We now move our attention to the Waikato Chiefs - another side that has failed to make a serious impact on the Super 14/12. For some reason, they've always struggled to step up from the provincial level to the Super 14 level, and when you consider the players they have at their disposal it's extremely hard to see why.

Unfortunately for Chiefs fans it's hard to see them making an impact on the Super 14 in 2009, because they've lost some influential players from their 2008 squad. Jonno Gibbs and Tom Willis have both been great servants of Waikato rugby, and will leave a pretty big hole in the squad.

Hika Elliot has been drafted to the Chiefs to replace Willis, and whilst he's a great player and a very excellent lineout thrower, he lacks that vital experience that comes with years of rugby. We think bringing in Elliot was a good move, but it will take time for him to build up that experience that Willis brought to the squad.

Their front row is also a little inexperienced when compared to the other four franchises, and this could take a toll on the team as the competition moves into the latter rounds. They will all need to step up in order to lay a good platform for their backs to operate.

Speaking of backs - that's something that they don't need to worry about at all. They are packed with very good impact players - players who can pull something out of the bag at will. The likes of Mils Muliaina, Sivivatu and Richard Kahui bring that important experience factor, while Lelia Masaga and Sosene Anesi bring the flair that the Chiefs love to play with.

In the halves you've got Brendon Leonard and Stephen Donald, who are two players who continue to grow, and will lead the Chiefs around the field. If they can stay fit, they will certainly help the Chiefs chances.

Unfortunately, we don't think their forward pack will be up to the task, as there is a definite lack of experience - and you need more that just raw talent to survive in the Super 14.

They will certainly surprise a few sides along the way, but in terms of making a charge at the trophy - we don't think they'll have the steam.

Here's their full squad:

Arizona Taumalolo (Waikato), Ben May (Waikato), James McGougan (Bay of Plenty), Joe Savage (Bay of Plenty),Hika Elliot (Hawkes Bay, draft), Aled de Malmanche (Waikato), Kevin O'Neill (Waikato),Toby Lynn (Waikato), Craig Clarke (Taranaki, draft), Mark Burman (Waikato), Liam Messam (Waikato), Tanerau Latimer (Bay of Plenty), Serge Lilo (Wellington, draft), Sione Lauaki (Waikato), Colin Bourke (Bay of Plenty), Brendon Leonard (Waikato), Toby Morland (Otago, draft), Stephen Donald (Waikato), Michael Delany (Bay of Plenty), Callum Bruce (Waikato), Jackson Willison (Waikato), Richard Kahui (Waikato), Sitiveni Sivivatu (Waikato), Lelia Masaga (Counties Manukau), Sosene Anesi (Waikato), James Wilson (Southland, draft), Malili Muliaina (Waikato), Dwayne Sweeney (Waikato).

Jonno Gibbes has announced that he has retired from all rugby, due to an ongoing knee injury that has limited his game-time over the past few seasons. It's a huge loss for the Waikato region, as Gibbes has become one of their hometown favourites.

It's the second early retirement for a Waikato lock, with Keith Robinson retiring at the end of last year due to ongoing problems with his back.

Gibbes has played 68 games for his beloved Waikato Chiefs, and has captained them for the past six seasons. He has also played for the All Blacks on eight occasions - after making his debut against England in 2004 - but his lack of height (for a lock) meant his Test career never really got going.

His greatest achievement came while captaining the New Zealand Maori side to a 19-13 victory over the British Lions in 2005.

We don't think we've seen the last of Gibbes, though, as it looks like he'll take up a coaching role in the Northern Hemisphere (most likely in Ireland) which we think is a great move for him, as he is a fantastic leader who commands a lot of respect from those around him.

Good luck with the next phase of your career, Jonno - hope to see you back coaching the Chiefs one day!