We're less than a week away from the start of the 2009 Super 14, and although it doesn't seem that long ago since we were celebrating the success of the All Blacks Grand Slam tour in November, we can't wait for the rugby season to begin.

The question on everybody's lips whether or not the Canterbury Crusaders can continue to dominate the competition without Robbie Deans as coach, and without the likes of Dan Carter and long-time servants Ruben Thorn and Caleb Ralph. The Crusaders will be on every one's hit list, but as far as we're concerned they should still be the front runners come semi-final time.

There biggest challenge within New Zealand should come from the Hurricanes, who head into the competition with undoubtedly the strongest side in the Super 14. Unfortunately for Hurricanes fans, the Wellington franchise has been the biggest underachievers in the competition, and they'll have to ramp up their game to have any chance of claiming their first Super 14 title.

The Highlanders have struggled in years gone by, and 2009 will definitely be a tough year for them - especially if they get off to a slow start. They have a solid side available, but if they pick up a few injuries they could find 2009 heading in the same direction as 2008. Despite this, we feel they have the talent to surprise a few, and if they can rebuild their once proud home record, they may just be in the hunt come semi-finals time.

The Chiefs have always been slow starters, which has cost them big-time later in the season. For them to have a successful Super 14 campaign they will need to start the year with a bang - and with wins over the Blues and Highlanders in the pre-season, they're showing good signs early on. They have speed to burn in the backs, and will be looking to Stephen Donald to lead them to success in 2009.

The Blues are always a danger of beating anyone on their day, but in recent years they've fallen off the pace in the back end of the competition. They don't have a solid first-five, and so Jimmy Goppeth and Tasesa Lavea will have all the weight placed squarely on their shoulders. We feel it will prove too heavy for them, and the Blues could be looking at another disappointing year. Blues fans will be hoping we're a long way off the mark, but we're just not sure...

In Australia, the team to keep an eye on will be the Western Force. While they've had their problems off the field (a reported player revolt against coach John Mitchell), they've continued to improve since their inception into the competition. They are a strong home side, but will need to improve their efforts away from home.

The Warratahs are the strongest of the Aussie teams, and will provide Australia with their best chance for success in 2009. Their only downfall is that they tend to choke when the pressure is on, and against teams like the Crusaders you just can't afford to be off your game. Look for them to be in the hunt late in the competition.

The Brumbies and the Reds have been the whipping boys of Australian rugby in the past few years, and we don't expect much to change in 2009. The Brumbies were once one of the strongest sides in the Super 12/14, but have suffered since losing players like Gregan and Larkham. The Reds always promise so much, but never seem to deliver.

The biggest challenge to the Crusader's tight grip on the trophy could come from a South African team. The Sharks, the Stormers and the Bulls have all played good footy in the past few years, and are always a constant threat - especially when playing at home. They will all need to learn to win away from home, or they could find themselves narrowly missing out on a semi-final spot - so close is the competition that you just can't afford to drop so many away games.

As for the Cheetahs and the Lions, well..the less said about them the better. They're yet to make an impact on the Super 14, and will more than likely be fighting it out at the bottom of the table.

This year will certainly be an interesting one, with new laws (a rejig of the ELV's), and the introduction of new referee laws meaning we'll all have to readjust to the new competition. And who knows? Maybe this will be the last Super 14, with rumours that yet another team will be added to the competition in either 2010 or 2011. The Australian's want to add a Japanese or Pacific Island team, which we think would be a great idea - it would help the growth of the game in the region, and it would mean even more rugby. How bad can that be?

Get ready, sports fans - this Friday it's all underway.

The 2009 Super 14 competition is just around the corner, and while the teams are gearing up for a few pre-season games, the laws surrounding the referees is set for a major change.

In the past, all Super 14 games have been refereed by a neutral referee, to avoid any biased of any kind. But as of this year, the referee will be chosen based on form, rather than where they're from. This means we could have an Australian ref officiating a game between the Brumbies and the Crusaders, a South African ref in a game between the Bulls and the Reds, or a New Zealand ref calling a game between the Hurricanes and the Cheetahs.

