Richard Loe: I hope Super 14 is a worthy substitute

We might have to be a bit patient with Super 14. The first round hasn't felt so different as the games are spread over the weekend. But, as the first few rounds go by, I am sure we will all notice the first physical changes that Super 14 will bring: mass substitutions and the use of some matches, or part of those matches, as a bit of a training run.

That's in the short term. There has been so much already made of the injury factor and the need for depth that huge use of subs will be the first significant difference. Long term, we'll be seeking an answer to the central question that Super 14 poses: Is more better? Will there be close competition or more hidings?

The jury's out on that and will remain so until we can see whether the new boys, the Cheetahs and the Force, can consistently foot it at this level.

In the short term, old dogs like me look at the modern substitute rules and frown a bit. I have never liked it and there is no doubt that games often suffer when coaches empty their benches. The games lose shape and direction.

But I have to concede that it does work when coaches give their bench players or young up-and-comers a taste of the speed and quality of the game.

You only have to look at the All Blacks, where Graham Henry and his men have successfully built two teams of test-quality players through, among other things, good use of the substitutes bench.

In Super 14, there may be some one-sided games - not too many, we hope - and coaches will bring on their subs to give them that vital experience and start building the depth that these teams will need.

As we have all been saying, the team with the best squad and the best injury-free run will have a ticket to success. However, while South Africa and Australia may benefit long term with having more franchises, I feel sorry for the Reds.

I spoke to John Eales this week and it is clear the Reds have just been decimated by the new format, which has seen many of their players settle in other franchises, particularly the Force. No one is talking about the Reds, once the powerhouse of Australian rugby.

I also feel sorry for the Force - and the Cheetahs. They may do all right but are going to have to get up to speed fast or get left behind. Not easy. Catch-up rugby is no fun in a game. It's even less fun when you are trying to catch up over a season.

Injuries will be telling. Starting earlier, the hard grounds and the pressure of the first rounds will all play a role in the Super 14. Coaches already have to get their players in peak condition before the season starts - and the injuries come flowing in. The Bulls have lost an entire front row. The Cats have lost two or three first-fives and are struggling to come up with a playmaker in a key position.

I am also hearing some people suggesting the Crusaders might not do so well this year because of last year's NPC results. Well, I'd just have to say that Robbie Deans and Vern Cotter are a far different proposition from Aussie McLean and Rob Penney. Robbie is very clever at assessing the opponent and fielding different players against different opposition.

It's not rotation for the sake of it but planned change designed to bring on new players as the Crusaders have done so well. Having said that, there is definitely a young element to their bench.

The Blues should do well, even after Friday night. They have depth and balance and look fit and energised this year. But watch out for the Chiefs. Regardless of the result of their overnight match against the Sharks, they are going to South Africa early in the programme and have a very home-oriented draw after that.

If they can come back from the Republic with a 50 per cent or even 100 per cent record from their two matches, they could be real contenders.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY