRUMBIES
New blood: Murray Douglas (Hurricanes), Toni Pulu (Chiefs), Pete Samu (Crusaders), James Slipper (Reds), Tom Wright (ManlyNRL).
They’ll miss: Ben Alexander (ret), Kyle Godwin (Connacht, Ire), Isi Naisarani (Rebels), Lolo Fakaosilea (Kintetsu, Jpn).
Crystal ball: More cohesion with plans under coach Dan McKellar, into his second year, and now signed for two more. Expect explosive things from young backrower Rob Valetini and fullback Tom Banks. Prop James Slipper is a big gain while Christian Lealiifano is fitter and heavier to lead from No.10. Danger team which could be finals material.
Last year: 10th. Tip: 11th. Betting: $21
CRUSADERS
New blood: Whetu Douglas (Treviso, It), Ere Enari (Cant).
They’ll miss: Wyatt Crockett (ret), Pete Samu (Brum), Seta Tamanivalu (Bordeaux, Fr).
Crystal ball: Breakdancing coach Scott Robertson is the energising figure rousing them to a potential three-peat. Groovedstyle of play, All Blacks aplenty, playmaker Richie Mo’unga, young wing star Will Jordan, 90 tries last year ... quality. Tough first home game for the Reds on March 2 at Suncorp Stadium.
Last year: 1st. Tip: 1st. Betting: $3.75
STORMERS
New blood: Ruhan Nel (7s)
They’ll miss: Nizaam Carr (Wasps, Eng), Dewaldt Duvenage (Treviso, It), JC Janse van Rensburg (Grenoble, Fr), Raymond Rhule(Grenoble, Fr)
Crystal ball: Financial issues dulled recruiting and a 0-8 record on the road last year equates to a low rating. Superb Springboks forward Pieter-Steph du Toit can’t do it all himself. No chance for the finals.
Last year: 11th. Tip: 14th. Betting: $34.
MELBOURNE REBELS
New blood: Matt Toomua (Leicester, Eng), Quade Cooper (Reds), Luke Jones (Bordeaux, Fr), Campbell Magnay (Suntory, Jpn), Isi Naisarani (Brum), Brad Wilkin (NSW).
They’ll miss: Amanaki Mafi (NTT, Jpn), Jack Debreczeni (Chiefs), Colby Faingaa (Connacht, Ire), Sefa Naivalu (Reds), Lopeti Timani (La Rochelle, Fr), Laurie Weeks (ret).
Crystal ball: Major player gains mean they have finals expectations from the outset. Naisarani and Jones will add ball-carrying grunt to the pack while the backs will have far more organisation with Cooper, Will Genia and late-season arrival Matt Toomua. Still a question mark on ability to win on the road.
Last year: 9th. Tip: 8th. Betting: $34
HURRICANES
New blood: James Marshall (Lond Irish, Eng), Geoff Cridge (Hawke’s Bay).
They’ll miss: Julian Savea (Toulon, Fr), Ihaia West (La Rochelle, Fr), Michael Fatialofa (Worcester, Eng), Brad Shields (Wasps,Eng), Blade Thomson (Scarlets, Wales).
Crystal ball: Electric backline to be driven by the Barrett brothers, Beauden and Jordie. Are there any more at home? Should have more than the 2016 title to show for their excellence. Flimsy at lock but pack punch is the domain of new coach John Plumtree.
Last year: 4th. Tip: 2nd. Betting: $4.50
BULLS
New blood: Schalk Brits (Saracens, Eng), Cornal Hendricks, Duane Vermeulen (Toulon, Fr), Rosko Specman (7s), Chris Smith
They’ll miss: Adriaan Strauss (ret)
Crystal ball: Pote Human is the new coach for a rebuild year. Signing powerful Springbok No.8 Duane Vermeulen is a coup while hooker Schalk Brits, even at 37, adds leadership. Halfback Embrose Papier is a spark. Upset potential.
Last year: 12th. Tip: 13th. Betting: $51.
SUNWOLVES
New blood: Phil Burleigh (Cant, NZ), Pauliasi Manu (Blues), Rene Ranger (Northland, NZ), Luke Thompson (Kintetsu, Jpn), Craig Millar (High), Ben Gunter (Panasonic, Jpn).
They’ll miss: Nika Khatiashvili (Angouleme, Fr).
Crystal ball: Terrific rise for BBC product Ben Gunter at flanker via tutor Robbie Deans at Panasonic. Another battle to matchlast year’s three wins with modest import talent. The Sunwolves are fun to watch but do so while you can. The club may notbe around in 2022. A sixth club for Kiwi Rene Ranger.
Last year: 15th. Tip: 15th. Betting: $501
HIGHLANDERS
New blood: Marty Banks (Docomo Red Hurricanes, Jpn), Sef Fa’agase (Reds), Bryn Gatland (Blues), Jack Whetton (Auck).
They’ll miss: Lima Sopoaga (Wasps, Eng), Guy Millar (Biarritz, Fr).
Crystal ball: Losing flyhalf Sopoaga is a huge dent that reliable Marty Banks will only part fill. Will be hurt more than other Kiwis sides when All Blacks are rested because Aaron and Ben Smith are so pivotal. Love playing under their roof inDunedin.
Last year: 6th. Tip: 5th. Betting: $9
JAGUARES
New blood: Mayco Vivas (Rosario)
They’ll miss: Juan Martín Hernandez (ret), Nicolas Sanchez (Stade Francais, Fr)
Crystal ball: New coach Gonzalo Quesada is without classy playmaker Nicolas Sanchez. It’s a major loss but this is still the strong side that beat the Blues and Chiefs in NZ last year. Grooming for Argentina’s World Cup bid.
Last year: 7th. Tip: 7th. Betting: $13.
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