Super Rugby 2020

Your FREE guide to the 2020 Investec Super Rugby season

www.skysport.co.nz/super

WELCOME TO YOUR FREE GUIDE TO THE 2020 INVESTEC SUPER RUGBY SEASON

Managing Editor: OLIVER LEE Editor: PETER WHITE Sub-Editor: ELISE McDOWELL Contributing Writer: STEPHEN NELL Photography: photosport.nz Cover: ONTIME ASSOCIATES Pagination: HNZL 2014 Printing: OVATO AUCKLAND Publisher:

SUPER RUGBY 25 CONTENTS 04 25 SUPER RUGBY 2020 PREVIEW

ERO IN Z ON THE THE SHARKS AND LIONS

06 CRUSADERS SEEK FOURTH STRAIGHT TITLE

OUT 26 FIND WHAT’S AHEAD

09

NEW COACH AND PLAYERS

AT CHIEFS

FOR THE SUNWOLVES AND JAGUARES

IGHLANDERS: 10 HEXPECT THE

SUPER RUGBY 29 HISTORY: FACTS,

UNEXPECTED CHANGES SUPER RUGBY 12 BIG PRE-SEASON FOR 1 6 SEASON 25 HURRICANES

14 BLUES’ FORTUNES MUST TURN AROUND

DRAW TO GRIPS 1 8 GET WITH THE BRUMBIES AND WARATAHS

MORE 21 KNOW ABOUT THE REDS AND REBELS

2 2

BULLS AND STORMERS TAKE CENTRE STAGE

FIGURES AND STATS FROM LAST 24 YEARS BLACKS 30 ALL HOME INTERNATIONALS 2020

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NOTE: The TAB odds quoted throughout the magazine were correct on 16 January 2020. For the latest updated odds visit tab.co.nz

ISSN 2463-5499 (Print) ISSN 2463-5502 (Online)

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THE 2020 SE ASON!

SUPER RUGBY 25 PREVIEW

This season marks 25 years since the first Super 12 match was played in 1996. Can the Crusaders make it four titles in a row? Peter White looks ahead to the silver anniversary season.

They said it would not work 24 years ago. The rugby was too fanciful without enough defensive work. People would not go to night games.

Well, the reality is that Super Rugby has been a resounding success on and off the pitch and has taken professional rugby to unprecedented new levels.

It was 25 years ago this coming March when the first Super Rugby match was played.

The Auckland Blues and Wellington Hurricanes opened the new-fangled Super 12 on March 1, 1996 at the Palmerston North Showgrounds.

The Blues won a thriller 36–28 en route to winning the maiden title and rugby was changed in the southern hemisphere forever. The attacking way the game was played, refereed, marketed and beamed into homes through SKY Television opened up a whole new audience.

Night games, try-scoring bonus points, yellow and red cards,

television match officials, tactical substitutions and pre-match entertainment were other innovations.

The players became fitter, faster and stronger, with high profiles and salaries to match.

The Blues, stacked with modern great All Blacks, dominated the first two years before the Crusaders won four of the next five titles. The Crusaders have barely been out of contention since.

Through Super 12 to Super 14 and various incarnations of the competition, the Crusaders have won 10 titles, the Blues and Bulls three, the Brumbies and Chiefs two, and there has been one success for each of the Highlanders, Hurricanes, Reds and Waratahs.

So, who will it be in 2020?

No surprises the Crusaders kick-off the 25th campaign as hot favourites. They have won the last three in succession under hugely popular head

coach Scott Robinson. They will be hungry for more success — make no mistake.

A winning culture is something all sports teams aspire to but few attain. Every player who joins the Crusaders quickly realises they are in a special environment where coming second is not part of the folklore.

At the TAB, the Chiefs are rated as second favourites, behind the Crusaders.

The Hamilton-based franchise welcomes home one of Waikato’s favourite sons in former Wales boss Warren Gatland. He takes over the reins as head coach with a unique short spell away with the British and Irish Lions to South Africa next year.

Gatland has achieved minor miracles in Wales and his presence alone is reason for renewed confidence in Chiefs territory.

The Blues won the last of their three Super Rugby titles back in

2003 and have not appeared in a final since. The nation’s largest playing force has under-performed for so long something drastic had to give and it has come in the form of Beauden Barrett.

Yes the multiple winner of the world’s best player award has been prised away from the Hurricanes in what could be the defining moment in turning around the Blues.

His impact will be watched with great interest.

Barrett’s old team is third ranked at the TAB to win the title and will do so without injured All Black Ardie Savea who misses most of the campaign.

The Highlanders are sixth on the betting list.

The Jaguares are rightly fourth favourites on the back of a ground-breaking 2019 season when they made it all the way to the big dance. They gave the Crusaders a serious crack before losing the final 19–3.

The other intriguing aspect of the new season is what impact South Africa winning last year’s Rugby World Cup will have on their four franchises.

The Stormers are the highest ranked South African team ahead of the Lions with the Sharks and Bulls further down the pecking order.

If there are to be upsets then the South African teams may supply them.

The impact of that final victory in Tokyo has been profound in the Rainbow Nation.

What is certain is that Super Rugby 25 will provide enough thrills and spills, great entertainment and brilliant tries to please every rugby fan.

Bring it on!

CELEBRATION: The Crusaders celebrate after winning the 2019 Super Rugby final.

SUPER RUGBY 2020 page 4

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TARGETING FOUR IN A ROW

By Peter White: The Crusaders have won the last three Super Rugby titles. It is going to take something special from the other teams to stop them making it four straight.

NEW ZEALAND CONFERENCE CRUSADERS

Coach: Scott Robertson Home grounds: Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch; Trafalgar Park, Nelson Website: www.crusaders.co.nz Tickets: www.ticketrocket.co.nz Contact: PO Box 755, Christchurch.

Phone 03 379 8300 Email: socialmedia@crusaders.co.nz Crusaders TAB odds: $2.88

LAST YEAR: COMPETITION: CHAMPIONS NZ CONFERENCE: FIRST The Crusaders were worthy winners, losing just two games.

The 30–26 semi-final win over the Hurricanes was an epic for the ages before they put away first-time finalists the Jaguares.

LUCK OF THE DRAW: The Crusaders start with a home game to be played in Nelson against the Waratahs. Then they have three Kiwi derbies — playing away to the Chiefs and Blues followed by the Highlanders at home. They travel away to face the Jaguares and Stormers in April.

CAMPAIGN PREVIEW: The Crusaders may have a brand-new logo to replace the original from

1996 but in every other respect it is business as normal at Super Rugby’s most successful franchise.

They will field a top-class squad of players despite losing Owen Franks, Tim Perry, Ben Funnell, Sam Whitelock, Jordan Taufua, Matt Todd, Kieran Read, Mitch Hunt, Tim Bateman and Ryan Crotty.

Inspirational head coach Scott Robertson will be even more motivated after missing out on the All Blacks coaching job. He is the first player in Super Rugby history to win three successive titles as a player and as a head coach. Some record that.

Robertson told crusaders.co.nz that the turnover of players gives the next group the

opportunity to shine.

“This is an exciting new era for the Crusaders, and an opportunity for some talented young players to step-up in the Super Rugby environment. We farewelled a number of highly experienced players and great men at the end of last season, who have set this year’s squad up to build on our success.”

The man replacing last year’s winning captain Sam Whitelock is fellow All Blacks lock Scott Barrett. He would seem to be a natural choice to step-up to the captain’s role in what will be his sixth season with the Crusaders.

Sevu Reece was the surprise story of last year’s campaign with the flying winger joining the Crusaders as an injury

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INSPIRATIONAL: Lock Scott Barrett takes over as captain of the Crusaders.

replacement before showing outstanding try-scoring ability to become a regular starter, and soon after an All Black.

George Bower and Isileli Tuungafasi, both highly rated

by Robertson, are the new props given the task of replacing All Blacks Franks and Perry.

Young backs Fergus Burke and Dallas McLeod have come through the Canterbury system and were both coached by Robertson in New Zealand under-20 teams.

Robertson has rewarded North Harbour lock/blindside flanker Ethan Roots and Tasman loose forward Sione Havili for their outstanding form in the Mitre 10 Cup with contracts.

The Crusaders superior recruitment policy shows no sign of waning.

So yes, there is a new logo and new faces in the team but expect to see the Crusaders again competing for the title.

