Herald rugby writers Wynne Gray and Daniel Richardson break down the New Zealand Super Rugby teams named this morning.
Which team has landed the best recruit?
Wynne Gray: Try the Chiefs with Sonny Bill Williams who fills a midfield void they had for a big strong inventive playmaker.. Naturally the Canes will give the bouquet to Ma'a Nonu but he is doing his annual changeover. Watch out for their inter-franchise clash
Daniel Richardson: Sonny Bill Williams is clearly the 'best' recruit but another player of intrigue for the Chiefs is wing Hosea Gear. The former All Black is only 30 and with his sights set on claiming a spot in next year's World Cup squad, he will arrive in Chiefs country with plenty of motivation to perform. Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has a way of getting the best out of his men so it will be interesting to see what he can do with the nomadic Gear who has also had stops at the Hurricanes and Highlanders.
Full recap: Super 15 teams named
Who has the strongest team?
WG: How can you go past the Crusaders. All Blacks pack, Carter returns, some size with Fruean in midfield and dash on the flanks. Mark them down with the Chiefs again as the NZ frontrunners.
DR: The Chiefs have an incredible amount of depth with talent in every area of the field. Considering the Crusaders made the final in 2014 it's hard to go past them as a side of strength given Dan Carter returns, although there are some major concerns about his ability to stay healthy.
Who is going to struggle this year?
WG: If the Blues latest selection gives you more confidence than the previous two seasons, you are an eternal optimist. Have shed stacks of experience on the coaching staff, changed captain and re-treaded a few oldies. Maybe that's a magic elixir.
DR: There aren't many names that jump out at you from the Blues' team list in terms of new faces, while another captaincy change doesn't inspire confidence. The Highlanders have their Invitational XV look again after they selected players from 13 different provinces across the country.