KEY POINTS:
For the inside running on this year's tournament, we asked the experts, and we don't mean the coaches and the commentators. Here's the word from the terraces:
BLUES
LAST SEASON: 8
Again they have plenty of promise, but it will come down to whether the players with jerseys 1-5 on their backs can scrub up. The squad has experience and inevitably, confidence. If the first month goes well, watch out for the backs to show their wares.
BEST ACQUISITION
Who conned Graham Henry into leaving Luke McAlister out of the protected group for the first two months? He should be involved in every game.
BIGGEST LOSS
Jake Paringatai - they should have grabbed him from Northland - he is a tough rooster and this was an oversight from the selectors.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Isaia Toeava. He will thrive being back on his home deck and given enough pill, can carve up any defence. No second season blues for Ice.
TUNE-UP TIME
Greg Rawlinson. Has to prove that he is an international lock week in and week out.
PUBLIC ENEMY NO 1
Neanderthal man, Phil Waugh - expect someone to put him in his place.
WE'LL FINISH
Time for the Blues to front up with a winning year. Blues to play the Chiefs in the final.
CHAMPIONS
Blues
* Mark Sumich
CHIEFS
LAST SEASON: 7th
This season's a curly one, especially before the competition starts. I think there will be a few surprises - especially from the Western Force. I'm also expecting a big step up from the Saffies, I say that every year but.
BEST ACQUISITION
Tane Tu'ipulotu, he's a big strong hard running mid-field back. What other cliches can you think of?
BIGGEST LOSS
David Hill. On field and off field. He has a really dry sense of humour.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Richard Kahui (again). He'll be the next All Black pin-up boy. Sosene Anesi, man he's quick. Brendon Leonard - with Byron Kelleher off at All Black World Cup conditioning camp, he'll shine.
TUNE-UP TIME
Give me a couple of weeks.
PUBLIC ENEMY NO 1
Anyone in a Blues jersey.
WE'LL FINISH
First. I can feel it in me waters.
* Nick Trott
HURRICANES
LAST SEASON: 2nd
With the big boys out for most of the season, I'm hoping to see one or two future stars shine through this year and maybe even push for a bench-warmer spot in the World Cup squad.
BEST ACQUISITION
Looking forward to seeing Brad Mika, especially with the losses of Jerry Collins and Rodney So'oialo for the first half of the season.
BIGGEST LOSS
Goes without saying, with six Hurricanes gone for half the season, it won't be easy, even tougher when one of our most experienced players, David Holwell jumps ship to join the Blues!
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Tana Umaga and Ma'a Nonu should pair up well again, but I'm looking forward to seeing future All Black Cory Jane break the line a few times.
TUNE-UP TIME
Obvious. All eyes will be on Nonu's defensive play. He could break the line 50 times or score 20 times, but if he misses one tackle the daggers will come out.
PUBLIC ENEMY NO 1
All three Australian teams.
WE'LL FINISH
Second. But this year won't be a battle of North and South in the fog.
CHAMPIONS
The Blues. They have a lot of attacking power and nothing to lose (surely they can't suck more than the last couple of years). Blues v Hurricanes final at Eden Park.
* Brad King
CRUSADERS
LAST SEASON: 1st
The well-oiled squad of highly skilled relative newcomers will be complemented by seven well-rested, fit All Blacks for the last seven rounds of round robin matches. This will enable the 2007 Crusaders to comfortably consolidate the solid start our immensely capable extended team has compiled.
BEST ACQUISITION
Rua Tipoki. Although he led the team who broke the hearts of Canterbury supporters with respect to the Ranfurly Shield last year, he's a welcome addition to the Crusaders. His experience will be valuable, especially in the first part of the season.
BIGGEST LOSS
Not many players choose to leave the Crusaders, so it comes down to Richie McCaw and Daniel Carter missing the first seven rounds.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Andy Ellis. He was affected by injury in 2006 but has a huge year ahead of him. In the absence of Carter, Stephen Brett will also have the opportunity, time and space to demonstrate his speed and silky skills.
TUNE-UP TIME
Veteran Caleb Ralph needs to exercise a little more flair and, come May, possibly reconsider his future.