What this does is force the refs to be in top form every week, because only the best refs will be given games to referee. And although there will be plenty of talk over refs showing biased towards their home team, the Super 14 bosses will be quick to stamp out any cheating.

In cricket, there has never really been an issue with having an umpire from the home country officiating in ODIs, and so rugby should be no different - at least at the Super 14 level. We don't expect the law to flow through into the international arena - that wouldn't be a good idea.

It's crazy to think that the rugby season is almost upon us again - only four weeks to go until the first game between the Highlanders and the Brumbies! It'll be great to get back into the swing of things again, though, especially with much of the Black Caps action being a washout so far.

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).

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).

Time now to take a look at the North Island franchises, starting with the Wellington Hurricanes - who really have been the biggest under-achievers of recent years.

For at team packed with so many of the game's best, they certainly have not produced the results expected of them. They've come oh-so-close in recent years, only to slip up at the last hurdle.

They will once again go into the competition with high expectations placed upon them, and for good reason. They have one of the most exciting backlines, a very good loose forward trio, and some very useful backup players waiting in the wings.

With this said, there should be no reason why they can't make a good challenge at the title. The only thing stopping them is themselves...

For some reason they always seem to break down at crucial moments, which in the Super 14 you just can't do. It's a close competition, and there's always someone ready to overtake you.

The biggest hurdle for the Hurricanes will be going into the competition without an experienced first-five. Daniel Kirkpatrick looks like he has the goods, but he is very young, and has not played in the Super 14 before. Willie Ripia got some quality game time earlier in the year, but he too is relatively new and untested. This may see Piri Weepu spend a bit of time at first-five, as he did in the Air New Zealand Cup - which certainly isn't a bad thing considering how well he played. The only problem with this is the simple fact that Weepu is a much better halfback then he is a first-five...

Their outside backs will be something to watch, with Cory Jane, Hosea Gear, David Smith and Zac Guilford all showing their skills throughout the Air New Zealand Cup. Then, when you add Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Tamati Ellison into the mix, you've got one heck of a backline at your disposal.

Their forwards will be strong, and will benefit from the experience of their All Blacks like Andrew Hore and Rodney So'oialo, who will most likely captain the team once again. There are two newcomers to watch - Victor Vito, who showed glimpses of what he's capable of in the Air New Zealand Cup, but has also showed his inexperience at times, is an exciting prospect. And Dane Coles, who had a wonderful Air New Zealand Cup campaign, and has certainly put his name on the All Black selector's minds for the years ahead.

Any team boasting this lineup would be confident of lifting the trophy at the end of the year, and the Hurricanes will certainly be so. However, they will need to overcome the mental aspect of the game if they are to have any success in 2009. It's plagued them for so many years now, and if they can't shake it with this squad, they may never make it over that final hurdle...

Here's their full squad:

John Schwalger (Wellington), Neemia Tialata (Wellington), Jacob Ellison (Wellington), Tim Fairbrother (Wellington), Andrew Hore (Taranaki) , Dane Coles (Wellington), Jason Eaton (Taranaki), Jeremy Thrush (Wellington), Bryn Evans (Hawkes Bay), Api Naikatini (Wellington), Faifili Levave (Wellington), Scott Waldrom (Taranaki), Karl Lowe (Hawkes Bay), Victor Vito (Wellington), Rodney So'oialo (Wellington), Josh Bradnock (Manawatu), Alby Mathewson (Wellington), Piri Weepu (Wellington), Willie Ripia (Taranaki), Dan Kirkpatrick (Wellington), Ma'a Nonu (Wellington), Conrad Smith (Wellington), Jason Kawau (Southland, draft), Tamati Ellison (Wellington), Hosea Gear (Wellington), David Smith (Wellington), Zac Guildford (Hawkes Bay), Cory Jane (Wellington).

Today we're taking a look at the Canterbury Crusaders - easily the greatest Super rugby side of all time. However, there have been a lot of changes in the Canterbury region, and it's going to be interesting to see how these changes affect the Crusaders.

The biggest change is that Robbie Deans has departed, and we all know the impact he had on the side. Todd Blackadder has been given the task of filling the giant boots left by Deans, and while he has experience coaching at the provincial level, this step up will surely test his abilities to keep the Crusaders at the top of the food chain.

