My early predictions - all of the Aussie Super 14 sides will improve from this year... except for the Waratahs...
THE BRUMBIES
Firstly they'll have a point to prove after their worst season ever, and having several worthy players snubbed by Robbie Deans.
They've got a new coach in Andy Friend who will hopefully take them back to the rightful place as the top Australian side. He's a back specialist and it would be great to see him bring back the exciting running rugby the Brumbies are generally known for.
There have also been some important signings in the off season with Stephen Moore, Alfi Mafi, and Sitaleki Timani (the biggest Aussie lock in the Super 14, second tallest in the comp. behind Bekker).
Moore should bring a consistency in the set piece which the Brumbies were lacking in this year. His lineout throwing is the best in Australia, and with Chisholm, Kimlin, Timani, Chapman, and Hoiles at his disposal it should really be one area where the Brumbies should be strong. Moore will also make an exciting new front row combination with Alexander and Shepherdson.
Rathbone is finally back from injury and has been outstanding for Easts in the Shute Shield. It would be nice to see him find that form from 2004 when he was an absolute try-machine.
The only area where the Brumbies are most vulnerable is at flyhalf, but Lealiifano should be better after his first season in the competition. As will Toomua.
And hopefully we get our moneys worth with Josh Holmes.
I expect them to finish in the top 7 but I won't be happy until we make the finals again. But 5th would still be much better than this year.
Anyways, they just some consistency. They were hot and cold all year. Highlighted by their game against the Force.
THE REDS
I was wrong to think that they would be a far stronger team this year with Mooney coaching and a lot of good signings, but for the most part they were the same Reds we've seen in recent years.
However, they did begin to play exciting rugby in the latter half of the competition and some of their new Wallaby stars should hopefully lift them next year.
They've got a strong pack with the best scrum in Australia and a generally solid lineout.
I think they'll improve slightly but won't be any real threat. Oh, and McMenimum will only play 2 games and yet somehow get picked for the Wallabies.... again.
THE FORCE
Once again, I don't think the Force have the right balance to be a real threat. I expect them to excel in parts of the year, and be absolutely woeful in others... again.
Their scrum is still quite possibly the worst in the competition. Their lineout does well thanks to Sharpe. And they've got a couple of good backrowers in Brown and Pocock.
Their real talent is in the backline, but if Giteau gets injured - they're a mess. Without Giteau there's no one to guide them.
So, if Giteau plays well they'll play well.
THE WARATAHS
They'll be without Vickerman and Elsom. Probably their two most important players as they give them a very dominant lineout, and a general toughness that the team lacks without them. I think it might be hard for their forwards to really fire without them. And if their forwards aren't going well then their backline will struggle.
I wouldn't be surprised to see them revert back to their 2007 form. Probably not as bad though.
Oh, and they've got a new coach in Chris Hickey. Is he good enough? Isn't Eastwood not doing that well in the Shute Shield? Will Tahu be the next biggest rugby league hype to fail?
I guess we'll find out in 5 months...
EDIT:
On a side note, it'll be interesting to see what the changes in 2010 bring to the competition with international marquee players being allowed into the Australian teams...
I don't know about the other provinces, but apprarently the Brumbies already have a lot of interest from South African players... including a few big name players... as well a good deal of interest from some English players thanks to Andy Friend's time there recently.
Is this how we're going to fix our scrum woes?
