After the announcement of next year's squads for the Super Rugby, the New Zealand Herald's Wynne Gray looks at the strengths and weaknesses of the Kiwi sides.
"Blues - The inclusion of internationals Piri Weepu, Ma'a Nonu and Rudi Wulf boosts the back division which looks to be heavy on talent out wide but leaner on the directors.
"...Chiefs - New coach Dave Rennie seems able to conjure up performances from less-fancied groups so he should be a strong fit for his first year at this level, with a side that finished last in the NZ pool.
"...Hurricanes - Take a deep breath Hurricanes followers and pray that Mark Hammett can find some magic bullets amongst his squad.
"Crusaders - They can put out an entirely All Black pack and a backline only without test players at second, centre and wing. It is hard to argue against that spread of talent and a squad which will have a home ground to service after the earthquake dramas of last season.
"...Highlanders - If there was a feelgood story in 2011, it was the Highlanders who finished third out of the New Zealand sides under new leader Jamie Joseph. They kicked out of the gates hard and fast, beating the Hurricanes, Chiefs and then the Bulls away."
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