PUBLIC ENEMY NO 1
The Blues' first mistake of 2007 would have to be the appointment of Troy Flavell to the captaincy. He has a massive job ahead of him on and off the field; with history against him his reputation needs some serious work.
WE'LL FINISH
First. Considering seven is widely regarded as a lucky number it is obvious 2007 is going to be good for the Crusaders, with their inspirational No 7 participating for seven weeks of the round robin, the Crusaders should be heading for their seventh Super title.
* Lucy Rowe
HIGHLANDERS
LAST SEASON: 9th
Yet again, will try to reach the Super rugby highland upon which the holy grail of Southern Hemisphere rugby lies. But look to the tight five to fill the top of the table this season, Crusaders, Brumbies, Blues, Waratahs and Hurricanes. Remember, in 11 seasons, only three winners, none from South Africa. This will be Nick Evans' year, breaking the points scoring record. Evans is Super 14 2007's Superman.
BEST ACQUISITION
Draft players Lucky Mulipola and Viliame Waqaseduadua - wingers with pace and strong attacking instincts.
BIGGEST LOSS
Neil Brew's departure to Europe has left big holes in our midfield defence, especially since Seilala Mapusua went with him.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Callum Bruce brings kicking options, pace and sound defence to second five-eighth. Prop Jamie Mackintosh is regarded as an All Black-in-waiting, he's played for every national age-group team for which he has been eligible.
TUNE-UP TIME
Jimmy Cowan was touted as the next Justin Marshall, time for him to prove it!
PUBLIC ENEMY NO 1
George Gregan, George Gregan and George Gregan, just retire George!
WE'LL FINISH
Needing a bonus point win in round 13 to make the semis and end up 6th.
CHAMPIONS
The Crusaders win at home against the Hurricanes in the snow.
* Matt Clifford
WESTERN FORCE
LAST SEASON: 14th
We need to beat the Brumbies for beating us in front of our inaugural home crowd and we need to beat the Crusaders to prove Geoff Acton wrong.
BEST ACQUISITION
John Mitchell is still our greatest asset, with his vision and experience we will win half our games and make up half of the Wallabies by year end.
BIGGEST LOSS
Without a doubt the retirement of the "Mayor of Perth", lock John Welborn. Our own home grown-star added a personal touch to our state team.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Young flanker David Pocock. He wasn't old enough to play Super 14 last year but will be an integral part of side this time. Now he's old enough to vote as well as play rugby.
PUBLIC ENEMY NO 1
Percy Montgomery is the obvious choice. How he has managed to star in two Shrek films as Prince Charming and play bad rugby should make it obvious.
WE'LL FINISH
If the Force finish in the middle of the ladder at season's end, there will be smiles all round. We have a way to go, but we'll get there!
CHAMPIONS
The Crusaders don't seem to be willing to let it go.
* Greg Radford
WARATAHS
LAST SEASON: 3rd
Waratahs fans start every year with the type of optimism that would make a brown dog weep. The truth is, optimism can be quite depressing, and until this year, that's the state of mind fans have had to endure come finals time. This year's different, we've started depressed!
BEST ACQUISITION
Kurtley Beale, much is expected of this young lad (18) who has come directly from the schoolboy ranks into senior rugby.
BIGGEST LOSS
Mat Rogers, versatility like his is nigh impossible to replicate although he was beginning to slow down under the weight of all those tattoos.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Lote Tuqiri, (obviously) will be keen to put in big time if rumours of this being his last year in rugby are true. Daniel Halangahu, the incumbent No 10 is much improved after his initial year in Super 14 and will need to be doing some special things to keep his place in the run-on side ahead of Beale.
TUNE-UP TIME
The fans, we get that far ahead of ourselves, we can't hear the band!
PUBLIC ENEMY NO 1
Hard to pick now that Wendell Sailor snorted his career down the toilet.
WE'LL FINISH
Third, maybe even better if we can convince the Kiwis to save their energy for October.
CHAMPIONS
The Hurricanes (not Katrina) will want it more than anyone after their disappointment in last year's final.
