Much like their national team, the New Zealand conference, and the teams that comprise it, have been the cornerstone of excellence since the inception of Super Rugby. They boast 17 of the last 24 winners of the competition, and all five members of the conference have climbed the Super summit at least once. Other than the two South African coastal teams, few would bet against this year’s winner making it 18.
The least likely to do so though will be the Highlanders. They started sluggishly but did secure the points with a post-hooter try in Canberra. The loss of talisman Ben Smith will be stifling, but namesake Aaron will still lead the line with dogged experience. Even if they don’t have it in them to go all the way, they will still be difficult to beat, as they showed by ending the Brumbies’ 10-match home winning streak.
Auckland’s unpredictable Blues are proving tough to pin down. Beaten twice by Kiwi rivals so far, they waltzed past the Waratahs. This weekend then could see them reveal themselves when they travel to Pretoria. A win against the desperate Bulls would unveil some hidden steal that will bother the rest of their awaiting opponents. The Blues have a gruelling travel schedule, which sees them crisscross venues more than any other team. Expect this to be their downfall.
Past masters, the Crusaders, and the Hurricanes will again be pushing for home semifinals come knockout time. The ‘Canes have recovered from the first-round fluke at Newlands to register come-from-behind wins against the Jaguares and Sharks respectively. Five consecutive games in New Zealand will lay the foundation for a push to the finals in the second half of the season. The three-times reigning champions, Crusaders, will have seen it all though and will plot a familiar path.
Exciting, free-scoring, physical and well-organised are attributes that are setting the Chiefs apart at this early stage. Warren Gatland has his men eager and determined, and if they remain consistent, it will be a momentous return home for the former Wales coach. Only two of their next eight fixtures are against conference rivals, so expect them to maintain their lead atop the overall standings. With eight places available in the quarters, no conference will place more representatives than this one.