It’s just what they do.

WHO’S NEW: Forwards: Brodie McAlister, Isileli Tuungafasi, Tom Christie, Cullen Grace, Sione Havili, Ethan Roots.

Backs: Inge Finau, Dallas McLeod, Fergus Burke, Fetuli Paea.

WHO’S THROUGH: Forwards: Owen Franks, Tim Perry, Ben Funnell, Sam Whitelock, Jordan Taufua, Matt Todd, Kieran Read.

Backs: Mitch Hunt, Tim Bateman, Ryan Crotty, Ngane Punivai, Israel Dagg.

LIKELY FINISH: It is almost a rite of passage for the red and blacks to play finals footie. They are the TAB favourites to win and will take some stopping.

CRUSADERS SQUAD Forwards: Andrew Makalio, Brodie McAlister, Codie Taylor, Michael Alaalatoa, Harry Allan, George Bower, Oliver Jager, Joe Moody, Isileli Tuungafasi, Scott Barrett, Mitchell Dunshea, Luke Romano, Quinten Strange, Ethan Blackadder, Tom Christie, Whetu Douglas, Cullen Grace, Billy Harmon, Sione Havili, Ethan Roots, Tom Sanders.

Backs: Mitchell Drummond, Ereatara Enari, Bryn Hall, Fergus Burke, Brett Cameron, Richie Mo’unga, Braydon Ennor, Jack Goodhue,

Dallas McLeod, George Bridge, Leicester Faingaanuku, David Havili, Inga Finau, Will Jordan, Manasa Mataele, Fetuli Paea, Sevu Reece.

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ATTACKING STARS SET TO SHINE

There is new-found optimism in the Chiefs region with head coach Warren Gatland and star playmakers Aaron Cruden and Damian McKenzie joining forces with a powerful pack.

LAST YEAR: Lienert-Brown, dynamic halfback Brad Weber and NEW ZEALAND speed to burn out-wide in Sean Wainui, Sam McNicol, COMPETITION: QUARTER-FINALIST CONFERENCE NZ CONFERENCE: THIRD A terrible run of injuries and a 0–4 start would have been the end of any play-off hopes for most teams.

But the Chiefs are made of sterner stuff and did well to make it to the quarter-finals.

LUCK OF THE DRAW: The Chiefs will be able to ease in their new combinations with a favourable draw.

They start at Eden Park against the Blues and then host the Crusaders, before a quick trip to Japan followed by a home game against the Brumbies.

Shaun Stevenson and Solomon Alaimalo.

A fully fit Sam Cane is more great news for the Chiefs with his dominance of the inside channel something opposing runners will be wary of. Cane is also the natural leader of the Chiefs, operating in the mould of Liam Messam and with a similar passion for the jersey.

Canada captain Tyler Ardron, Luke Jacobson, Mitch Karpik and Lachlan Boshier are all contenders for loose forward positions.

CAMPAIGN PREVIEW: The Chiefs are rightly ranked second favourites, behind the Crusaders. They have a rejuvenated squad and the return of a Waikato legend to lead them.

The all-All Blacks front row of Atu Moli, Angus Ta’avao, Nepo Laulala and Nathan Harris is arguably the strongest in the competition and should ensure a strong set-piece presence.

The signing of Warren Gatland as head coach is a master stroke. He returns back to his home town of Hamilton after a momentous 12-year stint with Wales and further success with the British and Irish Lions. He brings solid core values of hard work, total team focus and treating all players as equals whether they are All Blacks or new to the team.

The 2020 campaign looks full of promise for Chiefs fans with Gatland in charge and a strong, highly motivated squad determined to be in title contention again.

Gatland has two of the finest attacking threats in Super Rugby history running the backline – Damian McKenzie and Aaron Cruden.

The prospect of them joining forces has Chiefs fans buzzing and with good reason. The two are mercurial players who have an instinctive desire to attack the line from anywhere. They have a superior awareness of space so opposition teams will not be able to relax at any stage.

Cruden played 89 times for the Chiefs and was co-captain for four seasons before leaving to play in France in 2017. He is now 30 years old and has plenty of rugby and life experience behind him. He has signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs before taking up his contract with the Kobelco Steelers in Japan.

McKenzie’s knee injury cost the Chiefs their greatest attacking talent last year and the All Blacks missed him too. Running quick, turn-over ball from anywhere is his first option and with Cruden of a like mind, expect to see plenty of long-range tries from the Chiefs.

Cruden and McKenzie have plenty of talent around them with outstanding All Blacks midfielder Anton

CHIEFS

Coach: Warren Gatland Home ground: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton Website: www.chiefs.co.nz Tickets: www.ticketdirect.co.nz Contact: PO Box 4292, Hamilton East 3247.

Phone 0800 424 4337 Email: info@chiefs.co.nz Chiefs TAB odds: $4.33

One thing for sure is no matter where the Chiefs finish they will play some scintillating rugby along the way.

WHO’S NEW: Forwards: Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Dylan Nel. Backs: Lisati Milo-Harris, Aaron Cruden, Kaleb Trask, Kim Naholo, Quinn Tupaea, Sam McNicol.

WHO’S THROUGH: Forwards: Kane Hames, Sefo Kotai, Liam Polwart, Fin Hoeata, Brodie Retallick, Taleni Seu. Backs: Jonathan Taumateine, Jack Debreczeni, Ataata Moeakiola, Marty McKenzie.

LIKELY FINISH: With Cruden and McKenzie in the backs, Cane returning to full fitness and new coach Gatland, making the final must be the goal for 2020.

CHIEFS SQUAD Forwards: Nathan Harris, Bradley Slater, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ryan Coxon, Nepo Laulala, Atunaisa Moli, Reuben O’Neill, Aidan Ross, Angus Ta’avao, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tyler Ardron, Michael Allardice, Laghlan McWhannell, Lachlan Boshier, Mitchell Brown, Sam Cane, Pita Gus Sowakula, Luke Jacobson, Mitchell Karpik, Dylan Nel. Backs: Lisati Milo-Harris, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Brad Weber, Aaron Cruden, Tiaan Falcon, Damian McKenzie, Kaleb Trask, Orbyn Leger, Anton Lienert-Brown, Tumua Manu, Alex Nankivell, Bailyn Sullivan, Solomon Alaimalo, Sam McNicol, Kini Naholo, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Shaun Stevenson, Quinn Tupaea, Sean Wainui.

DAZZLING: Damian McKenzie returns from injury to spark the Chiefs attack.

NEW LOOK FOR THE SOUTHERN MEN

The Highlanders have 15 new players joining them in 2020 under the astute coaching of Aaron Mauger and Tony Brown. Expect the unexpected.

Prop Jeff Thwaites and flanker Jesse Parete have NEW ZEALAND LAST YEAR: experience with the Chiefs.

CONFERENCE COMPETITION: QUARTER-FINALIST HIGHLANDERS

Coach: Aaron Mauger Home ground: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin Website: thehighlanders.net.nz Tickets: www.ticketrocket.co.nz Contact: PO Box 6070, Dunedin 9059.

Phone 03 479 9280 Email: contactus@highlanders.net.nz Highlanders TAB odds: $13.00

NZ CONFERENCE: FOURTH It was a mixed season for the Highlanders. They had some memorable wins but several disappointing performances. The season tally of six wins, three draws and seven losses reflects that inconsistency.

LUCK OF THE DRAW: The Highlanders start with a bye in the opening round. A home game against the Sharks follows before road trips to Christchurch and Canberra. Six of their final eight games are against New Zealand teams.

CAMPAIGN PREVIEW: The Highlanders need to rebuild after losing the heart and soul of their 2019 side.

They have lost some serious star power, including Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo, Liam Squire, Elliot Dixon, Tom Franklin, Tyrel Lomax and Luke Whitelock, with proven provincial players and some talented newcomers needing to fill the gaps.

New captain James Lentjes will have plenty of challenges leading such a new-look side but he has all the right attributes to be a fine captain.

PLAYMAKER: Josh Ioane will be a key figure for the Highlanders in 2020.

New players at this level to watch are Southland prop Ethan de Groot and Wellington loose forward Teariki Ben-Nicholas, who had a fine Mitre 10 Cup season.

There will be no shortage of speed out wide for the Highlanders. Fijian winger Tevita Nabura has size and pace while fellow Fijian outside back Chris Kuridrani (younger brother of Crusader Nemani Nadolo) has played 25 games for Queensland Reds.