The biggest thing to Blackadder's advantage is that he has been able to stick with players from within the Canterbury and Tasman region - only Jason MacDonald has been drafted from Otago. This means the squad will be very familiar with one another, and will be able to gel together quickly. It also helps that the large majority of the squad have experience with the Crusaders.

Life at the Crusdaders will definitely be different without the likes of Ruben Thorne, Caleb Ralph and Dan Carter (off on his sabbatical...), but there is a lot of new talent emerging in the region - none more so than young Colin Slade, who proved capable of filling in for Dan Carter during the Air New Zealand Cup.

Thomas Waldrom has made the move down south from Wellington to help bolster the loose forwards, and when you consider that they already have McCaw and Kieran Read, it makes for a pretty exciting loose forward trio.

Whether or not the Crusaders can continue to dominate like they have for the past decade is any one's guess, but we don't expect too much to change. They may not be quite as filled with superstars as they have been in the past, but don't count them out.

They are the kings when it comes to Super 14 rugby, and it'll take something truly special to dethrone them.

Here's their full squad:

Wyatt Crockett (Canterbury), Ben Franks (Tasman), Owen Franks (Canterbury), Bronson Murray (Canterbury), Corey Flynn (Canterbury), Jason MacDonald (Otago, draft), Brad Thorn (Tasman), Ross Filipo (Canterbury), Issac Ross (Canterbury), Michael Patterson (Canterbury), Kieran Read (Canterbury), Richie McCaw (Canterbury), George Whitelock (Canterbury), Thomas Waldrom (Canterbury), Nasi Manu (Canterbury), Jonathan Poff (Tasman), Andy Ellis (Canterbury), Kahn Fotuali'i (Tasman), Colin Slade (Canterbury), Stephen Brett (Canterbury), Tim Bateman (Canterbury), Ryan Crotty (Canterbury), Casey Laulala (Canterbury), Adam Whitelock (Canterbury), Kade Poki (Tasman), Sean Maitland (Canterbury), Jared Payne (Canterbury), Leon MacDonald (Canterbury).

Over the course of the next five days, we will be reviewing the five New Zealand Super 14 franchises for the upcoming 2009 season. Last Friday the squads were announced, and we will be looking at who's in, and who didn't make the cut.

We're starting off with the Otago Highlanders, who have been struggling for the past few seasons - mainly due to the fact that they haven't been able to keep the same squad together for any long period of time.

We said earlier in the year that if the Highlanders were to stand any chance of improving on their poor 2008 season they needed to keep the same squad together in order for them to grow as a team.

Well, the great news for Otago fans is that they've finally been able to do that (minus one or two players), and all the draft players from last year have returned to the deep south.

We certainly don't think they'll go on to win the title (although Israel will be hoping they can...), but by keeping the bulk of 2008's squad they can certainly improve, and will be able to surprise a few sides.

They will be most improved in the back line, where they have secured the services of some good talent. Most importantly, Fetu'u Vainikolo has returned to Otago, which gives them some flair out wide and a genuine try-scoring machine. Added to the mix are Jason Shoemark and Jayden Hayward, both of whom have been outstanding in the Air New Zealand Cup. Israel Dagg is also coming south, and will replace Paul Williams, who is returning to the Blues. That's four exciting players, and should be the answer to Otago's lack of try-scoring talent in recent years.

Their forwards will continue to be a handful for the other sides in the competition. Although they're not full of 'superstars', they're very good at the set pieces, and will be led well from the likes of Jaime Mackintosh, Adam Thomson and Tom Donnelly. The loss of Craig Newby is pretty big, as is the loss of Hoani MacDonald, but they have enough talent to move on.

The only concern with the squad is that rookie winger Karne Hesketh has not been selected. He was undoubtedly their best player in the Air New Zealand Cup, and the top try scorer with seven. Why on earth you'd leave him out is beyond us - apparently it has something to do with his lack of genuine pace, but when you can break tackles like he can who needs pace? He must feel more than slightly aggrieved that he's missed out, while Lucky Mulipola has made it after a poor season.

It's a real shame that one of the other teams didn't pick him up in the draft, because he really is a great player.

