It really is a tough call to pick who is going to come out on top in the New Zealand conference of Super Rugby. Last season, the Chiefs were sitting top of the ladder going into the last game of the regular season but they lost and found themselves back in sixth. The Chiefs should be strong at the set piece and, with plenty of pace out wide, will again ask plenty of questions. Loose forwards such as Jerome Kaino and Akira Ioane have plenty of size and strength while Steven Luatua, you would think, has plenty to prove. He was one of the main attacking weapons for the Crusaders and they may lack some spark in the backline.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 22, 2017 17:15 UTC