Otago star Jona Nareki is another with serious wheels.

On paper the Highlanders may look a little underwhelming but over the last 24 years of Super Rugby have proven themselves capable of beating anyone. Expect more of this in 2020.

WHO’S NEW: Forwards: Jeff Thwaites, Ethan De Groot, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Teariki Ben-Nicholas, Zane Kapeli, Sione Misiloi, Jesse Parete. Backs: Mitch Hunt, Scott Gregory, Ngane Punivai, Jona Nareki, Michael Collins, Kirisi (Chris) Kuridrani, Tevita Nabura.

The 28-year-old openside flanker was part of the leadership group last year and is an old fashioned, follow-me leader who puts his body on the line every game. Just the player loved by fans down south.

WHO’S THROUGH: Forwards: Sef Fa’agase, Tyrel Lomax, Ray Niuia, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Luke Whitelock, Elliot Dixon, Liam Squire.

Backs: Marty Banks, Richard Buckman, Matt Faddes, Jordan Hyland, Tevita Li, Waisake Naholo, Ben Smith.

Lentjes will rely heavily on his assistant captains Aaron Smith and Ash Dixon. All Blacks halfback Smith will need to take responsibility for the backline, while his ability to spark attacks from anywhere will be crucial.

LIKELY FINISH: Given the massive turnaround of frontline players out of the Highlanders from last year, a repeat of getting to the quarter-finals would be a good result. Home results in Dunedin will be crucial.

Outside Smith in the pivot position is Mitch Hunt who has transferred south from the Crusaders to put some serious heat on the accomplished fringe All Black Josh Ioane for the No. 10 jersey.

HIGHLANDERS SQUAD

But there is the real prospect that Mauger may like to have both his playmakers out on the park together. Ioane and Hunt are equally capable of playing at fullback.

There are plenty of rugby smarts in what should be a strong forward pack with Liam Coltman, Ash Dixon, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Siate Tokolahi and Lentjes boasting 367 caps between them.

Forwards: Liam Coltman, Ash Dixon, Ricky Jackson, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Josh Iosefa-Scott, Ayden Johnstone, Siate Tokolahi, Jeff Thwaites, Ethan De Groot, Pari Pari Parkinson, Josh Dickson, Jack Whetton, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, James Lentjes, Dillon Hunt, Marino Mikaele Tu’u, Shannon Frizell, Sione Misiloi, Zane Kapeli, Teariki Ben-Nicholas, Jesse Parete.

Backs: Aaron Smith, Kayne Hammington, Folau Fakatava, Bryn Gatland, Josh Ioane, Mitch Hunt, Rob Thompson, Patelesio Tomkinson, Teihorangi Walden, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Scott Gregory, Ngane Punivai, Jona Nareki, Tevita Nabura, Josh McKay, Michael Collins, Kirisi (Chris) Kuridrani, Connor Garden-Bachop.

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NEW HEAD COACH TO LEA

The Hurricanes have had some major drama with a lat best player. But hopes are still high in the capital.

NEW ZEALAND LAST YEAR: CONFERENCE COMPETITION: FOURTH HURRICANES

Coach: Jason Holland Home ground: SKY Stadium Wellington Website: www.hurricanes.co.nz Tickets: www.ticketrocket.co.nz Contact: PO Box 7201, Wellington South.

Phone 04 389 0020 Email: mail@hurricanes.co.nz Hurricanes TAB odds: $6.00

NZ CONFERENCE: SECOND It was a good season overall with 13 wins, before they ran into the Crusaders in the semi-final.

The ’Canes lost 30–26 in a thriller that was their best performance of the campaign.

LUCK OF THE DRAW: It is a difficult start with round one in Cape Town and round two in Buenos Aires. A home game against the Sharks is followed with a bye. Things then heat up with the Blues at home followed by the Chiefs and Crusaders away.

CAMPAIGN PREVIEW: There is nothing like adversity to fire up a sports team to reach new heights.

The Hurricanes will be hoping that works for them as they have faced a fair bit of uncertainty ahead of this new campaign.

First they lost the services of their two most gifted players in Beauden Barrett and Ardie Savea.

Barrett has taken up an offer to join the Blues in Auckland while Savea is recovering from surgery on his knee that will keep him out for a chunk of the season.

Then Ian Foster was appointed All Blacks coach and selected Hurricanes mentor John Plumtree to join him as forwards coach. Plumtree took up the role in late December leaving a void at the Hurricanes very close to the start of the new season.

LOYAL: Hooker Dane Coles is a natural leader of the Hurricanes.

But wisely the Hurricanes recruited from within with Jason Holland stepping up after three seasons as an assistant coach. Holland has worked

AD ’CANES

ate change of head coach and the loss of the team’s closely with Plumtree and will ensure the smoothest possible transition for the squad.

He has enlisted Cory Jane as defensive coach, which seems another excellent choice as the former Hurricanes star winger is hugely popular with the players and is highly regarded as an astute analyst.

Deciding who can fill Beauden Barrett’s boots will be a contentious selection for new coach Holland. He will need to find international-class 10 performances out of Jackson Garden-Bachop, Fletcher Smith and James Marshall. All have undoubted talent but replacing BB will be no easy matter.

TJ Perenara, Ngani Laumape and Jordie Barrett have vital roles, not just in the attacking might of the Hurricanes, but how the team performs overall.

Highly rated prop Tyrel Lomax and lock Scott Scrafton are two big additions to the Hurricanes squad along with a surprise selection in South African Kobus van Wyk. He could well play on the wing so young midfielders Peter Umaga-Jensen, Billy Proctor and Danny Toala are set to tussle for the centre position vacated by Matt Proctor who is now with Northampton.

If All Blacks hooker Dane Coles stays fit and plays the whole campaign then the Hurricanes chances will lift accordingly.

He fronts arguably the three strongest hookers of any Super Rugby squad with Asafo Aumua and Ricky Riccitelli proven performers at this level.

A player to watch is Wellington captain Du’Plessis Kirifi who is an outstanding prospect at openside flanker.

WHO’S NEW: Forwards: Tyrel Lomax, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Scott Scrafton, Murphy Taramai, Devan Flanders. Backs: Jamie Booth, Jonathan Taumateine, Kobus van Wyk. WHO’S THROUGH: Forwards: Chris Eves, Toby Smith, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Sam Lousi, Heiden BedwellCurtis, Sam Henwood. Backs: Richard Judd, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Matt Proctor, Nehe Milner-Skudder.

LIKELY FINISH: The Hurricanes are third on the TAB rankings which is understandable given how well they played last year.

The loss of Barrett will obviously affect the team’s performance but there are plenty of stars left to ensure another run to the semi-finals.

HURRICANES SQUAD Forwards: Pouri Rakete-Stones, Fraser Armstrong, Alex Fidow, Tyrel Lomax, Ben May, Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Dane Coles, Ricky Riccitelli, James Blackwell, Kane Le’aupepe, Liam Mitchell, Scott Scrafton, Isaia WalkerLeawere, Vaea Fifita, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Reed Prinsep, Ardie Savea, Murphy Taramai, Devan Flanders, Gareth Evans.

Backs: TJ Perenara, Jamie Booth, Jonathan Taumateine, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Fletcher Smith, Ngani Laumape, Vince Aso, Billy Proctor, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Danny Toala, Kobus van Wyk, Wes Goosen, Ben Lam, Jonah Lowe, Salesi Rayasi, Jordie Barrett, James Marshall, Chase Tiatia.

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HOPES HIGH AFTER BARRET

The Blues have put their faith in the signing of All B winning way for the underperforming franchise. But NEW ZEALAND LAST YEAR: CONFERENCE COMPETITION: 13TH BLUES

Coach: Leon MacDonald Home grounds: Eden Park, Auckland; QBE Stadium, Albany Website: www.theblues.co.nz Tickets: www.ticketmaster.co.nz Contact: PO Box 77012, Mt Albert, Auckland 1350.

Phone 09 846 5425 Email: info@theblues.co.nz Blues TAB odds: $13.00

RESTED: Brodie Retallick should be fresh and fired-up for a big campaign with the Chiefs.

NZ CONFERENCE: FIFTH Just five wins from 15 games left the Blues bottom of the New Zealand Conference and with only two teams below them overall. After a positive start, it was a poor return.

