Reflections

Don't worry readers, I wont be joining everyone else in writing a 2006 retrospective about the season just past. I think that there is more to be gained by looking forward at this point. Super 14 without the All Blacks, is about to start in a couple of months, for an extended season, bought forward due to the impending world cup tournament. I can't wait, I think it will be a very interesting competition this year, with loads of new talent on display, especially from the New Zealand sides.

This year, an understrength Crusaders side could struggle in the early rounds with none of their All Blacks available. Again I say that this is a good thing, and should even out the competition. It may be that by halfway their future has been decided, but if there is one thing that this franchise has shown, it is that they are competitive, even when they do not get the first choice for the players on the market. I mean look what they managed to do with the offcuts from the Blues!!!

Australia will continue to struggle, although they should be able to make some gains early on against the understrength sides if they can rise to the occaision. The biggest concern that Aussie has is not the Super 14, but preparing for the World Cup. In essence, they must hope that an entirely new front row emerges during the competition this season, or that they players they have persisted with come to form. Otherwise, they can kiss a fair chunk of their world cup campagin goodbye. They will always be a tough competitor at the cup, but it would be a real coup if they feature after the quarter finals.

Africa is a basket case. They have some great players, world beaters in some positions, but are lacking a certain sense of style when it comes to the Super 14. They again should be able to start the competition on very competitive terms and do well in the opening stanza. The second half may become tougher, however the away teams that are on tour in the first half of the competition and get some wins against understrength New Zealand sides could be there at the end this time. Hopefully they will take their opportunity and put a few points in the bank early on. It could make for an exciting finish, and the first African win in Super 14.

I do want to mention France. While they were humiliated in the first test against New Zealand, they did come back in the second. I think that come world cup time they will be strong contenders, they will push the New Zealand side, and anyone else, much more than they have shown so far. The All Blacks are capable of being beaten, we have seen this so many times in years gone by. One tour does not repair all of the problems that the team was having. The lineout could still turn ugly at a moments notice. The backline can be placed under pressure, and the concern with all props is that one season they are world beaters, the next just custard. It is a dangerous time for the All blacks when confidence is running high, and they will need to exercise caution, and keep their training up and minds focussed on the prize.