The South African conference got underway at the weekend but Super Rugby goes up a gear from Friday when play commences across Australia and New Zealand.
Here, we evaluate the New Zealand conference with the help of expert columnist Greg Growden.
Blues
Coach: Tana Umaga
Captain: Augustine Pulu
Last year: Another year, another last-place finish for the Blues in New Zealand. It wasn't all bad news, however, with their 37 competition points seeing them just five points from the eighth-placed Sharks. Again, an inability to defeat fellow New Zealand opposition proved the Blues' Achilles heel; Tana Umaga's side were able only to register a draw to go with five losses between the North and South islands. They were otherwise victorious in all five of their trans-Tasman clashes -- though that was the same for all five Kiwi franchises -- while they also beat the Cheetahs and the Bulls on the road in Africa. The Blues' recent struggles are perhaps best reflected by their opening and closing games from 2017, in which they tore apart the Rebels but were later embarrassed by the Sunwolves in Tokyo. On an individual level, rookie Rieko Ioane announced himself to the world. Ioane would later be named World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year, and could count himself unlucky he didn't take home the top gong.
This year: The Blues were active in their search for a fly-half last year, and they looked to be in excellent shape when Stephen Perofeta and Otere Black signed on. Injuries to both men have left Bryn Gatland as the man to pilot the Auckland side, as he did on a couple of occasions late last season. If Gatland, and potentially Perofeta when he returns in a month or so, can exercise some genuine game management then the Blues have enough quality elsewhere to push for a finals berth. They were an excellent defensive unit last season, despite the aforementioned struggles against Kiwi opposition, and now just require some attacking polish. Getting the absolute best out of Sonny Bill Williams and Rieko Ioane are the keys to that.
Fixtures: Highlanders (a), Chiefs (h), Lions (a), Stormers (a), Bye, Sharks (h), Chiefs (a), Sunwolves (a), Highlanders (h), Jaguares (h), Waratahs (a), Hurricanes (h), Crusaders (h), Bye, Rebels (h), Reds (h), Hurricanes (a), Crusaders (a).
Greg Growden says: Have done nothing for a long time, and 2018 appears to be a case of same old, same old. Their squad looks underwhelming, and is not helped by the departure of Charlie Faumuina and Rene Ranger. Tana Umaga will have to achieve some coaching miracles to hold onto his job.
Greg Growden's tip: Fifth in conference
Chiefs
Coach: Colin Cooper
Captain: Sam Cane/Charlie Ngatai
Last year: The Chiefs turned in another fine campaign in Dave Rennie's last season at the helm, despite finishing third in the New Zealand conference. That meant they had to go to South Africa, where they beat the Stormers, in week one of the finals but the return trip home to New Zealand proved too tough as they fell to eventual champions, the Crusaders. At the heart of their run to the finals was the scintillating Damian McKenzie, who singlehandedly gave fans a reason to watch Super Rugby, or at least the Chiefs. The All Blacks fullback topped the competition for both line breaks and tackle busts, and his combination with James Lowe was at times breathtaking. In truth, there were few holes to pick in the Chiefs' 2017 season, with a draw against the Blues and a loss to the Crusaders in Fiji the only real slip-ups in what could have been a title-winning season.
This year: Having undergone the most significant change of any New Zealand franchise, the Chiefs face a tough challenge to improve on 2017 in the tight New Zealand conference. There is no Aaron Cruden, no Tawera Kerr-Barlow nor club stalwarts Hika Elliot, Stephen Donald or Lowe; but experience remains in the shape of Liam Messam, Brodie Retallick and co-captains Sam Cane and Charlie Ngatai. The focus will be on McKenzie. Will Cooper anoint him as Cruden's replacement at No. 10? Can the 22-year-old have the same impact in the front line? If the answer to the second of those questions is 'yes', then you can expect the Chiefs to be firmly in the mix once more. The Chiefs are equally sound on attack and defence.
Fixtures: Crusaders (a), Blues (a), Bye, Bulls (h), Sunwolves (a), Highlanders (h), Blues (h), Hurricanes (a), Reds (a), Bye, Jaguares (h), Stormers (a), Sharks (a), Waratahs(h), Crusaders (h), Highlanders (a), Brumbies (h), Hurricanes (h).
Greg Growden says: Could be a long tough year for the once strong franchise and a new coach in Colin Cooper, as they will be without numerous important midfield threats such as Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Aaron Cruden, Stephen Donald and James Lowe. A slump looms.
Greg Growden's tip: Fourth in conference.
Crusaders
Coach: Scott Robertson
Captain: Sam Whitelock
Last year: Having endured a 10-year wait for an elusive eighth Super Rugby title, everything fell into place for the Crusaders in 2017. New coach Scott Robertson proved a revelation, as he had done with Canterbury, with the former All Blacks back-rower's self-confessed "up-and-about" style just what the Crusaders needed after the steadier, measured tenure of Todd Blackadder. The key to the Crusaders' triumph was their ability to win the close encounters, with Robertson's side winning five games by seven points or less -- two victories secured by Mitchell Hunt after the final siren. Hunt was later usurped by the superb Richie Mo'unga while David Havili turned his sensational form into an All Blacks debut. The All Blacks-laden pack was consistently dominant up front, and they were far too good for their Lions counterparts in the decider. They weren't always perfect defensively, but an ability to scramble inside their own 22 often limited the damage. Skipper Sam Whitelock was outstanding all season.
