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Another Super Rugby season, the sixteenth, starts on Friday night and there’s some general trends over the years that have enabled me to look into my crystal ball and make a few predictions about the 2011 expanded addition.
WILL HAPPEN:Crusaders to win their eighth title – they’ve recruited two of the most exciting players in the world, Sonny Bill Williams and Israel Dagg, into their squad for this year, and with Richie McCaw having the first six weeks off, expect the Saders to be holding the trophy come early July.
A World Cup bolter to emerge – every year New Zealand produces another great All Black. Last year Sam Whitelock emerged from nowhere, this year, I’m picking Robbie Fruean to put pressure on the ABs midfield. The man is Lomu-like and would be a great addition to the World Cup cause.
Rog to swap teams – Farrelly insists he’s a one team man these days, but I’m sure that Chiefs jersey will come out of the closet as the season goes on… especially if Pat Lam’s men drop a few games early on. Rog loves a winner.
Robbie Fruean – a pig valve in his heart… Team Pig for winter?
WON'T HAPPEN:The Hurricanes to break their drought – I’d love to think that a good Marist man from Christchurch could turn around the fortunes of the competition’s biggest under-achievers, but not even Mark Hammett can turn this team into champions.
All the All Blacks to come through unscathed – There will be injuries. There are only two guys in the ABs that are irreplaceable, let’s just hope they come through the marathon eighteen week tournament without a scratch.
Graham Henry to find a back-up to McCaw and Carter – The eternal search continues into 2011 with Colin Slade and Daniel Braid starting in pole position. But, we all know Stephen Donald will play out of his skin for the Chiefs and will be in the mix. Don’t count out his understudy Mike Delany whose game seems tailor-made for World Cup rugby. As for number seven, there’s a whole bunch lining up behind Braid including exciting Crusaders prospect Matt Todd.
Bryce’s child - is a Canes fan.
Football’s had its time, now it’s all about rugby for the next nine months, and I can’t wait for it to all unfold. The drama!
Your predictions?
Cheers
John Day