For those more interested in Six Nations combat, that series starts tomorrow with scrutiny on Wales' search for another title, whether Ireland can push on with Joe Schmidt in charge, and how England shape up for their three-test tour in June.
This side of the equator, though, the Super 15 is coming into focus.
As befits a competition with a June intermission, byes and long-distance travel, this year's tournament has a staggered start with games in South Africa starting on February 15 before the New Zealand and Australian sections begin a week later.
Those who believe in fate and lucky charms will read something into the New Zealand season launch in Kerwyn (sic) Ave in Auckland, while the rest of us will come up with ideas which all have some validity until the season starts.
At the Blues, coach John Kirwan and his selectors need to be Penn and Teller to juggle their backline resources and the Chiefs are working towards history and three titles on the bounce. The Crusaders have tweaked their roster and ideas in their effort to break their playoff glitches while the Hurricanes and Highlanders have lengthy improvement lists.
Meanwhile, the All Black selectors will be unfurling new stationery to begin their files for the season. After the glories of an unbeaten 2013, one reaction would be to think there will be minimal change in the national squad's ranks.
However this is the most crucial year for Steve Hansen and his men as they tinker with their team and twist their ideas as they edge close to the World Cup furnace next year. A restricted test programme in 2015 offers little chance to experiment.
This is the year when the selectors need to be even more brutal about their decisions and take some huge gulps about players and their future.
Sustained form or improvement must be the guideline for the All Black panel. Those who deal in sentiment will face stumbles. Even the most hard-bitten coaches struggle with decisions about players who are in the twilight of their career.
That finger is not hovering over any All Blacks yet. But repeat strikes by newer players and any drop in performances from senior men will crank up the inspection.
In 2010, Israel Dagg, Aaron Cruden, Victor Vito, Ben Franks and Sam Whitelock were among the seven new caps after that Super rugby campaign who survived and carried through to the World Cup triumph.
It might be suggesting a bit much to have seven new faces in the All Black squad to play England in June but a few will keep everyone honest.