This year: The key components of the Crusaders' 2017 triumph remain, though All Blacks Kieran Read, Joe Moody, Owen Franks and Israel Dagg will be sidelined with injury for some time. They have the depth to cover those omissions, as they showed last year, but Robertson can't afford to lose too many more troops with the number of New Zealand derbies back up to eight from six. Those matches will be particularly vital for each of the NZ franchises, and the Crusaders will need to call on the experience from last year with many bound to go down to the final 10 minutes. A tough opening month can put the Crusaders in a sound position for the season ahead, then, with their All Blacks forwards returning, settle in for the midseason grind. It's all about stability in Christchurch and a Robbie Deans-like Robertson dynasty cannot be ruled out.
Fixtures: Chiefs (h), Stormers (h), Hurricanes (a), Highlanders (a), Bulls (h), Lions (a), Jaguares (a), Bye, Sunwolves (h), Brumbies (a), Rebels (a), Waratahs (h), Blues (a), Hurricanes (h), Chiefs (a), Bye, Highlanders (h), Blues (h).
Greg Growden says: Scott Robertson did an exceptional job last season in revitalising the one-time Super Rugby powerhouse, and it won't surprise if they enjoy back to back titles. Their squad is settled, and they know how to win the big encounters. This is a squad of that definitely plays for each other.
Greg Growden's tip: Top of conference. Tournament victors.
Highlanders
Coach: Aaron Mauger
Captain: Ben Smith/Ash Dixon
Last year: A quarterfinal appearance was an excellent effort for the Highlanders last season, with injuries an overriding theme of the 2015 champions' season. They were without All Blacks Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo, Liam Squire and Lima Sopoaga at different times during the season, while the back-row was worst hit as Luke Whitelock, Shane Christie, Dan Pryor and James Lentjes were also forced to sit and watch from the sidelines. Still, with the likes of Marty Banks, Matt Faddes, Gareth Evans et al offering excellent cover, the Highlanders were able to duke out 11 wins and earn themselves a third shot at the Crusaders. Unfortunately, the result didn't change as the southern derby spoils went to their neighbours to the north.
This year: Can one of Christchurch's favourite sons turn the tide for the arch enemy? With Tony Brown joining Jamie Joseph in Tokyo, Aaron Mauger has taken charge down south, where the key protagonists remain. The axis of the Highlanders' attack, Aaron Smith, Lima Sopoaga and Ben Smith, is back together for one last crack before the No. 10 heads north to Wasps. Up front, the back-row will again play a vital role in the Highlanders' hopes -- particularly if Mauger opts to continue a kick-heavy approach that saw the southerners go to the boot 55 more times than any other franchise last year. The Highlanders have always had a pack of workers who are prepared to chase up and down the field; if Mauger opts for a change in tactics, however, they have the smarts to adapt quickly, too.
Fixtures: Blues (h), Bye, Stormers (h), Crusaders (h), Hurricanes (a), Chiefs (a), Bye, Brumbies (h), Blues (a), Bulls (a), Sharks (a), Lions (h), Waratahs (a), Reds (a), Hurricanes (h), Chiefs (h), Crusaders (a), Rebels (h).
Greg Growden says: Don't look as threatening as in the past few seasons and will struggle to adequately cover Marty Banks and Malakai Fekitoa. Difficult to defeat at home, they sometimes wander when on the road -- and that should see them just miss out on a finals spot.
Tip: Third in conference.
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Hurricanes
Coach: Chris Boyd
Captain: Dane Coles/Brad Shields
Last year: Defending champions in 2017, the Hurricanes were one game from another appearance in the decider before they were steamrolled by the Lions in Johannesburg; Boyd's side were up three tries at the half-hour only for the Lions to answer with six five-pointers of their own. It was a tough finish to another excellent season in which they scored more tries than any other side in the competition and also rated inside the top five across several of the key defensive stats. Beauden Barrett was again at the crux of the Hurricanes' sparkling attack, while Ngani Laumape continued his rapid rise -- culminating with an All Blacks debut against the Lions. It was the same scenario for Jordie Barrett, who wrote another chapter in the extraordinary tale of Taranaki's favourite family. Sadly, though, Dane Coles missed almost the entire season with a worrying bout of concussion.
This year: The competition favourites [$4] with Australian bookmakers tab.com.au, the Hurricanes squad is brimming with quality. But there continues to be bad news for Coles, who is out until at least June with a torn ACL. A softly-softly approach with rising star Asafo Aumua will see Ricci Riccitelli at hooker through the opening rounds, which have the Hurricanes in Africa and then Argentina. That draw offers the Wellington outfit the chance to make a flying start to the season, though Beauden Barrett could be a scratching from the season opener and brother Jordie is not in the tour squad. Return home with the two wins, and better still a maximum 10 points, and the Canes could be on their way to a second title in three years. Few holes can be poked in their proven, all-round game.
Fixtures: Bulls (a), Jaguares (a), Crusaders (h), Bye, Highlanders (h), Rebels (a), Sharks (h), Chiefs (h), Bye, Sunwolves (h), Lions (h), Blues (a), Reds (h), Crusaders (a), Highlanders (a), Brumbies (a), Blues (h), Chiefs (a).
Greg Growden says: Looms as a Crusaders-Hurricanes Super final shootout, as they are easily the two best teams in the competition -- a class above all else. The Hurricanes look fairly similar to last year, and will again rely on Beauden Barrett to orchestrate their innovative game plan.
Greg Growden's tip: Second in conference.