For the Highlanders to succeed in 2009 they have to start winning at home, and return to the days where the House of Pain meant just that - no one could beat them. Now-a-days, it's more of a House of Pain for Otago fans. If they can start winning at home, they will be able to make a strong push for the semi-finals, especially as they have always been good playing in South Africa. It's a long road ahead, but they are finally able to grow as a team - and that could mean that success is just around the corner.

Here's the full squad:

Jaime Mackintosh (Southland), Clint Newland (Otago), Chris King (Otago), Anthony Perenise (Wellington, draft), David Hall (Souhtland), Jason Rutledge (Southland), Hayden Triggs (Otago), Tom Donnelly (Otago), Josh Bekhuis (Otago), Ross Kennedy (Otago), Adam Thomson (Otago), Tim Boys (Souhtland), Aland Soakai (Otago), Steven Setephano (Otago), George Naoupo (Hawkes Bay, draft), Jimmy Cowan (Southland), Sean Romans (Otago), Daniel Bowden (Otago), Matt Berquist (Hawkes Bay, draft), Jason Shoemark (Hawkes Bay, draft), Jayden Hayward (Taranaki), Johnny Leota (Otago), Kendrick Lynn (Southland), Brett Mather (Otago), Lucy Mulipola (Otag), Fetu'u Vainikola (Otago), Ben Smith (Otago), Israel Dagg (Hawkes Bay,draft).

There are worrying times ahead for the NZRU, as the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has relaxed it's policies relating to foreign players playing for their Super 14 franchises.

This has meant some of our players are now being targeted by Australian teams to go over there and play for their sides. It's bad enough we have to contend with European and Japanese clubs poaching our players - now, we have to keep an eye on our next door neighbours.

Recently Auckland Blues flanker, Daniel Braid, signed to play with the Queensland Reds for the 2009 season - which will effectively make him unavailable for the All Blacks. Although his playing days in the black jersey are probably over...

The Reds are also believed to be chasing the signature of young Blues center Benson Stanley, who has been earmarked as a possible All Black in the future. This would be a big loss - not only for the Blues, but New Zealand rugby, as Stanley has a big future ahead of him.

Stanley was actually born in New South Wales, and would be eligible to play for the Wallabies if he decided to play in Australia. Because of this, we think it would be a good idea for Graham Henry to select him for the upcoming tour to the Northern hemisphere, and in doing so secure his future here in New Zealand.

It would be a real tragedy if the Super 14 started allowing players to play for any of the 14 teams - no matter what country they are from. If we had Australian or South African players playing for our five franchises, it would severely deplete our player depth. We'd see a lot of our young players heading overseas, and with the current NZRU ruling they wouldn't be eligible to play for the All Blacks.

The NZRU would therefore have to change it's rule on the matter, but that would only heighten the problem - we'd then see even more players go chasing the big money in Europe or Japan, especially if they knew they could still represent the All Blacks.

The beauty of the current system is that anyone one who has aspirations of playing for the All Blacks has to stay in New Zealand, which means that our competitions stay strong. The fact that the ARU are trying to poach our players suggests that they are struggling to keep up their player numbers - which has really always been an issue for the ARU, when you consider that they are competing with league and Aussie rules.

Lets just hope that the Super 14 doesn't end up like the European competitions, where players from any country can play for any team.

It would be a terrible thing if the Super 14 goes down that path...

The 2008 Super 14 final will be the last crusade for three of Canterbury's favourite sons. Coach Robbie Deans, Reuben Thorn and Caleb Ralph will all say goodbye to the Crusaders franchise that has given them (and us) many great memories.

Robbie Deans is leaving New Zealand after missing out on the All Blacks coaching job that went to Henry (again - don't start us on that one...), and as of Monday will begin a new chapter - as Head Coach of the Wallabies. No offense, Deans - but we just can't wish you any luck on this one.

After the disappointment of last years early exit from the World Cup (it still pains us to mention it...), Deans seemed a shoo-in for the All Blacks role. But, for reasons oly known by the NZRFU, Mr Henry was given another chance. The Wallabies, though, were all too happy to swoop in and claim Deans for themselves - we're just hoping it doesn't come back to bite us...

