Lastly, we come to the Blues - a side that can either blow all the other teams out of the water, or go down like a sinking ship.

So often the Blues start off with a hiss and a roar, only to start slipping towards the back end of the season.

Like the Crusaders the Blues have lost some big names, like Nick Evans, Daniel Braid and Troy Flavell - all of whom have been important factors in the side's success. Life without these three will certainly test the Blues, but they have definitely brought in the right players to replace them.

Ali Williams makes his return to Auckland after a year with the Crusaders, where he will no doubt have learned some valuable things from Robbie Deans. Hopefully his return to the big smoke won't affect his rugby, although he's always been a better player at Test level than he has at the lower levels.

Braid has been replaced by Josh Blackie, who returns to New Zealand from Japan. The former Highlander is certainly capable of filling Braid's shoes, although he may struggle to adapt to the intensity of the game for a few weeks. Aside from that, he will be a valuable asset to the Blues.

Jimmy Goppeth is also new to the Blues, and has a tough task ahead of him guiding the Blues around the field. He is the type of player who is either outstanding or really terrible, and this may be a weak spot for the Blues - especially when you consider his backup is Tasesa Lavea.

Pat Lam is the new coach of the Blues, and this will be good for the predominantly Pacific squad. He certainly knows how to get the best out of the Pacific boys, which is something previous Blues coaches have failed to do. In fact the only other coach who could do this for the Blues was Graham Henry.

The Blues are capable of winning the Super 14, but like the Hurricanes they will need to play consistently throughout the entire competition. Anything short of a top four finish for the Blues will be considered a failure.

No pressure, lads.

Here's their full squad:

Tony Woodcock (North Harbour) , John Afoa (Auckland), Charlie Faumuina (Auckland), Tevita Mailau (Auckland) , Keven Mealamu (Auckland), Tom McCartney (Auckland), Ali Williams (Auckland), Anthony Boric (North Harbour), Jay Williams (Auckland), Kurtis Haiu (Auckland), Justin Collins (Northland), Josh Blackie (Auckland), Onosai Auva'a (Auckland), Jerome Kaino (Auckland), Chris Lowery (Auckland), Taniela Moa (Auckland), Chris Smylie (North Harbour), Tasesa Lavea (Auckland), Jimmy Gopperth (North Harbour), Michael Hobbs (Wellington, draft), Benson Stanley (Auckland), Jamie Helleur (Auckland), Anthony Tuitavake (North Harbour), Joe Rokocoko (Auckland), Rudi Wulf (North Harbour), Rene Ranger (Northland), Paul Williams (Auckland), Isaia Toeava (Auckland).