Head on the block: Who will win the Super 14?

The Super 14 began in earnest on Friday morning with the Hurricanes overcoming a deficit and defeat the highly talented (but inconsistent) Blues.

So, before the competition gets truly underway, it is time to place one’s head on the guillotine (which was designed by a Scotsman interestingly enough) and decide who is going to win the last Super 14 … ever.

From this writer’s perspective, their are nine (I know … crazy isn’t it?) teams that are capable of lifting Super silverware: The Blues (think again?), Hurricanes, Brumbies, Waratahs, Stormers, Chiefs, Sharks, Bulls and the Super dynasty, the Crusaders.

Some might consider such a long list ludicrous, but the nature of the Super 14, and the talent available avails the competition to unpredictable results. However, there is a big difference between being capable and realising your potential. The Blues were my fancied pick due to the tremendous amount of talent at their disposal, and while they still rank as dark horses, the fact the Hurricanes beat them in Auckland suggests that the Wellington based franchise will be a force to be reckoned with once more.

The Chiefs reached the final last year, playing a brand of rugby that was exciting. With no major personal changes and a settled squad plus management team, they are also very capable but I don’t believe they will have the success this year as they did last year. Their rivals have only gotten stronger.

The Waratahs have a team with big forwards, and with the addition of Berrik Barnes combined with the talents of the tricky Kurley Beale, Sydney will be a tough place for any team to visit. But can they win it? Some how, their compatriots from Canberra and the only Australian team to have won a Super rugby competition, the Brumbies, appear in this estimation at least to be a team to watch. With arguably the leading back and forward (Matt Giteau, though he is missing round 1, and Rocky Elsom) in Australia, I feel the could be the surprise package this season.

From SA, not much needs to be said about the Bulls. We all know, mostly, how they will play and with so many quality players in their line-up, they will be there and there abouts. Can they win it? They can, but I don’t believe this will be there year.

The Sharks have a very strong looking forward pack (though John Smit appears to be starting at tighthead … the plot thickens). Their major, perhaps devastating concern, is the lack of a quality flyhalf. With no disrespect to Monty Dumond, the Sharks do not have a flyhalf that compares to their rivals.

The Stormers, much like the Blues to a certain extent, have always had the talent but since 1999 have flattered to deceive. This year they have Bryan Habana and Jaque Fourie in their ranks, and while their backline is certainly packed with exciting possibilities, the real question will be their depth in the front-row. What happens if either Brok Harris or Wicus Blaauw get injured? Also, a lot will be riding on Andries Bekker, so his fitness is crucial. Can they win it? Of course they can, but will they?

Then we come to this author’s pick: the Crusaders. They have Dan Carter back, and with Richie McCaw returning for round 4, their pedigree and experience will be something all other Super 14 coaches will have nightmares about. The have thedepth and have been there, done that.

So, I have the Crusaders as my pick, but naturally will be backing all SA teams. Who will face them in the final? Either the Hurricanes or the Bulls at a guess, but as this competition has proven over the years, nothing is certain and predicting the winner is a tricky business. That is what makes the Super 14 one of the toughest if not the toughest rugby competition in the world?

This is just one man’s opinion. Who do you think will claim Super honours this year?