LUCK OF THE DRAW: The Blues open the competition with a home derby against the Chiefs and are then away to the Waratahs in Sydney before hosting the champion Crusaders.

Two games in South Africa follow before returning home to face the Hurricanes in Wellington.

CAMPAIGN PREVIEW: Long-suffering Blues fans hope the signing of Beauden Barrett will turn around a dire decade of poor performances.

But one player — even as talented as Barrett — cannot change their fortunes alone.

The team has not made a semi-final since 2011, which is a woeful return from talent-laden squads that have worn the Blues jerseys in that time.

As part of his new contract with the Blues, Barrett is taking an extended break from rugby.

He will not be available until mid-April, so in the early rounds it is up to one of Otere Black, Harry Plummer or Stephen Perofeta to grab the 10 jersey and make it their own.

X-FACTOR: Rieko Ioane moves into the midfield for the Blues in 2020.

WE WANT YOU

The well-performed Finlay Christie is a much-needed addition to the halfback ranks.

The move from wing to centre

by Rieko Ioane is an exciting prospect. With more ball to play with and a stronger leadership

defencecareers.mil.nz 0800 1 FORCE NZDF Defence Careers

TT SIGNING

lack Beauden Barrett to be the start of a new t can one player make the difference? role in the team, this may well be the best move for him and the Blues.

There is renewed anticipation in the Blues area with Barrett’s signing.

Sonny Bill Williams, Ma’a Nonu and Melani Nanai have all gone, so the onus is on Ioane and TJ Faiane to take ownership of the midfield. When Barrett finally makes his Blues debut, the inside defensive channel will focus on him and that should create more space out wide.

The hope is that the team can be in a reasonable position on the table when he finally laces up his boots.

English international Joe Marchant is on sabbatical leave and is a quality midfielder.

The reliable Matt Duffie is an underrated footballer who will have a key role to play with his experience on and off the field.

Up front the Blues have a well-performed pack built around All Blacks Patrick Tuipulotu, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Karl Tu’inukuafe and Dalton Papalii, centurion hooker James Parsons, and outstanding loose forwards Blake Gibson, Akira Ioane and Tom Robinson.

New hookers Kurt Eklund (Bay of Plenty) and Samoan international Ray Niuia (Tasman) are returning to their Auckland roots and will put plenty of heat on Parsons.

There is real excitement in what the brilliant Fiji-born winger Emoni Narawa can achieve on hard and fast grounds after a breakout season with Bay of Plenty. He has real pace to burn.

The Blues need a good start — that much is obvious for the sake of the confidence in a team that is not used to winning the tight games. Knocking over the Chiefs in the opening match of the competition would be just the boost they need.

WHO’S NEW: Forwards: Kurt Eklund, Ray Niuia, Aaron Carroll, Tony Lamborn, Waimana Riedlinger-Kapa, James Tucker.

Backs: Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Jack Heighton, Joe Marchant, Jordan Hyland, Emoni Narawa, Mark Telea, Jared Page.

WHO’S THROUGH: Forwards: Lemi Apisai, Matt Moulds, Scott Scrafton, Jimmy Tupou.

Backs: Augustine Pulu, Ma’a Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams, Melani Nanai, Michael Collins, Jordan Trainor.

LIKELY FINISH: Every year positive messages are sent out from Blues HQ that this is the season to turn things around. Not finishing last in the New Zealand Conference must be a bottom line.

H A K A ON T HE PA R K

S TAY DIUM GL A MP ING

S TA DIUM T OUR S

ZIPLINE

BLUES SQUAD Forwards: Kurt Eklund, Ray Niuia, James Parsons, Alex Hodgman, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Sione Mafileo, Marcel Renata, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Gerard CowleyTuioti, Josh Goodhue, Jacob Pierce, Patrick Tuipulotu, Aaron Carroll, Blake Gibson, Akira Ioane, Tony Lamborn, Dalton Papalii, Waimana Riedlinger-Kapa, Tom Robinson, Hoskins Sotutu, James Tucker.

Backs: Finlay Christie, Sam Nock, Jonathan Ruru, Beauden Barrett, Otere Black, Jack Heighton, Stephen Perofeta, Harry Plummer, TJ Faiane, Rieko Ioane, Joe Marchant, Tanielu Tele’a, Caleb Clarke, Matt Duffie, Jordan Hyland, Emoni Narawa, Jared Page, Mark Telea.