All that aside, though, and Robbie's focus will be on the match against the Warratahs tonight...although we're sure we'll have one eye (maybe two??) on the Aussie boys. You can hardly blaim him...

Crusader veterans Reuben Thorne and Caleb Ralph will also be hanging up their red and black jersey's for the last time, and are both off to Japan to earn some Yen before wrapping up their rugby careers.

Ralph will be hoping he makes it on, tonight, as he's starting off the bench. Surely he'll be given some decent game time? An unsung hero of the Crusaders team, Ralph has amassed a total of 112 Super Rugby games (including a handful for the Chiefs and Blues), not to mention an impressive tally of 58 tries - which has him sitting only 1 try behind record holder Doug Howlett. It would be great to see Ralph score, and equal Howletts record. Or, even better, score twice...

Thorne ends his Crusaders career with an astonishing 128 games behind him - many of which were as captain. Thorne (although often critisized for being 'invisible' on the field) has always had a strong work ethic. He may be rugbys Mr Invisible, but even if you couldn't see him - you knew he was getting the job done.

All three men have given the Canterbury region plenty to be proud of, and to win a 7th Super 14 title would cap off three excellent careers.

The only change to the Crusaders lineup is Ti'i Paulo, who comes in for the injured Cory Flynn after he broke his arm with 12 minutes remaining in the semi against the Hurricanes.

The Warratahs will also be looking to send their coach out on a high, as Ewan McKenzie was given the boot after a slow start to the season (oops). Rumours have already started to fly about where he'll be coaching next year, including some talk that he may be in line for the vacant Crusaders job. Strangly, the Warratahs haven't asked if he would consider staying on for next year - crazy, if you ask us.

So, as the Super 14 comes to a close for another year, we turn our attention (after the final, of course) to the International season, just around the corner.

Bring it on!

Listen up, fanatics - it's Super 14 finals time again, and this weekend sees the top four sides go to war after fourteen rounds of Super 14 action.

Glued to the edge of your seat, this weekend? We know we will be.

First up, we see the ever reliable Canterbury Crusaders take on the attacking flair of the Wellington Hurricanes. There's no doubt the Crusaders will be looking to make amends for their shocking, (shocking) 26-14 loss to the boys from the deep south.

The loss to the Highlanders, though, may just be the wake up call the Crusaders need heading into the semis - they really have looked anything but their best over the past few weeks, and this shock-loss may spell bad news for the Wellington boys, who will be hoping to bounce back from their loss to the Auckland Blues last Friday night.

The Crusaders are the most experienced Super Rugby side when it comes to the finals, winning it on six occasions (1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2005 and 2006). And, they will be looking to send super coach Robbie Deans (departing to take up the head coaching job with the Wallabies) out on a high, and there would be no better way to do that than winning a seventh title.

The Hurricanes won't go down without a fight, though - they lost to the Crusaders earlier in the season, but they've shown in the past that they're capable of bringing down the mighty red and black machine.

If the Hurricanes can unleash their exciting brand of attacking rugby, they might just find themselves on the grand stage in two weeks. It wont be easy, but they only need to take a page out of the Highlanders book - the Crusaders can be beaten at home.

On the injury front - Mose Tuiali'i is in doubt for the Crusaders, and Hurricanes captain, Rodney So'oialo, is also under an injury cloud. Here's hoping they can both take their positions, because that would be one hell of a battle between the two No.8's.

In the other semi final, the Warratahs are looking to go Shark hunting as the boys from Durban invade NSW territory. Both sides are coming into the semi with wins behind them, and if the Sharks can put the trip over from South Africa behind them they have a real chance at making it to the final - for a second straight year. And, after a last minute loss to the Bulls in last years final, they'll be out for blood.

NSW coach Ewan Mckenzie must be a bit puzzled right now. Mckenzie was given the boot as coach after an early season slump by the Warratahs, but they've since managed to bounce back to secure second place on the competition ladder. Tough break Ewan, but with the Reds and Brumbies looking out of sorts im sure there'll be a job opening for you very soon...

