NZ RUGBY WORLD SUPER RUGBY SPECIAL ISSUE ON SALE MONDAY JANUARY 26 CHECK IT OUT Six different covers *** Exclusive player columns *** Brilliantly funny revelations about players respective first crush and whether it is okay to pee in the shower *** Great Gilbert giveaway *** Wild predictions about each team *** Sensible predictions about each team *** Plus we tell you who we think is going to win... Our view on the Blues: Lots of good messages about hard work and focus and a quality pack when the first choice men are all fit. But lo and behold...would anyone believe it...10 years since King Carlos left and they still dont have a No 10 that breeds confidence. General weakness in their midfield may leave them well short of the playoffs. Do we really mean that..? buy a copy and find out. Our view on the Chiefs: Werent that far off last year and should come storming back in 2015. There is, in case anyone didnt know, the SBW factor to consider. Aaron Cruden knows he needs a big year and Tim Nanai-Williams, his future committed to Samoa, should be in a great head space. They have everything they need to start as favourites with the only concern being the loss of technical director Wayne Smith. Will they topple the Crusaders as conference champions..? Buy a copy and find out. Our view on the Hurricanes: They have a backline that may be the best in their history - and lets not forget they once had Tana Umaga, Jonah Lomu and Christian Cullen playing together. So much talent; so much firepower and a great general in Beauden Barrett. But...what about the pack? Is there enough clout, mongrel and depth to keep them in possession and competitive? We say...buy the mag and find out... Our view on the Crusaders: This is last chance for Dan and most likely Richie. How much will both want to sign off with a title? How much will the likes of Kieran Read, Sam Whitelock and Owen Franks want to help deliver that title? The pack is deadly. Will beat everyone up - including the Chiefs. The backs have a couple of key questions to answer: can they run straighter and more effectively? Can they vary their style more and will they find a way to effectively accommodate Colin Slade and Carter that works for the team..? We think they will play Carter more at No...you know what to do... Our view on the Highlanders: They are the masters at playing simple, effective rugby. Full of young, inexperienced players we expect them to empty the tank each week and fight for every inch. Yes, they lack depth and star names but Aaron and Ben Smith and Malakai Fekitoa are a superb trio and Patrick Osborne is a quality finisher. We understimated them last year and looked stupid. And unusually for us...we have learned from our mistake and suggest this year they will finish... nzrugbyworld.co.nz/subs photosport.co.nz
Posted on: Fri, 23 Jan 2015 03:29:25 +0000
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