In Part II of our 2014 Super Rugby Preview, we take a look at the New Zealand franchises and expect a lot more from them than their Australian cousins we previewed previously. The Chiefs boast back-to-back titles and the Crusaders are always dangerous. Will one of them be the victor?
By Michael Marnewick
Even without their 2012 wrecking-ball Sonny Bill Williams, the Chiefs managed an unlikely duo by winning the Super Rugby competition again in 2013. Despite this new-found success, I cannot comprehend a third title, even if the bookies rate them as favourites. Sonny Bill will be back in 2015 but until then I can see them winning in 2014. They will, however, offer strong opposition and I expect them to finish in the top three or four.
The Crusaders, seven-time champions and the most successful team in the history of the competition in all its forms, will have Richie McCaw available throughout their campaign after taking a break last year. However, it’s Dan Carter’s turn to take a sabbatical in 2014 in his quest to remain fresh and viable ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup. He’s been an important campaigner for the Crusaders since making his debut 10 years ago in 2003 and his absence could be keenly felt, although Colin Slade has returned to Christchurch after a spell with the Highlanders and is quality back-up (although not quite in Carter’s class).
Their first three matches are against the Chiefs, Blues and Stormers and it doesn’t get much tougher than that. They are traditionally slow starters and it will be interesting to see how they fare early on. Given their history, I am inclined to believe they will be there or thereabouts, but not quite in the mix at the end. Brave or stupid?
The Blues of recent times have been an enigma. Who can forget the Auckland teams of the 90s who ruled supreme? The Likes of Carlos Spencer, Joeli Vidiri, Jonah Lomu, Zinzan Brooke and a host of other All Black greats flattened all before them. But fast forward a decade or more and the Blues have not lived up to their potential as one of New Zealand’s great sides.
Rugby success ebbs and flows, sometimes slowly as in the case of the Crusaders, sometimes quickly as for the Brumbies, but the Blues seems to have lost their mojo. Under Pat Lam there appeared to be a laissez faire attitude that pervaded their play and while Sir John Kirwin was expected to reign in the bad eggs when he took over, last year’s effort was way off where they would have planned. Sir Graham Henry, former All Black coach and coach of the Blues when they won Super Rugby titles in 1996 and 1997 has been roped in and I expect a much better showing from them this year.
As for the Hurricanes and Highlanders? Neither has won a title and don’t expect them to change that in 2014. Both seems to be teams in a bit of crisis and since the Chiefs tasted success, these two South Island participants have lost some of their identity and potential. Can’t see either mounting much of a challenge, although they will taste unlikely successes here and there – both have the ability to play good rugby. Just not consistently.
In the final instalment, Part III will examine the South African sides and reveal the potential Super Rugby Champions for 2014.
How they did and are expected to fare:
Chiefs
Log Position – 2013: 1 (Winners)
Expected for 2014: 2-4
What William Hill believes: 1st (7/2)
And Bet.co.za: 1st (3.55/1)
Crusaders
Log Position – 2013: 4 (Semi-final losers)
Expected for 2014: 3-4
What William Hill believes: 1st (7/2)
And Bet.co.za: 2nd (3.75/1)
Blues
Log Position – 2013: 10
Expected for 2014: 7-8
What William Hill believes: 7th (14/1)
And Bet.co.za: 8th (14/1)
Hurricanes
Log Position – 2013: 11
Expected for 2014: 7-9
What William Hill believes: 10th (25/1)
And Bet.co.za: 10th (21/1)
Highlanders
Log Position – 2013: 14
Expected for 2014: 10-12
What William Hill believes: 12th (50/1)
And Bet.co.za: 12th (39/1)
