NZ 2016 Super Rugby Squads Announced

[amz]

I supported Highlanders last two seasons and I would have expected some improvement of the pack for SR 2016 given their status of Champions. Whitelock is not a bad signing but nothing extraordinary. However, I do think they'll have the edge over the other NZ franchises this year too and they'll battle for top position with Chiefs.

Hurricanes will struggle without No'nu and especially C. Smith. Crusaders are a shadow of what they used to be.

 

[Counties NZ]

. How on earth they managed to add Bird and Nepo Laulala, plus pick up Karpik is beyond me.

Two words; Dave Rennie

And I completely agree with you regarding Blackadder/Hammett.
The Blues have generally always had talent, which is why I believe it's a combination of management (not specifically coach), and the players mental game, i.e they go all "warriors" on it