Super 15 preview: Let the (125) games begin

The Blues and Crusaders open the Super 15 season at Eden Park tonight. Photo / Getty Images

The 17th season of the Super 15 kicks off tonight and nzherald.co.nz will have all the action covered throughout the season.

Our rugby expects have analysed all the teams and share their thoughts on the season ahead.

EXPERT VIEWS:

Wynne Gray on the Blues
NZ Herald's chief rugby writer says it is time for coach Pat Lam to deliver:

"In his next three seasons at the helm of the Blues they have finished ninth, seventh and fourth. Underwhelming, like much of the organisation and results at the franchise since they claimed the last of their three titles in 2003.

"Laying all the blame on Lam's desk is unfair. But he and his Blues coaching cohorts are the ones who identify players and are responsible for guiding them towards better results."

Read: This is the time for Lam to deliver

More Blues news:
Return of Wulf and Ranger lifts tempo
Super 15 game of the week: Blues v Crusaders
Focus on battle of the rookie five eighths

"There's no reason why the combination shouldn't be eye-catching for all the right reasons, but you never know.

Sometimes combinations that sound great in theory don't work in practice."

Read: SBW and Kahui ready to play the beautiful game

More Chiefs news:
Hard taskmaster will call the tune
Cane gets nod to tackle Highlanders

"Coach Todd Blackadder is also acutely aware that, despite making two semifinals and a final, the Crusaders have not added to their seven titles under his tenure."

Read: Blackadder's challenge - regain that top spot

More Crusaders news:
Extra work helps Fruean gear up for tough competition
Super 15 game of the week: Blues v Crusaders
Focus on battle of the rookie five eighths

"Coach Mark Hammett knows he won't restore the pride in one game, or maybe even a season, but he has looked to reshape this team with a long-term view and asked fans to be patient - or just have faith."
Read: Canes faithful hear the gospel of Hammett

More Hurricanes news:
Move all part of a careful career plan
Three to debut in Hurricanes starting XV

"Coach Jamie Joseph said he wants his Highlanders - who started well last year but tailed off - to maintain momentum through the 2012 campaign.

"I know last year if we had won the three last games, we would have made the playoffs. If you get on a roll you get confidence."

Read: Joseph has the right Gear for success

"The Reds should have the depth to be a near-certainty for the top six and, given luck
on the injury front, a second successive title is not a pipe dream."

Read: Quade-less Reds still have enough talent to win

"South Africa has six teams and five spots, and there is a lot of sweating in the Saru boardroom. Will one side be forced out? Will two franchises be forced to amalgamate?

Never before has it been so important to avoid the wooden spoon."

Read: South African teams forced to play musical chairs

Friday:
Blues v Crusaders, 7.35pm
Brumbies v Force, 9.40pm

Saturday:
Bulls v Sharks, 6.10am
Chiefs v Highlanders, 7.35pm
Waratahs v Reds, 9.40pm

Sunday:
Stormers v Hurricanes, 4.05am
Lions v Cheetahs, 6.10am