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Opinionated Rugby Commentary - by Fans for Fans
Spill what you really think about events in the rugby world.
Super Rugby Players To Watch 15 views
16 February 2011 by The Swede Eaters
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Here are some players who are worth keeping an eye on!
When playing http://www.testrugby.com/ it is important to purchase players who will earn you big points. Some of these guys cost you an arm and a leg, but there will be some bargains heading into the 2011 Super Rugby competition. Because of the extended competition, the depth of the squads will be tested. Can New Zealand sustain such large squads? Time will tell!
I will head through the New Zealand teams and tell you of the exciting players who could be worth a shot so you can fit under your salary cap.
Highlanders
The Southern Men don't have the established stars of the other teams. There are a sprinkling of All Blacks and a solid forward pack, but can the young drafted signings provide enough spark to make them a genuine threat? I would suggest that they will struggle, especially having to play the Blues, Crusaders, Hurricanes and Chiefs twice.
Players to watch:
Nasi Manu - The Canterbury Number Eight is a blockbusting ball runner who will keep defences on their toes.
Lima Sopoaga - Sopoaga will be a bargain and will be the starting first five eighth and goal kicker for the Hurricanes match. He is a fine young talent who will kick goals. He should start ahead of Robbie Robinson while Colin Slade is injured. He is from Wellington.
Shaun Treeby - Another Wellingtonian who coach Jamie Joseph pulled south with him. Treeby is a great inside centre on the rise and should form a useful combination with Kenny Lynn.
Kenny Lynn - Lynn was the best performing back in the ITM Cup for a period near the middle of the competition. He then had surgery and hopefully can hit his straps again quickly.
Jason Rutledge - The Stags hooker is an enigmatic character who has a habit of pulling off some amazing feats on the field. With injury to his main rival Mahonri Schwalger, Rutledge has a great chance to make a statement.
Colin Slade - Slade is the Highlanders star back, but he is injured for about a month, so they will miss him.
Hurricanes
Julian Savea - this New Zealand Youth International was great in the ITM Cup and will form part of an all All Blacks backline.
Aaron Cruden - Cruden has big wraps on him for such a little man. Until Piri Weepu gets fit, he will have to start as the goal kicker.
Beauden Barrett - This young livewire is the next Stephen Larkham. He ghosts through tackles with ease for such a slight chap.
James Broadhurst - The former Cantab and current Taranaki man had plenty to do with the Nakis successful 2010 ITM Cup campaign. He could be a bolter for the 2011 All Blacks.
Jack Lam - this openside flanker had a breakthrough season with Waikato in 2010. He is the starting openside this week against the Highlanders.
Chiefs
Fritz Lee - Lee from Counties brings some physicality to the Chiefs loose forwards mix. If they can harness his explosiveness and physicality then he could make a real impression.
Kerr-Barlow - The halfback is involved in a three way battle for the halfback spot, he has youth on his side.
Isaac Ross - If Isaac Ross is to make it back into the All Blacks again, he must muscle up and get in and do the hard yards. What better place to make a statement than with the Chiefs. He wasn't needed by the Crusaders.
Savenaca Tokula - If he gets game time, he can show some great skills. Plenty will depend on the selection of Richard Kahui, Tana Umaga and Dwayne Sweeney.
Ben May - Big Ben May was one of the more promising props in New Zealand, but has been missing for a few years now. It will be interesting to see how he goes.
Tana Umaga - This guy gets better with age. He is 37 and was around when the Super 12 started.
Crusaders
Sam Whitelock - The Crusaders have plenty of depth at lock, but Whitelock's ability to score tries and get around the paddock for a big man makes him a great buy.
Matt Todd - Buy this guy now. He was one of the best openside flankers in the ITM Cup and he happens to hail from the same place as another top notch openside flanker. With McCaw out for over a month, snap this guy up early.
Sonny Bill Williams - This guy has superstar written all over him. He can offload and break tackles easily when he is not boxing.
Israel Dagg - Dagg will thrive in a good team after impressing with the Highlanders and All Blacks last year.
Blues
Rene Ranger - The 2010 All Black will be dangerous in a good team. He has a massive step and the ability to stay on his feet.
Matthew Luamanu - This big Number Eight will be a threat with ball in hand.
Daniel Braid - Braid will lead the tackle count and although not necessarily cheap for managers, should be worth it.
Sherwin Stowers - This guy is a pocket rocket on the wing. It is hard to know how many matches he will start with such hot competition out wide.
Gareth Anscombe - Anscombe is in the wider training squad, but as an accomplished first five and goalkicker he may get the call up this season.
Some other players I am interested in seeing
Stirling Mortlock (Rebels)
Rocky Elsom (Brumbies)
David Pocock (Force)
Hoani McDonald (Rebels) - A good Southland man!
Ben McCalman (Force)
Danny Cipriani (Rebels)
Cooper Vuna (Rebels)
Quade Cooper (Reds)
Scott Higginbotham (Reds)
Rod Davies (Reds)
Lwazi Mvovo (Sharks)
Bissmark Du Plessis (Sharks)
Patrick Lambie (Sharks)
Gio Aplon (Stormers)
Jacque Fourie (Stormers)
Jonge Nokwe (Cheetahs)
Heinrich Brussouw (Cheetahs)
Juan Smith (Cheetahs)
Lachlan Turner (Waratahs)
Drew Mitchell (Waratahs)
Kurtley Beale (Waratahs)
Wickus Van Heerden (Lions)
Rory Kockott (Lions)
Francois Hougaard (Bulls)
Gerhard Van Der Heever (Bulls)
Ryan Kankowski (Sharks)
Who are you most looking forward to seeing? Who do you think will be a top performer this season? Who are the bargains? Which teams will dominate?
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