Meet the 2013 New Zealand Franchises

The clock continues to tick down as match day one of Super Rugby 2013 fast approaches. Whilst the opening round does seem to be a bit of a curtain raiser for round two, any competitive southern hemisphere rugby is enough to get you all excited. With only two infamously boring Aussie derbies on the cards this weekend, ReRugby thought we’d move on and carry on with our analysis of this year’s teams and their respective comings and goings. Despite being a South African, I do have an unpatriotic fascination with New Zealand rugby. Everything about the All Blacks and the New Zealand franchises just reeks with ‘cool’.  From their kits to Rene Ranger calf tattoos and all-round Maori flair, the boys from the land of the long white cloud sure do know how to set the rugby world alight and here are the new men who will be bringing the show.

The Blues had a dreadful 2012 and have plenty new faces to replaces some more familiar ones who have moved on. All Black regulars Tony Woodcock, Jerome Kaino, Ma’a Nonu and Isaia Toeava have left for lands anew but the buck doesn’t stop there. The Aucklanders will also have to do without tunnel burrower Daniel Braid, Chris Lowrey, Gareth Anscombe (who’s gone to chow bench behind Aaron Cruden at the Chiefs), Alby Mathewson, Michael Hobbs, Benson Stanley, powerhouse winger Rudi Wulf, apeman Lachie Munro and the biggest loss of all the mercurial, gap tearing and all round nice guy Hadleigh Parkes. Noticeable additions include former Crusaders’ hooker Quentin MacDonald, the exciting flyhalf prospect Baden Kerr, former Highlander Chris Noakes, Jackson Willison from the Chiefs and former NZ Sevens star Frank Halai. The Blues needed a reshuffle and they have certainly not been scared in bringing that about. One cannot be sure if it will pay off but as the ‘Canes showed last year, shedding some big-name dead weight (although they have kept Piri Weepu) can give the team a big boost.

Last season’s winners the Chiefs return in 2013 with a similar squad to 2012, with one notable omission. The Buffalo Hunter, Sonny Bill Williams has moved back to Sydney to play league. SBW is a one-of-a-kind machine and as shown by the Crusaders or frankly any team who he plays for and abandons will testify; he is irreplaceable. That Jackson Willison has also left and Richard Kahui is notoriously injury prone do not help matters. The Chiefs have brought Charlie Ngatai from the Hurricanes and young centre Bundee Aki as cover. Talk of Tim Nanai-Williams shifting to centre, presumably at 13, could give the Chiefs an exciting combination with Kahui. The key to the Chiefs this season is Aaron Cruden. His form, along with Tawera Kerr-Barlow was sensational last term and if they can keep it going then another playoff spot is surely theirs. The Chiefs forward pack remains strong but try scoring aficionado Sona ‘Touch My Lolly’ Taumolo, has been pulled in by the garlic. Otherwise, we should expect much of the same from the cow-bell boys, which include some fireworks, Masaga gas and some Ben Tameifat.

Super Rugby’s most successful team, the Crusaders, have fallen off the pace a bit in recent years and are in big need of an impressive 2013 to restore faith in Todd Blackadder’s ability to restore the team to their glory years. They do boast two of the world’s best players in Israel Dagg and Dan Carter and these two will need to maintain fitness and top form this season especially given the absence of Richie McCaw who has decided to heed his conscience and take a breather from the game. The ‘Saders will have to do without All Blacks Ben Franks who has moved to Wellington and piss artist and bare-backed bar brawler Zac Guildford, but the winger may actually return in a few weeks despite earlier speculation that he would be taking the season off to find some Zen. Sean Maitland has moved to play for Scotland and Patrick Osbourne, who made a good impression in the ITM Cup has moved to the Chiefs leaving the ‘Saders thin at wing.

The Highlanders have done a lot of business in the off season in the hopes that they can give their season a bit more stamina than previous years. Jason Rutledge has called time on his career to return to electrician duty, James Haskell has returned to the UK, Adam Thomson proves a huge loss as he moves to Japan along with Mike Delany and Siale Piutau, and Jimmy Cowan has also moved to get rained on in England. Thomson’s loss depletes the Highlander’s wing stocks but they will now be able to add a third loose forward to their starting lineup in his absence. They have brought in All Blacks Tony Woodcock, Brad Thorn and Ma’a Nonu which will give the side was valuable experience. Colin Slade would be first choice at flyhalf but he continues his charge for the most injury-prone player since Andre Snyman and will miss the first few weeks, leaving space for Lima Sopoaga. The Highlanders have an electric backline with the likes of Nonu, Tamati Ellison, Hosea Gear, Kade Poki and Ben Smith on the books and if the forwards perform as they have in recent years these boys could prove very dangerous this season.