AUCKLAND’S PLAYGROUND E D E N PA R K .CO. N Z/E XP E R I E N C E S

2020 SEASON’S DRAW

INVESTEC SUPER RUGBY GAME SCHEDULE DATE

GAME

VENUE

NZ TIME

WEEK 1

DATE

GAME

VENUE

NZ TIME

WEEK 6

FRI, 31 JAN

Blues

v

Chiefs

Auckland

7:05 pm

FRI, 6 MAR

Crusaders

v

Reds

Christchuch

7:05 pm

FRI, 31 JAN

Brumbies

v

Reds

Canberra

9:15 pm

FRI, 6 MAR

Waratahs

v

Chiefs

Wollongong

9:15 pm

SAT, 1 FEB

Sharks

v

Bulls

Durban

6:10 am

SAT, 7 MAR

Hurricanes

v

Blues

Wellington

7:05 pm

SAT, 1 FEB

Sunwolves

v

Rebels

Fukuoka

4:45 pm

SAT, 7 MAR

Rebels

v

Lions

Melbourne

Crusaders

v

Waratahs

Nelson

7:05 pm

9:15 pm

SAT, 1 FEB

Sharks

v

Jaguares

Durban

Stormers

v

Hurricanes

Cape Town

SUN, 8 MAR

2:05 am

2:05 am

SUN, 2 FEB SUN, 2 FEB

Jaguares

v

Lions

Buenos Aires

10:40 am

SUN, 8 MAR

Bulls

v

Highlanders

Pretoria

4:15 am

SUN, 8 MAR

Sunwolves

v

Brumbies

Osaka

4:15 pm

BYE: Highlanders

BYES: Stormers

WEEK 2 FRI, 7 FEB

Highlanders

v

Sharks

Dunedin

7:05 pm

WEEK 7

FRI, 7 FEB

Brumbies

v

Rebels

Canberra

9:15 pm

FRI, 13 MAR

Chiefs

v

Hurricanes

Hamilton

7:05 pm

SAT, 8 FEB

Chiefs

v

Crusaders

Hamilton

7:05 pm

SAT, 14 MAR

Sunwolves

v

Crusaders

Tokyo

4:45 pm

SAT, 14 MAR

Blues

v

Lions

Auckland

7:05 pm

SAT, 8 FEB

Waratahs

v

Blues

Newcastle

9:15 pm

SUN, 9 FEB

Lions

v

Reds

Johannesburg

2:05 am

SAT, 14 MAR

Reds

v

Bulls

Brisbane

9:15 pm

SUN, 9 FEB

Stormers

v

Bulls

Cape Town

4:15 am

SUN, 15 MAR

Sharks

v

Stormers

Durban

2:05 am

SUN, 9 FEB

Jaguares

v

Hurricanes

Buenos Aires

10:40 am

SUN, 15 MAR

Jaguares

v

Highlanders

Buenos Aires

10:40 am

BYE: Sunwolves

SUN, 15 MAR

Brumbies

v

Waratahs

Canberra

6:05 pm

WEEK 3

BYE: Rebels

FRI, 20 MAR

Crusaders

v

Hurricanes

Christchurch

7:05 pm

Rebels

v

Sunwolves

Melbourne

9:15 pm

Highlanders

v

Lions

Dunedin

4:45 pm 7:35 pm

FRI, 14 FEB

Blues

v

Crusaders

Auckland

7:05 pm

FRI, 14 FEB

Rebels

v

Waratahs

Melbourne

9:15 pm

SAT, 15 FEB

Sunwolves

v

Chiefs

Tokyo

4:45 pm

WEEK 8

SAT, 15 FEB

Hurricanes

v

Sharks

Wellington

7:05 pm

FRI, 20 MAR

SAT, 15 FEB

Brumbies

v

Highlanders

Canberra

9:15 pm

SAT, 21 MAR

SUN, 16 FEB

Lions

v

Stormers

Johannesburg

2:05 am

SAT, 21 MAR

Blues

v

Brumbies

Auckland

SUN, 16 FEB

Jaguares

v

Reds

Buenos Aires

10:40 am

SAT, 21 MAR

Waratahs

v

Bulls

Tamworth

9:45 pm

BYE: Bulls

SUN, 22 MAR

Sharks

v

Chiefs

Durban

2:05 am

WEEK 4

SUN, 22 MAR

Jaguares

v

Stormers

Buenos Aires

8:40 am

FRI, 21 FEB

Crusaders

v

Highlanders

Christchurch

7:05 pm

SAT, 22 FEB

Rebels

v

Sharks

Ballarat

4:45 pm

SAT, 22 FEB

Chiefs

v

Brumbies

Hamilton

7:05 pm

SAT, 22 FEB

Reds

v

Sunwolves

Brisbane

9:15 pm

SUN, 23 FEB

Stormers

v

Jaguares

Cape Town

2:05 am

SUN, 23 FEB

Bulls

v

Blues

Pretoria

4:15 am

BYES: Lions, Waratahs and Hurricanes

WEEK 5

BYE: Reds

WEEK 9

ANZAC WEEKEND

FRI, 27 MAR

Hurricanes

v

Bulls

Wellington

7:05 pm

FRI, 27 MAR

Reds

v

Brumbies

Brisbane

9:15 pm

SAT, 28 MAR

Highlanders

v

Crusaders

Dunedin

7:05 pm

SAT, 28 MAR

Waratahs

v

Sunwolves

Sydney

9:15 pm

SUN, 29 MAR

Lions

v

Chiefs

Johannesburg

2:05 am

SUN, 29 MAR

Stormers

v

Rebels

Cape Town

4:15 am

FRI, 28 FEB

Highlanders

v

Rebels

Dunedin

7:05 pm

FRI, 28 FEB

Waratahs

v

Lions

Sydney

9:15 pm

SAT, 29 FEB

Hurricanes

v

Sunwolves

Napier

4:45 pm

WEEK 10

SAT, 29 FEB

Reds

v

Sharks

Brisbane

9:15 pm

FRI, 3 APR

Crusaders

v

Blues

Christchurch

7:05 pm

SUN, 1 MAR

Stormers

v

Blues

Cape Town

2:05 am

SAT, 4 APR

Chiefs

v

Bulls

Hamilton

4:45 pm

SUN, 1 MAR

Bulls

v

Jaguares

Pretoria

4:15 am

SAT, 4 APR

Brumbies

v

Hurricanes

Canberra

9:15 pm

SUN, 5 APR

Stormers

v

Waratahs

Cape Town

2:05 am

SUN, 5 APR

Lions

v

Sharks

Johannesburg

3:15 am

SUN, 5 APR

Jaguares

v

Rebels

Buenos Aires

9:40 am

SUN, 5 APR

Sunwolves

v

Reds

Tokyo

5:15 pm

BYES: Brumbies, Crusaders and Chiefs

All games shown live on SKY SPORT skysport.co.nz/super

SUPER RUGBY 2020 page 16

BYES: Jaguares, Sharks and Blues DAYLIGHT SAVINGS ENDS IN AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

BYE: Highlanders

oliverlee.co.nz

FOR THE 2020 SEASON DATE

GAME

WEEK 11

VENUE

NZ TIME

GAME

DATE

VENUE

NZ TIME

WEEK 16

EASTER WEEKEND

FRI, 10 APR

Highlanders

v

Chiefs

Dunedin

5:00 pm

FRI, 15 MAY

Chiefs

v

Blues

Hamilton

7:05 pm

SAT, 11 APR

Blues

v

Hurricanes

Auckland

4:45 pm

FRI, 15 MAY

Rebels

v

Brumbies

Melbourne

9:15 pm

SAT, 11 APR

Reds

v

Rebels

Brisbane

9:15 pm

SAT, 16 MAY

Sunwolves

v

Stormers

Tokyo

4:45 pm

SAT, 11 APR

Sharks

v

Waratahs

Durban

1:05 am

SAT, 16 MAY

Highlanders

v

Hurricanes

Dunedin

7:05 pm

Reds

v

Waratahs

Brisbane

9:15 pm

SUN, 12 APR

Bulls

v

Lions

Pretoria

3:15 am

SAT, 16 MAY

SUN, 12 APR

Brumbies

v

Jaguares

Canberra

6:05 pm

SUN, 17 MAY

Lions

v

Crusaders

Johannesburg

1:05 am

SUN, 17 MAY

Bulls

v

Sharks

Pretoria

3:15 am

FRI, 22 MAY

Chiefs

v

Rebels

Hamilton

7:05 pm

FRI, 22 MAY

Reds

v

Hurricanes

Brisbane

9:15 pm

SAT, 23 MAY

Highlanders

v

Sunwolves

Dunedin

7:05 pm

SAT, 23 MAY

Waratahs

v

Brumbies

Sydney

9:15 pm

SUN, 24 MAY

Sharks

v

Crusaders

Durban

1:05 am

SUN, 24 MAY

Stormers

v

Lions

Cape Town

3:15 am

SUN, 24 MAY

Jaguares

v

Bulls

Buenos Aires

9:40 am

FRI, 29 MAY

Blues

v

Highlanders

Auckland

7:05 pm

FRI, 29 MAY

Brumbies

v

Sunwolves

Canberra

9:15 pm

SAT, 30 MAY

Hurricanes

v

Waratahs

Wellington

4:45 pm

SAT, 30 MAY

Crusaders

v

Chiefs

Christchurch

7:05 pm

SAT, 30 MAY

Rebels

v

Reds

Melbourne

9:15 pm

BYES: Lions, Waratahs and Hurricanes

SUN, 31 MAY

Lions

v

Jaguares

Johannesburg

1:05 am

WEEK 14

SUN, 31 MAY

Bulls

v

Stormers

Pretoria

3:15 am

BYES: Stormers, Sunwolves and Crusaders

BYE: Jaguares

WEEK 12 FRI, 17 APR

Hurricanes

v

Highlanders

Wellington

7:05 pm

FRI, 17 APR

Rebels

v

Crusaders

Melbourne

9:15 pm

SAT, 18 APR

Blues

v

Jaguares

Whangarei

4:45 pm

SAT, 18 APR

Waratahs

v

Reds

Sydney

9:15 pm

SUN, 19 APR

Lions

v

Sunwolves

Johannesburg

1:05 am

SUN, 19 APR

Stormers

v

Sharks

Cape Town

3:15 am

BYES: Bulls, Brumbies and Chiefs

WEEK 13

BYE: Blues

FRI, 24 APR

Crusaders

v

Jaguares

Christchurch

7:05 pm

FRI, 24 APR

Rebels

v

Blues

Melbourne

9:15 pm

SAT, 25 APR

Chiefs

v

Stormers

Pukekohe

7:05 pm

SUN, 26 APR

Sharks

v

Brumbies

Durban

1:05 am

SUN, 26 APR

Bulls

v

Sunwolves

Pretoria

3:15 am

SUN, 26 APR

Reds

v

Highlanders

Brisbane

6:05 pm

FRI, 1 MAY

Hurricanes

v

Chiefs

Wellington

7:05 pm

SAT, 2 MAY

Crusaders

v

Stormers

Christchurch

4:45 pm

SAT, 2 MAY

Highlanders

v

Blues

Dunedin

7:05 pm

SAT, 2 MAY

Waratahs

v

Rebels

Sydney

9:15 pm

SAT, 2 MAY

Sunwolves

v

Jaguares

Singapore

11:25 pm

SUN, 3 MAY

Sharks

v

Lions

Durban

1:35 am

SUN, 3 MAY

Bulls

v

Brumbies

Pretoria

3:45 am

BYE: Reds

WEEK 15 FRI, 8 MAY

WEEK 17

Hurricanes

v

Crusaders

Wellington

7:05 pm

FRI, 8 MAY

Sunwolves

v

Waratahs

Tokyo

10:00 pm

SAT, 9 MAY

Chiefs

v

Highlanders

Hamilton

4:45 pm

SAT, 9 MAY

Blues

v

Reds

Auckland

7:05 pm

SAT, 9 MAY

Brumbies

v

Stormers

Canberra

9:15 pm

SUN, 10 MAY

Lions

v

Bulls

Johannesburg

1:05 am

SUN, 10 MAY

Jaguares

v

Sharks

Buenos Aires

7:40 am

BYE: Rebels

All times listed are New Zealand local times and were correct at time of print. For up-to-date information on SUPER RUGBY 2020 visit www.skysport.co.nz/super

www.super.rugby

WEEK 18

BYE: Sharks

INVESTEC SUPER RUGBY 2020 FINALS QUARTER-FINALS SAT, 6 JUNE

Team 1

v

Team 8

SAT, 6 JUNE

Team 2

v

Team 7

SAT, 6 JUNE

Team 3

v

Team 6

SAT, 6 JUNE

Team 4

v

Team 5

SEMI-FINALS SAT, 13 JUNE

F irst-seeded quarter-final winner

v

F ourth-seeded quarter-final winner

SAT, 13 JUNE

S econd-seeded quarter-final winner

v

T hird-seeded quarter-final winner

SAT, 20 JUNE

v H IGHER RANKED SEMI-FINAL WINNER

FINAL L OWER RANKED SEMI-FINAL WINNER

NB: Times, dates and venues subject to change

page 17 SUPER RUGBY 2020

THE AUSTRALIAN TEAM PREVIEWS

BRUMBIES: James Slipper will be an influential player.