So then - after another season of Super 14 action, here are our choices for the biggest improvers and the biggest disappointments (no, we didn't say losers) of the year:

Although crashing out of the competition, the Waikato Chiefs displayed a very entertaining brand of footy that saw them come so close (and yet so far...) to the finals. They were plagued with injuries throughout the season, but if they can continue to build on their attacking flair they'll be a real threat in 2009.

Both the Stormers and the Western force continue to grow in strength, and if they can gain some consistency next year they'll both be in the hunt for a finals berth.

At the other end of the spectrum, it would be easy to pick the Lions, the Cheetahs, or even the Highlanders for the most disappointing, but lets be honest - who actually expected anything
from these teams? On the other hand, though - last years Super 14
winners, the Bulls, have been disappointing to say the least. They did lose some key players from last year, (Victor Matfield was a biggy...), they still have a team that should have been able to string a few wins together.

A notable mention must go to the Blues, who missed out on a place in the semi finals despite having a team who could have potentially won the competition. It will certainly be interesting to see how they go with a new coach on board next year.

And now - it's time to put our neck's on the line...

...and predict a Warratahs vs Hurricanes final.

What do you think, fanatics? Give us your thoughts!

The Super 14 Round Robin wraps up this weekend, and we're still not sure who the final two semi-finalists will be. The Crusaders and Hurricanes are flying high, though, and will be looking to gather maximum momentum moving into the semi's.

Fighting for third and fourth are the Blues, Warratahs, Stormers, Sharks, Chiefs and the Western Force. Six teams, and a hell of a weekend of rugby ahead.

Wellington's happy - Jerry Collins comes back to replace Scott Waldrom at blindside, and his hard-man attitude will be invaluable against the Blues pack. Tialata will sit this week out after being handed a one week suspension for a tackle that would have looked more at home in a wrestling ring. I guess it's nice to know you have a career in the WWE if rugby doesn't work out...

Jimmy Cowan - what were you thinking? Or, more to the point, why weren't you thinking? Jimmy finds himself in Court this week after an altercation following the Higlanders loss against the Blues last weekend, and this, along with Mulipola being charged for driving while disqualified recently, puts a real blot on an already terrible season for the Highlanders.

The Basement Jaxx song, 'Where's Your Head At', springs to mind. Come on boys - lets get the focus back, shall we?

To make matters worse for the Highlanders, they have an almost impossible task this weekend as they take on the unstoppable Crusaders. In Canterbury, no less. The Highlanders should be playing for pride, but I doubt they can even muster that. Go easy, Crusaders - keep the score under 100.

Here's how your teams match up for the weekend:

Blues vs Hurricanes
Force vs Brumbies
Crusaders vs Highlanders
Reds vs Warratahs
Lions vs Stormers
Cheetahs vs Bulls
Sharks vs Chiefs

In International rugby news, the English tour to New Zealand could be in jeopardy after a dispute has developed over player payments. It is understood that the RFU wants to enforce a flat-rate payment with win bonuses for England's International squad. Players who receive 9000 pounds (NZ $23,225) per game are concerned that this would lead to a less-than-secure financial position.

So they don't think they have what it takes to win consistently - is that what these players are saying? It's simple, really - win and get paid more. Lose and miss out.

It's great to see that money isn't getting in the way of sport.

The English squad includes 6 new comers, including Dylan Hartley, Topsy Ojo (yep - we didn't make that up, either), Danny Care, Jason Hobson, David Paice and Nick Kennedy.

We know, we know - we can hear you - "Johnny, what about Johnny?". Well, suprise suprise - Mr Wilkinson has injured himself and will not be touring. Again. That news is almost as suprising as money complicating a sporting tour.

Steve Borthwick - congrats on the captaincy.

Former Scottish coach, Ian McGeechan, has been named coach of the Britsh Lions for next years tour of South Africa. Good news for the Lions - last time McGeechan was at the helm (in 1997) he led them to an historical 2-1 victory over the Springboks. If he can replicate the '97 result, he'll help erase the pitiful (strong word - but it fits nicely) efforts of the 2005 Lions against the All Blacks, who were utterly relentless in their 3-0 series win over Clive Woodward's boys.

Final push to the business end of the Super 14 this weekend, sports fans - enjoy!