The Hurricanes had a brilliant 2012 considering how poor they have been in recent years and the personal losses they suffered. Beauden Barrett was one of the year’s stand-out performers and was rewarded with an All Black call-up. The ‘Canes have brought in Julian Savea’s brother Ardie from the Sevens system and if he can have as big an impact as his brother then there is much to be excited about. Flair pivot Dan Kirkpatrick has left to kick drop goals in France and centres Jayden Hayward and Charlie Ngatai have moved on. Along with Ben Franks from the Crusaders, they have also brought in prop Eric Sione and wing Matt Proctor from the Wellington ITM Cup squad. Cory Jane’s injury is a big setback but the side has good balance and isn’t overly reliant on its star players. Victor Vito will remain an important figure for the ‘Canes despite his dumb appearance in a scrum cap and Tub Jim Perenara will look to push on from an impressive 2013. Expect further progress in 2013 from the men from the capital.

And we're back: Super Rugby makes its return

February is back and the month of love promises to deliver all what you lonely hearts out there so desire. It’s not chocolates; it’s biltong. It’s not sweet rosė sparkling wine; its ice cold beer and instead of flowers the only decorations necessary are the flags of your team’s colours. The month of February is perceived a little differently depending on your number of ‘X’ chromosomes but in all honesty a little fat voyeuristic infant cannot begin to instill the excitement and fervour that the start of Super Rugby does each and every year.

So, ReRugby is back after an extended hiatus and in anticipation of weeks listening to Naas and Owen mispronounce names I hope to give a brief introduction to this year’s teams, what we can expect from them and any interesting changes to their rosters. I’ll begin with every South African’s favourite enemy: the Australians. I know you have all been spared the pleasure of ReRugby’s cutting analysis and side-splitting wit for far too long and will probably be wondering why I have chosen to start the re-launch with the dullest of the three SANZAR nations but I don’t want anyone rushing into it and I felt it wise to ease you into the new season’s banter with the ‘C’ team.

The Brumbies began last season surprisingly well and couldn’t quite maintain their form till the end when the class of the Reds managed to finally emerge giving the Brisbane outfit the edge at the top of the Australian conference. It was no great surprise that only one Aussie team made the playoffs but the Brumpets gave a good account of themselves and under Jake White they will look to improve this year. They have managed to make a great signing bringing Wallaby flanker and hand-in-ruck specialist David Pocock.  The Force have lost big on this one but White’s plan to restore the Brumbies to their glory days depends on having players like Pocock in key positions. The Brumbies have one of the stronger Australian front rows and Stephen Moore will take over Nathan Sharpe’s role as number one cue ball in Super Rugby. The title is sure to be a heavy weight on his shoulders but I’m sure he will do what he does best and burrow that shiny head of his where no one wants it. Players such as Christian Lealiifano, the exciting Joe Tomane and Henry Speight will look to push on from 2012 and the return of old south coast boy Clyde Rathbone is sure to get the blood boiling.

The less said about the Force the better as the Perth-based franchise will expect another tough year. They only managed three wins last year and have lost their two most influential players in Sharpe and Pocock. They have pulled in promising opensider and Highbury old boy Chris Alcock from the Waratahs to cover Pocock’s absence and have also signed scrumhalf Alby Mathewson from the Blues. Former ‘Tahs salamander Sam Norton-Knight makes a sneaky return to Super Rugby after a stint in Japan and Jayden Hayward makes the trip across the drink from the ‘Canes to replace Rory Sidey who has moved on to the Rebels. In other news, the man who kicked with his gum guard sticking out the side of his mouth David Harvey has gone somewhere, hopefully dark and hot and permanent, and Fijian winger Napolioni Nalaga who showed his class toward the end of the season has moved back to Clermont in France. Sias Ebersohn has cut the cord from brother Robert in a move necessary for his career and consistent game time could give the Force a really talented and lively player for their new season. It is, however, sure to be another tough year for the Force but who knows. The original cue ball may make a grand return and inspire his team to maybe four wins this year.

Australia’s other bottom feeder the Melbourne Rebels have lost a number of their big name players. It has probably done their wage bill some favours and like QPR in the England’s Premier League they were carrying a lot of aged and underperforming players. Big Stirling has called quits, Mark Gerrard and Julian Huxley have moved on and Michael Lipman, Adam Freier and Al Campbell have also retired. Rodzilla has been released which is sad for those fans who take pleasure in seeing the big men try and move about and Danny Cipriani (or Chipriani as Naas calls him) has pissed off back to England. The Rebels have brought in Scott Higginbotham whose power and versatility will certainly help but in my mind the best signing is hooker and human torpedo Shota Horie. The diminutive Japanese international featured in the 2011 World Cup and will provide great entertainment value in the absence of Rodzilla. The Rebels will also bear the loss of Cooper Vuna who is set to miss the first six weeks of the competition. Kurtley and James O’Connor will again be vital to the Rebels cause and it is important that these two see as much ball as possible. Beale showed how when deployed at flyhalf he can almost win matches on his own and with Cipriani and James Hilgendorf shown the door this might very well be the case.