BRUMBIES

AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE

WARATAHS: The team will again rely on star flanker Michael Hooper.

LAST YEAR: COMPETITION: THIRD AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE: FIRST Coach: Dan McKellar Home ground: GIO Stadium, Canberra Website: www.brumbies.com.au Tickets: www.ticketek.com.au Contact: LPO Box 5039, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617. Phone +61 1300 228 278 Brumbies TAB odds: $31.00 CAMPAIGN PREVIEW: Remaining at the top of the Australian Conference just got a lot harder for the Brumbies.

Their two best players from 2019 — inspirational first-five Christian Lealiifano and world-class flanker David Pocock — have left for Japan, while senior locks Rory Arnold and Sam Carter, plus Henry Speight and Josh Mann-Rea, have also left sizeable holes to fill.

But the Brumbies still have a competitive squad with 10 Wallabies including powerful centre Tevita

NEW SOUTH WALES WARATAHS

AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE

Kuridrani, experienced props Scott Sio, James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa, plus hooker Folau Fainga’a who was the Brumbies’ leading try-scorer in 2019.

Tom Banks, Pete Samu, Lachlan McCaffrey, Joe Powell and Tom Cusack are all proven at Super Rugby level and will offer stability to the squad.

Former Waratahs player Will Miller is a leading contender to take over from Pocock but the openside flanker will face strong competition from Cusack and Jahrome Brown.

Replacing Lealiifano is the biggest issue for head coach Dan McKellar.

Noah Lolesio, Bayley Kuenzle and teenage recruit Reesjan Pasitoa will contest the No. 10 jersey.

Lolesio and Kuenzle came through the Canberra Vikings’ campaign in the National Rugby Championship.

New faces to the Brumbies include experienced lock Caderyn Neville, Sydney University Shute Shield skipper Guy Porter and backrower Will Miller.

An intriguing selection is former Warriors and Melbourne Storm rugby league player Solomone Kata, who has limited rugby experience.

LAST YEAR: COMPETITION: 12TH AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE: THIRD Coach: Rob Penney Home ground: SCG; Bankwest Stadium; Brookvale Oval; WIN Stadium; McDonald Jones Stadium; Scully Park Website: www.waratahs.com.au Tickets: www.ticketek.com.au Contact: Locked Bag 1222, Paddington, Sydney, NSW 2021.

Phone +61 2 9323 3300 Waratahs TAB odds: $67.00

The Waratahs have missed playing finals footie in three of the past four seasons, which is a situation their large fan base in Sydney and surrounding areas have struggled with.

CAMPAIGN PREVIEW: It is fair to say it is crisis time for the New South Wales Waratahs.

The Waratahs have a tough start to the new campaign. They open the season in Nelson when they take on defending champion Crusaders.

They reacted quickly to last year’s poor season — where they finished 12th — by dumping head coach Darryl Gibson and replacing him with Rob Penney.

Penney has no easy task turning things around after the tumultuous sacking of Israel Folau and departures of top-class Wallabies in halfback Nick Phipps, first-five Bernard Foley and veteran prop Sekope Kepu.

SUPER RUGBY 2020 page 18

By Peter White

ANZ Stadium and Sydney Football Stadium are still out of action so the Waratahs will play home games at the SCG, Brookvale Oval, Bankwest Stadium, McDonalds Jones Stadium (Newcastle), WIN Stadium (Wollongong) and Scully Park (Tamworth).

Key players are Karmichael Hunt, who showed his skills in his comeback last year, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Michael Hooper and Rob Simmons.

Round two they host the Blues in Newcastle.

A must-win local derby follows in Melbourne against the Rebels before a bye in round four.

The Lions and Chiefs follow next at home before a much anticipated trip to Canberra to take on the new-look Brumbies.

www.skysport.co.nz/super

THE AUSTRALIAN TEAM PREVIEWS continued from page 18 QUEENSLAND REDS LAST YEAR: COMPETITION: 14TH AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE: FOURTH Coach: Brad Thorn Home ground: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Website: www.redsrugby.com.au Tickets: www.ticketek.com.au Contact: PO Box 3458, Newmarket, QLD 4051.

Phone +61 7 3354 9333 Reds TAB odds: $101.00

AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE

CAMPAIGN PREVIEW: The Reds had a poor 2019 finishing 14th overall with only the Sunwolves below them in the overall standings and Australian Conference.

If they are to improve this campaign, they will need to negotiate a tough draw that has them facing difficult away fixtures against the Brumbies, Lions and Jaguares.

Three home games in their next four against the Sharks, Sunwolves and Bulls look must-win games

MELBOURNE REBELS

AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE

LAST YEAR: COMPETITION: 11TH AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE: SECOND Coach: Dave Wessels Home ground: AAMI Park, Melbourne Website: www.melbournerebels.com.au Tickets: www.ticketek.com.au Contact: PO Box 4046, Richmond East, VIC 3121.

Phone +61 300 89 77 15 Rebels TAB odds: $31.00

To’omua, Dane Haylett-Petty and Reece Hodge.

To’omua is undoubtedly the jewel in the Rebels’ crown.

If this gifted player — who is happy in the 10 or 12 jersey — can stay injury-free and hit top-form, then the Rebels will be serious play-off contenders and a good chance to win the Australian Conference. He is that important to the Rebels.

Outside back Tom English is in a race with Luke Jones to see who can be the first to 100 Rebels caps.

Fijian international Frank Lomani looks likely to get the starting jersey at halfback, with James Tuttle and Ryan Louwrens capable players with Super Rugby experience adding depth.

CAMPAIGN PREVIEW: The Rebels have been steadily building a presence in the crowded Melbourne sporting landscape.

This campaign is the club’s 10th in Super Rugby and there is plenty to look forward to.

They have added 14 players to the 26 retained from 2019, with a mix of experience and local talent among the new signings. Key players for the Rebels are Wallabies Isi Naisarani, Marika Koroibete, Matt

REDS:​Hard working lock Angus Scott-Young in action for the Reds.

www.skysport.co.nz/super

if Brad Thorn’s men are to have a realistic crack at the play-offs.

Last year’s captain Samu Kerevi, Scott Higginbotham and Sefa Naivalu are missing from this year’s roster with 90 per cent of the squad graduating through Queensland’s junior system. Certainly, there is a lack of big names in the 2020 squad.

Thorn starts his third year as head coach and has publicly stated his faith in the young talent coming through, which features some of the best Australian under-20 players.

The Reds do have plenty of dynamic attacking force with James O’Connor, Henry Speight, Filipo Daugunu and Jordan Petaia. Young first-fives Isaac Lucas and Carter Gordon are highly regarded prospects while there is good halfback depth in Moses Sorovi — who is into his fourth season with the Reds – Tate McDermott and Scott Malolua.

New Zealand-born utility back O’Connor may well hold the keys to success. He has the experience and mercurial talents to be a match winner. Putting consistent performances together and staying focused has been his problem in the past.

No. 8 Naisarani, flanker Richard Hardwick and lock Jones are standouts in what should be a highly competitive forward pack.

There is good competition for places with former Sharks lock Gideon Koegelenberg and Bulls prop Cabous Eloff competing with Rob Leota, Brad Wilkin, Michael Wells, Boyd Killingworth and Josh Kemeny for a place in the match day 23.