* Mark Lynch
REDS
Last season: 12th
All the signs are there for a change of fortune. With a new no-nonsense board and chairman, a new coach who took an under-rated team into extra time of a World Cup final, a monster forward pack and 125 years of rugby in Queensland to be celebrated, the young Red army will be taking back the top half of the table.
BEST ACQUISITION
Obviously with the loss of Chris Latham through injury, Clinton Schifcofske's maturity and professionalism will be welcome, as well as his reliability with the boot. Ben Coutts was also a canny purchase.
BIGGEST LOSS
Latham's injury was a significant blow. If Drew Mitchell continues to improve then his defection to the West at the end of last season may prove the most costly loss.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
For speed, you can't go past Caleb Brown. In the forwards, I would be expecting strong leadership from Stephen Moore, and relish the combination of the backrowers AJ Gilbert and Croft in causing havoc around the paddock.
TUNE-UP TIME
Lloyd Johansson struggled last season to put consistent performances together but his greatest matches played were under Eddie Jones' guidance. Eddie will need to stay on his case.
PUBLIC ENEMY NO 1
Any joker wearing a sky blue jersey with a flower in his pocket.
WE'LL FINISH
The first four rounds will define the season for the Reds. The forwards will dominate, ensuring a top-six finish with the potential of top-four.
CHAMPIONS
The Chiefs are well placed with little disruption to their team in the opening seven rounds. Keep one eye on the Western Force though.
* Bob Myers
BRUMBIES
LAST SEASON: 6th
With only minor changes to our team from last season, the Brumbies are well placed to make an impact. It's a pity New Zealand is restricting player participation.
BEST ACQUISITION
Stephen Hoiles and Julian Huxley. Both are versatile and have potential for Wallaby selection.
BIGGEST LOSS
Matt Giteau moving to Western Force.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Daniel Heenan, Christian Lealiifano, Francis Fainifo and Luke Burgess. This is a combination of experience and new talent.
TUNE-UP TIME
Mark Gerrard's performances over the last few years have been inconsistent but he can be a game winner with strong running and defence.
PUBLIC ENEMY NO 1
The number one on our 'hit list' is Byron Kelleher, closely followed by Victor Matfield, Jerry Collins and Doug Howlett (as well as Matt Dunning).
WE'LL FINISH
Our season on Saturday, May 19. In the final.
CHAMPIONS
Brumbies.
* Ross and Susan Carlyon
SHARKS
LAST SEASON: 5th
Supporters are really optimistic about the current young but energetic team. The last time the Sharks made the semifinals was in 2001, and fans are hoping that 2007 will be the year for us. The Sharks kick-off their season at home which is always an advantage, so let's hope they are quite high up the log before they set off on their travels.
BEST ACQUISITION
There haven't been any major signings this year, thanks to the home-grown talent filtering through. Bobby Skinstad has signed and fans will be looking to see if he has what it takes. Another interesting acquisition is New Zealander John Plumtree who has joined as assistant coach.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Centres Waylon Murray and Bradley Barritt halfback Francois Steyn and live-wire flanker Keagan Daniel. The return of Henno Mentz on the wing is an added bonus.
TUNE-UP TIME
John Smit took a beating in the media from a Springbok point of view at the tail end of last year, but is still a well-respected leader of the Sharks. Springboks Johann Muller, Deon Carstens, Albert Van Den Berg, and Brendan Botha will also play an integral role.
PUBLIC ENEMY NO 1
Brent Russell, who has left the Sharks to join some mediocre team down in Cape Town. Although we not sure what the attraction was for Brent, we suspect it may have been the mountain.
WE'LL FINISH
In the top four, the Hurricanes, Crusaders, and Brumbies.
CHAMPIONS
Sharks
* Ann McAdam
CHEETAHS
LAST SEASON: 10th
The Cheetahs have a tough draw having to play their last six games away from home but if Rassie Erasmus's charges can garner enough points in Bloemfontein the pressure of the Antipodes tour would be eased.
BEST ACQUISITION
Centre/wing Ronnie Cooke - watch out, this guy has great speed and vision to cut defences to shreds.