The Reds have chosen stability ahead of a squad shake up with Scott Higginbotham the only first team player who has moved on in the break with former rebels front-rower Jono Owen coming in. New ARU deals for Quade Cooper and Will Genia would have relaxed Ewan McKenzie somewhat but the Reds’ coach is sure to be as pensieve and antsy as ever on the sidelines at Suncorp. Radike Samo father of many is still there in the Reds back row and young flankers Liam Gill, Beau Robinson and Ed Quirk will look to build from impressive seasons in 2012. Cooper will be the key and if the likes of Digbert and Dom Shipperly are firing the Reds could be back to the scintillating form we saw in 2011. Mike Harris gives them a dependable goal kicker and big James Horwill will need to lead by example in the tight in order for Genia and Cooper to dictate.

The Waratahs have done a bit of useful business in the off season bringing in Wallaby Michael Hooper for the departed Chris Alcock, former Reds utility forward Mitchell Chapman and Cam Crawford from the Brumbies. The ever ill-disciplined Dean Mumm has left to get cards for Exeter and experienced campaigners Dan Vickerman and Roquefort Elsom have both left. Fans of flair will be devastated to hear that Daniel Halangahu has left but never fear as you can catch him playing for Zebre in Italy if you ever feel like seeing nothing happen. Sarel Pretorius has been shown the door to return back to Bloem and I don’t think many in Sydney will be overly disappointed about that. The ‘Tahs will battle to improve on their mid-table finish of last year but a good clean-out could pave the way for a resurgence in coming years.

What's the Winning Formula?

With the World Cup just short of two weeks away rugby fans are nearing frothing point on the excitement scale. The apps have been downloaded, schedules stuck up on walls, sick days from work arranged and girlfriends broken up with in anticipation of this magnificent showpiece. Now all we do is wait. In the words of Gandalf the gay "it is the deep breath before the plunge".

New Zealand play host to the 2011 edition and are nothing short of desperate to emulate their 1987 success when  the tournament last visited their shores. The All Blacks have arguably entered each World Cup since as favourites and have failed on each occassion, reaching the final only once in 1995. The situation is no different this time round as the find themselves number one on the IRB rankings. Is their anything different, however, between now and before each of the last few World Cups? They have seemed unbeatable this year but Australia proved otherwise with a fantastic win last weekend. I discount the previous match against the Springboks because they truly did field a 'B' side. A 'B' side that most nations would happily accept as their best but not New Zealand.

One note of encouragement for Kiwi supporters is that they havent selected a fullback at outside centre. Mils Muliaina and Leon MacDonald have occupied the spot in past tournaments and the plan came unstuck. Conrad Smith is a deadly force in midfield and in the form Richard Kahui they have a more than adequate replacement. Their squad just looks too deadly. Graham Henry even had the nerve to leave out the likes of Hosea Gear and Sitiveni Siviviatu deeming them surplus to requirements. Wyatt Crockett; tipped as one the world's best scrummagers after his impressive Super 15 can't find a place with Henry opting for the more experienced Tony Woodschlong. I'm not too convinced with this decision but all we can do is wait and see.

The lineup that featured against Australia is likely to be largely unchanged when Henry picks his first-choice XV against Tonga with only potential changes being Ali Williams perhaps, Jerome Kaino for Adam Thomson and possibly a change at scrumhalf with Piri Weepu and Jimmy Cowan still vying for the number nine jersey. An unfortunate liability for the All Blacks could in fact be veteran fullback Mils Muliaina. The World Cup has come about a year too late for Mils who has struggled for form all year and really only gets a spot based on what the coach knows he can do, or rather what he has done in the past.I know in saying this Mils could rip it up and I could end up looking like a knob but I would still stick my neck out and go for Izzy Dagg at the back if it were up to me. The man has a tattoo on his back that says "Dagg". How can you not put him in the team?

The other point of controversy regards inside centre and the ominous Sonny Bill-Ma'a Nonu debate. It is no secret that Henry loves Nonu. I believe that old Grazie has yellow braids for arse hair and they spend their summers together on a secluded beach somwhere in the Pacific. That saying there is no denying that Nonu is a world class player and has developed tenfold under Henry's watchful eye and caressing hand. He has the experience that Sonny Bill lacks and the combination with Conrad Smith that does in the end justify his selection over rugby's new phenomenon. Despite this he will pose a terrifying figure coming off the bench and will probably get a start against the blind school team of the pool. In New Zealand's case they have two in the form of Japan and Canada. Expect big points in those with Sonny Bill and others like Dagg, Kahui and Guildford racking up the tries.

So returning to my earlier question; have the All Blacks a side, albeit packed with outstanding players, that can win the Wolrd Cup? The simple answer is yes. Home ground advantage is nothing to be sneezed at and New Zealand have one of the most impressive records at home. They have a team experienced in the right positions and in Dan Carter they have the world's best number 10. An area of potential concern is their tight five but in all honesty it is simply me picking nits. There are others, however, and their path to glory is obstructed by a number of exceptional teams. Over the course of the build up we will be having a look at some of these potential challengers and how they figure against the Kiwis.