REBELS:​Dane Haylett-Petty will add attacking flair to the backline. page 21 SUPER RUGBY2020

THE SOUTH AFRICAN TEAM PREVIEWS

BULLS: Champion goalkicker Morné Steyn returns in 2020.

BULLS

SOUTH AFRICAN CONFERENCE

STORMERS: Pieter-Steph du Toit will lead the forward pack.

LAST YEAR: COMPETITION: QUARTER-FINALIST SOUTH AFRICAN CONFERENCE: SECOND Coach: Pote Human Home ground: Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria Website: www.thebulls.co.za Tickets: www.ticketpros.co.za Contact: 416 Kirkness Street, Arcadia, Pretoria 0007.

Phone +27 12 420 0700 Bulls TAB odds: $51.00 CAMPAIGN PREVIEW: With two billionaire investors in Johann Rupert and Patrice Motsepe, the Bulls are the South African franchise with the least chance of meeting the Sheriff of the Court.

However, the big players off the field aren’t quite matched by what’s available to coach Pote Human on it.

Scant investment has been made in playing resources and the Bulls have lost World Cup Springboks in first five-eighth Handré Pollard, locks Lood de Jager and RG Snyman, centre Jesse Kriel, No. 8 Duane Vermeulen and hooker Schalk Brits.

STORMERS

SOUTH AFRICAN CONFERENCE

LAST YEAR: COMPETITION: 10TH SOUTH AFRICAN CONFERENCE: LAST Coach: John Dobson Home ground: DHL Newlands, Cape Town Website: www.thestormers.com Tickets: wprugby.computicket.com Contact: Newlands Terraces, 8 Boundary Road, Newlands 7700. Phone +27 21 659 4500 Stormers TAB odds: $19.00 CAMPAIGN PREVIEW: With the bulk of the Springboks’ World Cup-winning forward pack in their ranks, one would expect the Stormers to flex their muscles in the South African conference.

World Rugby’s player of the year Pieter-Steph du Toit headlines a forward act including other big Springbok names such as Steven Kitshoff, Bongi Mbonambi, Frans Malherbe and Siya Kolisi.

They have lost Eben Etzebeth’s grunt to French club Toulon, but have talented second-rowers, such as Salmaan Moerat, JD Schickerling and Cobus Wiese,

SUPER RUGBY 2020 page 22

By Stephen Nell

What makes that list even more depressing are the names of the incoming players — among them 35-year-old Bok first five-eighth Morné Steyn, 34-year-old Bok lock Juandré Kruger and 33-year-old loose forward Josh Strauss.

Perhaps the plan is for them to pass on some invaluable experience to a younger generation.

Alternatively, it may just be an indication that South Africa can only compete for playing resources once clubs in the Northern Hemisphere can no longer squeeze value from these veterans.

Considering that the Bulls will be a markedly weaker side on paper in 2020, it’s difficult to see them building on last year’s quarter-final slot.

Their opening two matches — away against the Sharks and Stormers – could be important in defining their campaign. If it goes well, it can provide them with momentum leading into a sequence of home games against overseas opponents.

A unity of purpose off the field, as well as the attacking philosophy of director of rugby Alan Zondagh, are factors in the Bulls’ favour. However, you can’t expect to be among the contenders if you suffer such a talent drain. who are straining at the leash for an extended run in the side.

A notable concern is a lack of depth in the backline.

The loss of Bok second five-eighth Damian de Allende is a big blow, but may be offset by the expected capture of veteran Welshman Jamie Roberts.

The Stormers boast a new head coach in John Dobson, who has achieved success at lower levels in Western Province.

He has been transparent about the fact that his game plan will be built off the base of an imposing forward pack and may follow the Springboks’ World Cup blueprint of six forwards among the substitutes.

Dobson’s Stormers have a favourable draw, with four of their first five games to be played at Newlands.

By the time they embark on their Australasian tour, the Capetonians would already have played 10 matches and know whether they’re among the contenders.

One would realistically expect them to advance to the play-offs, but the Stormers also have a long history of not living up to the hype.

www.skysport.co.nz/super

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Sometimes, life isn’t a game.

Bring hope to your mates today.

Mack, the Hopeful Black Dog, is TR Group’s initiative to give an expression of love and support for everyone who has struggled, and who are struggling with mental health issues.

As Mack travels New Zealand’s roads, we believe he will raise awareness that you can make a difference by checking on your mates and loved ones, by bringing them hope when they need it. It is our job to ask our friends and loved ones if they are okay and to offer them our time, our love, and our support.

We are all responsible for each other, and we can all help. Catch up with your mates and ask this very important question: “How are you?”

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THE SOUTH AFRICAN TEAM PREVIEWS continued from page 22 THE SHARKS LAST YEAR: COMPETITION: QUARTER-FINALIST SOUTH AFRICAN CONFERENCE: THIRD Coach: Sean Everitt Home ground: Jonsson Kings Park, Durban Website: www.sharksrugby.co.za Tickets: www.ticketpros.co.za Contact: Jacko Jackson Drive, Stamford Hill, Durban 4025.

Phone +27 31 308 8400 Sharks TAB odds: $34.00

SOUTH AFRICAN CONFERENCE

CAMPAIGN PREVIEW: The Sharks have busy months behind them in terms of activity in the market, but the incomings sadly don’t quite match the outgoings.

And how does one even begin to replace the iconic loosehead prop Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira?

Two other senior forwards — the Springbok tighthead prop Coenie Oosthuizen and hooker Akker van der Merwe — are linking up with the Sale Sharks in England.

The Du Preez brothers – Jean-Luc, Daniel and Robert — are gone, also having signed for Sale.

LIONS

LAST YEAR: COMPETITION: NINTH SOUTH AFRICAN CONFERENCE: FOURTH Coach: Ivan van Rooyen

SOUTH AFRICAN CONFERENCE

Home ground: Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg Website: www.lionsrugby.co.za Tickets: www.ticketpros.co.za Contact: Corner Currey and Staib Street, Doornfontein, Johannesburg 2028. Phone +27 11 402 2960 Lions TAB odds: $26.00 CAMPAIGN PREVIEW: The Lions’ dynasty came crumbling down last year and there’s every indication that things could get worse.

Warren Whiteley, who had been such an inspiration leading from No. 8 over several seasons, will miss the entire campaign due to a chronic knee injury, and world-class hooker Malcolm Marx is taking a sabbatical in Japan.

Other key members of the squad unavailable for this year’s campaign include flank Kwagga Smith, lock

SHARKS:​ Talented first five-eighth Curwin Bosch.

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Their father, Robert senior, has been replaced as coach by a less experienced but more agreeable man, Sean Everitt. The latter stages of Du Preez’s coaching tenure turned into a public relations disaster with the former Springbok scrumhalf memorably labelling the tame Durban media “cockroaches”.

The coach had stood accused of nepotism by favouring son Robert at first five-eighth over the talented Curwin Bosch, so the time was right for a change.

Headline signings include former Springbok wing JP Pietersen, loose forward Sikhumbuzo Notshe, loosehead prop Ox Nche and speedster Madosh Tambwe. In truth, it’s another squad that speaks of the financial realities facing South African rugby.

They have an unkind draw, starting with a home match against the Bulls before embarking on a tour to play the Highlanders, Hurricanes, Rebels and Reds.

To compound matters for Everitt, the Sharks have a bye in the last round of league matches, meaning they are deprived of much-needed rest during the league phase of the competition.

All things considered, this will more than likely be a “building” year rather than one where the team reaches any great heights.

Stephan Lewies and centre Lionel Mapoe.

Swys de Bruin, whose frayed nerves saw him temporarily leave the Lions’ camp last year, has been replaced as head coach by Ivan van Rooyen The young coach oversaw an impressive Currie Cup campaign last year, with the Golden Lions finishing runners-up despite fielding a very young side.

There is a talented younger generation waiting to make the step up, but it’s unrealistic to expect a side to excel when you rip out virtually its entire leadership core.

Perhaps it’s not the worst thing for Van Rooyen, who will be able to mould a side rather than being in the awkward position of steering someone else’s ship loaded with senior players.

The Lions kick off with an awkward away fixture against the Jaguares in Argentina, but thereafter the draw isn’t unkind.

Van Rooyen has publicly spoken of an opportunity to “create something very special”.

However, the Lions are set to take their first few steps in a journey of a thousand miles, so don’t expect to see them among the leading lights of the competition.

