Johannesburg – At the start of the competition there were the favourites, the usual suspects, but just four weeks in and it looks like this year’s Super Rugby competition could be the most open in years.
It is very difficult right now to suggest one or two or three teams look better than all the others. Sure, there are stronger teams and weaker teams ... but unlike previous seasons it looks as if the teams in 2013 could be far more evenly matched.
And making matters far more interesting at the moment, and I suspect in the weeks to come, is that perhaps only one or two teams may struggle consistently with the majority able to win anywhere and against anyone, when they get their act together.
Locally we know the Bulls, Sharks and Stormers will be right up there throughout Super Rugby and will be challenging for honours later on, but we also know the Cheetahs will give anyone a run for their money. They were sublime in beating the Highlanders at the weekend and if they can continue in that vein, they’ll shock a few more teams this year. Consistency is key for them.
And then we have the Southern Kings. Boy, have they surprised the critics. There are not too many big-name players in their ranks, but it just shows what is possible when a team plays as a collective unit and believes in itself. There’s still a long way to go in this competition but if they can continue to play with the spirit shown against the Sharks at the weekend, with 40 000 fans cheering them on, they’ll certainly stand a good chance of upsetting a few more teams.
So even if the Cheetahs and Kings won’t be contenders later on, if they’re able to repeat their performances of this last weekend they’ll help their fellow SA teams to finish as best as they can in the standings.
New Zealand’s conference also looks wide open, much more than in previous years where it’s pretty much been a case of the Crusaders dominating and the Chiefs coming to the party only recently. Those two teams will again be among the contenders, even though the Crusaders have yet to win, but so will the Hurricanes, Blues and even the Highlanders ... they’ve all got plenty of class in the ranks and should ensure that country’s conference is fiercely contested.
It’s only really in Australia where a conference appears to be a two-horse race ... between the Brumbies and Reds. The Waratahs, Rebels and Force look to have taken a step back in terms of strength and power, but we also know that if they get it right, they can beat anyone.
Only a very brave man though would stick his neck out regarding this year’s best outfit and favourite to go all the way. So, expect more surprises in the weeks ahead ... there are guaranteed to be plenty. – The Star