Hurricanes (Backline show)
The Hurricanes posses one of the most dangerous backlines in 2011. Starting at 9 with Piri Weepu, followed by Aaron Cruden, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Cory Jane, and Hosea Gear. Full of skill and pace this backline has the potential to shred most defences. Add to that Andrew Hore, Neemia Tialata, Jason Eaton and Rodney So'oialo and the Hurricanes' potential for this season becomes self evident. Mark Hammett will take over the coaching reigns and is hoping to bring a harder edge to their game.
Highlanders (They don't have Christopher Lambert)
The Highlanders will be hoping for an improvement on last years campaign. That's actually an understatement. They will be looking to make an improvement on their 8 previous seasons. Not quite as atrocious as the pre-John Mitchell Lions, the Hurricanes will have their work cut out for them if they want an improved showing in 2011. Jimmy Cowan will still be having nightmares of Bakkies Botha, and has some stiff competition from the other no 9's a few months out from the World Cup. If he can gel with Colin Slade the Highlanders may score a few tries.
Crusaders (7 Times Champions … 7 TIMES)
The Crusaders are always going to be a threat. Boasting talent across the whole park, and with new additions including Sonny Bill (Muhammed Ali) Williams and Israel Dagg there is little doubt that they will be around for the play-offs. Richie McCaw leads from the front and Dan Carter controls from the back and with them in the side opposition teams will know what awaits. There will certainly be more pressure on players this year with the World Cup a few months out, and who can forget Dan Carter's “deer in the headlights” look after being kicked out of the last World Cup by France. I am hoping we get to see that look again.
Chiefs (includes a Time Fighter)
The Chiefs announced one of the biggest surprises for 2011, by including Time Fighter, Tana Umaga at the age of 37. I can't see him playing every game, but his experience will certainly count in the expanded Super Rugby competition. He is surrounded by a wealth of talent which includes Aled de Malmanche, Brendon Leonard, Stephen Donald, Mills Muliaina, Richard Kahui, Liam Messam, and Sitiveni Sivivatu. A decent squad that looks very good on paper, but they will have to back that up with results.
Blues (is it that time again?)
The Blues have not performed very well over the last few seasons and are hoping that Ali Williams (returning from injury), Daniel Braid, and Brad Mika will bolster their chances after joining the Blues. A few of their players are ageing a wee bit and it will be interesting to see how they get along. The squad looks strong with Kevin Mealamu, Tony Woodcock, John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Jerome Kaino, Rene Ranger, Joe Rokocoko, and Isaia Toeava.
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