LIONS:​Elton Jantjies is a world-class No. 10. page 25 SUPER RUGBY 2020

ARGENTINE & JAPANESE TEAM PREVIEWS

LOS JAGUARES: Hooker Agustin Creevy always leads by example.

SUNWOLVES

SUNWOLVES: England midfielder Ben Te’o is a new signing.

LAST YEAR: COMPETITION: 15TH AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE: LAST Coach: Naoya Okubo Home grounds: P rince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo; Level Five Stadium, Fukuoka; Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka; Singapore International Stadium, Singapore Website: www.sunwolves.or.jp/en Tickets: www.e-tix.jp/super-japanrugby/en

AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE

Contact: 107-0061, 2-7-21 4F Kita-Aoyama Minato-Ku, Tokyo, Japan. Phone +81 120 639 021 Sunwolves TAB odds: $501.00 CAMPAIGN PREVIEW: With Japan having just hosted the most successful Rugby World Cup in history, it’s sad to say the least that the Sunwolves will be dead men walking in 2020.

Most of the players at coach Naoya Okubo’s disposal are uncertain about their futures beyond this year and it will be interesting to see how the fait accompli of the team’s demise manifests itself on the pitch.

LOS JAGUARES

LAST YEAR: COMPETITION: RUNNERS-UP SOUTH AFRICAN CONFERENCE: FIRST Coach: Gonzalo Quesada Home ground: Estadio José Amalfitani (Velez Sarsfield) Website: www.jaguares.com.ar Tickets: www.ticketek.com.ar/jaguares Contact: Dardo Rocha 2950, Martínez, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Phone +54 9 11 4898 8500 Jaguares TAB odds: $9.00

SOUTH AFRICAN CONFERENCE

CAMPAIGN PREVIEW: It is brilliant for Super Rugby that the Jaguares now count among its elite teams, but the Argentines will have to overcome the loss of some key players if they are going to repeat last year’s feat of making the final.

Losses include backrower Pablo Matera, lock Tomas Lavanini, wing Ramiro Moyano, flyhalf Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias, scrumhalf Martin Landajo, and props Santiago García Botta and Enrique Pieretto.

Encouragingly, however, the Argentines have a conveyor belt of talent that is facilitated by their participation in the first division of South Africa’s

SUPER RUGBY 2020 page 26

By Stephen Nell

The Sunwolves over the past few seasons stood a fighting chance of beating anyone, illustrated by last year’s stunning 30–15 victory over the Chiefs in Hamilton.

There have been sporadic announcements of new acquisitions for 2020, but indications are that they will be shorn of most of last year’s big names. The problem is simply that Japan’s Top League clashes with Super Rugby, which means the likes of Michael Leitch, Michael Little, Lappies Labuschagné and Hayden Parker won’t be around.

With all due respect to those involved, there has been every indication that the Sunwolves are scraping the bottom of the barrel in terms of recruitment. For example, scrumhalf Rudy Paige and first five-eighth Garth April simply don’t have options in South Africa.

An interesting acquisition is that of centre Ben Te’o, who was still part of the England squad last year before being axed in the wake of a bust-up with teammate Mike Brown. At 33, Te’o is getting long in the tooth, but there’s probably still a season or two left in him and like the rest he’s in the “shop window” for future employers. Unless, of course, Sanzaar make an unexpected u-turn on the Sunwolves’ future.

Currie Cup competition. They won the title at first attempt last year.

Additionally, they still have a host of top internationals, including the likes of Agustin Creevy, Joaquin Tuculet, Bautista Delguy, Emiliano Boffelli and Guido Petti.

Their preparation will be more professional and precise than ever before following the opening of a high-performance centre in Ingeniero Maschwitz.

It’s a state-of-the-art facility of 520 square metres that includes a training field with the exact same dimension as the Jaguares’ home ground, the Velez Sarsfield Stadium.

The Jaguares play two warm-up matches against a Georgia XV before kicking-off their campaign against the Lions in Buenos Aires.

It’s a venue that every other team in the tournament finds intimidating and the key question is whether the Jaguares can step up their performances away from home.

On paper, the Jaguares look the most complete side in their conference and a good campaign beckons, particularly if they can pile up the log points in their matches against the inexperienced South African teams.

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THE 2020 SE ASON!

SUPER RUGBY FACTS, FIGURES AND STATS Here are 21 facts sourced from across 24 years of Super Rugby — by Peter White

the first Super Rugby match played on March 1, 1996 at the 2 30–15 against the Chiefs and 31–29 against the Waratahs.

36 inPalmerston North Showgrounds.

Highest team score in Super Rugby was posted by the The most tries scored last year was by Crusaders flier Sevu Crusaders in their 96–19 win over the Waratahs in 96 Christchurch in 2002.

15 Reece with 15. His great form was rewarded with selection in Auckland Blues defeated the Wellington Hurricanes 36–28

the All Blacks.

17

J ames O’Connor is the youngest player. He was just 17 when he made his debut for the Western Force against the Reds in 2008.

The Sunwolves managed just two wins in last year’s campaign,

89 The Bulls thrashed the Reds 92–3 at Cape Town in 2007.

The Crusaders have had the most consecutive wins — 16 from 16 2005 to 2006.

The quickest try scored in Super Rugby was after just

by Vula Maimuri for the Highlanders against 12 12theseconds Crusaders in 2001.

The highest winning margin in a Super Rugby game is 89.

39 when he took the field for the Highlanders against 39 was the Bulls in 2014.

Brad Thorn is the oldest player in Super Rugby history. He

3 coach Scott Robertson. Can they make it four in a row in 2020?

The most consecutive losses by the Cats was 13 across 2003 13 and 2004.

The Jaguares and Sunwolves have played in the Super Rugby 4 competition for four seasons.

In the last four seasons, the Lions from South Africa have lost 3 Super Rugby finals three times.

The Jaguares, Stormers and Reds have each made one 1 Super Rugby final.

Most matches played in Super Rugby is by Crusaders prop 202 Wyatt Crockett who played 202 games from 2006 to 2018.

Three consecutive titles have been won by the Crusaders under

YOUNGEST: James O’Connor made his Super Rugby debut aged 17.

82 best attacking team was the Brumbies with 71 tries.

The Crusaders have won 10 titles since 1996. The next most franchises are the Blues and Bulls with three 10 successful titles each.

The Crusaders crossed the try line 82 times in 2019 – the next

11 their way to making their first Super Rugby final last year.

Dan Carter scored 1708 points which is the most in Super 1708 Rugby history.

The Crusaders beat the Jaguares 19–3 in last year’s final 19 played in Christchurch.

The points differential for the champion Crusaders last 240 year was 240. They scored 497 points and conceded 257.

The Jaguares won 11 games to top the South African group on

SUPER RUGBY 2020 page 29

MOST CAPPED: Wyatt Crockett is the most capped player in Super Rugby history.

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ALL BLACKS HOME INTERNATIONALS 2020

The All Blacks play six home internationals this year in the Steinlager Series and the Investec Rugby Championship. At the time of print the complete fixtures list for the Investec Rugby Championship and the end-of-year northern tour were not confirmed. For all up-to-date information on the All Blacks and complete fixture list visit www.allblacks.com

SAM CANE

GEORGE NORTH

BEAUDEN BARRETT

FINN RUSSELL

2020 STEINLAGER SERIES DATE MATCH

VENUE

KICK-OFF LOCAL TIME

4 JULY

All Blacks v Wales

Eden Park, Auckland ............................................................................ 7.35pm

11 JULY

All Blacks v Wales

Sky Stadium, Wellington . . .................................................................... 7.35pm

18 JULY

All Blacks v Scotland

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin .......................................................... 7.35pm

2020 INVESTEC RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DATE MATCH

VENUE

KICK-OFF LOCAL TIME

15 AUGUST

All Blacks v Australia [BC]

Sky Stadium, Wellington . . .................................................................... 7.35pm

29 AUGUST

All Blacks v Argentina

FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton .. ....................................................... 7.35pm

5 SEPTEMBER

All Blacks v South Africa

Eden Park, Auckland ........................................................................... 7.35pm

[BC] = Bledisloe Cup match.

MARIKA KOROIBETE SUPER RUGBY 2020 page 30

JACK GOODHUE

SIYA KOLISI

CODIE TAYLOR

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