BIGGEST LOSS
The Cheetahs have retained all their players, there are no big losses.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
The front row is set to cook with the likes of Os du Randt, CJ van der Linde, Ollie le Roux, Wian du Preez and Jannie du Plessis all vying for starting spots. You'd be hard pressed to find a franchise with better depth at prop. Also watch out for captain and No8 Juan Smith, always a threat with ball in hand, and the blond bomber Kabamba Floors (flanker).
TUNE-UP TIME
Well, Ollie le Roux is always a larger than life character and he is pretty much despised by the Bulls because he out-talks them.
PUBLIC ENEMY NO 1
Clyde Rathbone, because he keeps slating South Africa.
WE'LL FINISH
Fourth.
CHAMPIONS
If not the Cheetahs the Sharks.
* Zayn Nabbi
BULLS
LAST SEASON: 4th
The Bulls have they showed in their warmup games they can be awesome with their powerful pack, with Springboks Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, Gary Botha, Pedrie Wannenburg and young phenomenon Pierre Spies, and big and speedy backs like Fourie du Preez, Wynand Olivier and the try pincher, Bryan Habana.
Under new backline coach Todd Louden the Bulls backline play could be the surprise package of the competition.
BEST ACQUISITION
Louden. He is already improving the basic skills.
BIGGEST LOSS
The only player of name the Bulls have lost this year is Jacques Cronje, the Springbok No 8, but with the wealth of loose forwards this is not a major.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Habana, who must silence his critics this year with a better all round performance, and the big, fast and powerful Spies.
TUNE-UP TIME
First five-eighth Derrick Hougaard must show the critics that he can also perform away from home, where he is lovingly known as Darling.
PUBLIC ENEMY NO 1
Lions halfback Ricky Januarie, who is always in the faces of the opposition with his sledging and physical pressure he exerts.
WE'LL FINISH
We shall be in the final with a big chance of being the first South African winner, because of the lack of top New Zealand players in a certain period of the competition.
CHAMPIONS The Bulls. A South African team must finally win this competition.
* Jan Oberholzer (ex Blue Bull captain of the late 70s and early 80s)
STORMERS
LAST SEASON: 11th
It will be a splendid season. Great tries and lots of open rugby in this World Cup year. I think there will be agony for the Stormers on the away leg. We are in a building phase and are bringing through fantastic talent.
BEST ACQUISITION
Brent Russell
BIGGEST LOSS
Former Springbok Werner Greef"s career-ending injury last week was a disaster.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Fullback Gio Aplon. He is tiny (1.75m, 70kg) but that makes him harder to catch.
TUNE-UP TIME
De Wet Barry. He needs to learn that that there is more to playing centre than smashing your opposite number in the tackle.
PUBLIC ENEMY NO 1
Bob Skinstad (for the Sharks). If he sticks his tongue out again he should have a nail hammered through it.
WE'LL FINISH
Lower half of the table. Will struggle overseas and they haven't fixed the tight five.
CHAMPIONS
Crusaders. Still too much firepower.
* Martin Myers
LIONS
LAST SEASON: (as Cats) 13th
A new name, new coach, new chief executive and something like 17 players making their Super 14 debut. We won't make the top four, but we are confident we'll do better than last year.
BEST ACQUISITION
Undoubtedly our new coach, Eugene (Loffie) Eloff. He took over at the start of the Currie Cup season in 2006 and even though we had a poor start, things came right in the second half of the competition. We played attractive, running rugby again, and drew the crowds back to Ellis Park.
BIGGEST LOSS
Wikus van Heerden moving to the Bulls at the end of the 2006 season. We will miss his leadership and never-say-die attitude.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Louis Ludik (wing, fullback). This youngster will be an unknown to the opponents, but with his speed he made a major impact in the Currie Cup. Ernst Joubert (loose forward) another youngster, who can break tackles.
TUNE-UP TIME
Prop Lawrence Sephaka. He needs to step up to the plate. Ashwin Willemse (wing) - needs to stay injury free. He owes us a big season.
PUBLIC ENEMY NO 1
We don't really have any enemies at Ellis Park, we appreciate good rugby, even if it's played by the opposition.
WE'LL FINISH
I'm hoping for somewhere between 7th and 9th.
CHAMPIONS
The Crusaders. I can't see their dominance ending soon.
* Walter Language
