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As always, it's good to get an idea of where everyone will be come finals time!
My predicted final standings:
1 Chiefs
Assuming Rennie selects more consistently this season there's no reason why the Chiefs won't win the competition. The biggest weaknesses in the team are in the props and in the loose forwards where, beyond the first choice combinations there isn't a lot of depth.
2 Waratahs
With few changes from last year's squad, the Waratahs will be aiming to do the double. The competition pool is stronger this season, however, so I'm expecting them to lose a few more matches along the way.
3 Sharks
As the strongest SA team, the Sharks should notch up third place. The Cheetahs (and possibly Lions) should provide easy points fodder in the conference, compensating for the relative strength of the Bulls and Stormers.
4 Crusaders
Same old, same old. Fruean in the midfield and a fit Carter from day one should make a big difference. If it weren't for the design of the competition I'd expect to see them contesting the final.
5 Bulls
Handre Pollard should be handed the reigns from day one. With his relative attacking mindset and the strong Bulls pack, the Bulls should dominate the opposition in Pretoria.
6 Brumbies
The Brumbies are fairly similar in strength to the Reds and the Force. Their big game temperament should see them finish the highest of the chasing pack, however.
7 Hurricanes
Nonu's return to the capital will hopefully see the Wellington side push harder than they did last year. A slow start on tour could hamper their chances. Although their starting team is one of the best in the competition, their relative lack of depth could pose problems, especially with mandatory rests for the All Blacks.
8 Stormers
There will likely be a log jam of times sitting just below the top six. The Stormers have a solid squad, beyond that though there isn't a whole lot to get excited about, given they will likely be trumped by their fellow SA teams.
9 Highlanders
A lot of the Highlander's success will depend on how well their x-factor players perform. Rests for the two Smiths could be very upsetting to the Highlander's chances.
10 Reds
Quade Cooper's injury will cripple the Reds for the first part of the season. By the time he returns I don't think the Reds will have banked enough points to contest higher up on the ladder.
11 Force
After last year's highs the Force are due to crash back down to earth.
12 Blues
It's going to be the usual stuff from the Blues. They'll be stupendous at times, but their young backline won't cut it in the tougher matches.
13 Lions
The Lions won't surprise as many teams as they did last year. Providing Boshoff is given the 10 jersey they'll hang on in matches on penalties and drop goals.
14 Rebels
The weakest team in the Australian conference. They might knock off the odd Oz team, but don't expect to see them win much else, especially away from home.
15 Cheetahs
It's sad to see their best players leave year after year. What else is there to say?
My predicted final standings:
1 Chiefs
Assuming Rennie selects more consistently this season there's no reason why the Chiefs won't win the competition. The biggest weaknesses in the team are in the props and in the loose forwards where, beyond the first choice combinations there isn't a lot of depth.
2 Waratahs
With few changes from last year's squad, the Waratahs will be aiming to do the double. The competition pool is stronger this season, however, so I'm expecting them to lose a few more matches along the way.
3 Sharks
As the strongest SA team, the Sharks should notch up third place. The Cheetahs (and possibly Lions) should provide easy points fodder in the conference, compensating for the relative strength of the Bulls and Stormers.
4 Crusaders
Same old, same old. Fruean in the midfield and a fit Carter from day one should make a big difference. If it weren't for the design of the competition I'd expect to see them contesting the final.
5 Bulls
Handre Pollard should be handed the reigns from day one. With his relative attacking mindset and the strong Bulls pack, the Bulls should dominate the opposition in Pretoria.
6 Brumbies
The Brumbies are fairly similar in strength to the Reds and the Force. Their big game temperament should see them finish the highest of the chasing pack, however.
7 Hurricanes
Nonu's return to the capital will hopefully see the Wellington side push harder than they did last year. A slow start on tour could hamper their chances. Although their starting team is one of the best in the competition, their relative lack of depth could pose problems, especially with mandatory rests for the All Blacks.
8 Stormers
There will likely be a log jam of times sitting just below the top six. The Stormers have a solid squad, beyond that though there isn't a whole lot to get excited about, given they will likely be trumped by their fellow SA teams.
9 Highlanders
A lot of the Highlander's success will depend on how well their x-factor players perform. Rests for the two Smiths could be very upsetting to the Highlander's chances.
10 Reds
Quade Cooper's injury will cripple the Reds for the first part of the season. By the time he returns I don't think the Reds will have banked enough points to contest higher up on the ladder.
11 Force
After last year's highs the Force are due to crash back down to earth.
12 Blues
It's going to be the usual stuff from the Blues. They'll be stupendous at times, but their young backline won't cut it in the tougher matches.
13 Lions
The Lions won't surprise as many teams as they did last year. Providing Boshoff is given the 10 jersey they'll hang on in matches on penalties and drop goals.
14 Rebels
The weakest team in the Australian conference. They might knock off the odd Oz team, but don't expect to see them win much else, especially away from home.
15 Cheetahs
It's sad to see their best players leave year after year. What else is there to say?