Daniel Carter (Blues)
DC’s return to New Zealand after spells in France and Japan has been highly documented. Although it is more likely the former 3-time Super Rugby winner with the Crusaders will play a supporting role to current All Blacks star Beauden Barrett who has switched Wellington for the capital, Carter’s experience could prove invaluable for the Auckland based franchise. The threat of a Carter-Barrett 10/15 partnership may also water the mouths of Super Rugby fans. Carter whose accolades also include 3 World Rugby player of the year awards, 2 World Cups, 9 Rugby Championships, 2 Top 14’s and 1 Top League is also Super Rugby’s highest ever points scorer with 1,708 points, nearly 500 more than Barrett who sits third in the all time list.
Oli Jager (Crusaders)
Irishman Jager, known as flying bull has impressed in his 12 Crusaders appearance to date as well as catching the eye for Canterbury in the Mitre 10 Cup. Another player who faces stiff competition, with Jager and Michael Alaalatoa fighting to start at tighthead for the most successful club in rugby. The 24-year-old has also expressed his interests at pursuing a place in the All Blacks front row highlighting former Crusaders and New Zealand legend Owen Franks as a role model. In a side where headlines are often written about their lethal backs or returning stalwart Sam Whitelock, front row Jager could be one of the surprises of the competition, with fellow front row Codie Taylor labelling him a ‘beast’.
Ardie Savea (Hurricanes)
All Blacks back rower Savea has recovered from a knee injury he picked up in New Zealand’s World Cup semi final defeat against England and will return for the return of Super Rugby Aotearoa. If any player typifies Super Rugby it’s this man, he has the speed and agility of a winger, handling ability of a fly-half and the power of a forward. Savea’s energy is the heartbeat of the ‘Canes team. Equally comfortable across the back row, Savea has been tipped to start at 8 for their opening clash with the Blues, which may benefit Savea’s All Blacks hopes as former number 8 and captain Kieran Reed has recently retired with his successor as captain Sam Cane, an openside flanker.
Nehe Milner-Skudder (Highlanders)
After impressing for the Hurricanes, Milner-Skudder became the talk of world rugby as he shone for the All Blacks at the 2015 World Cup with wing partner Julian Savea. Like Savea, Milner-Skudder has struggled since the dizzying heights of 2015. The Manawatu product who can play at wing or fullback hasn’t played rugby in 18 months as he battles ongoing injury problems. After first struggling with injury at the Hurricanes he followed Savea to French giants Toulon in 2018 but never turned out for the 3 time Champions Cup winners. The Highlanders have recently lost All Blacks veteran Ben Smith in the back three and Milner-Skudder’s return has boosted the Highlanders squad massively. If Aaron Mauger can get prime Nehe Milner-Skudder back, he offers a threat like no other in the competition.
Lachlan Boshier (Chiefs)
The 25-year old back rower had been one of the standout players before the disruption of COVID-19 and his deadly trio with Pita Gus Sowakula and newly appointed All Blacks skipper Sam Cane will be a nightmare at the breakdown. Boshier had an impressive 17 turnovers, 3 tries and a 90% tackle success rate in the 5 Super Rugby games he played before the break. Boshier’s most likely challenge for the jersey will be from All Blacks bolter Luke Jacobson who is recovering from long term concussion issues and hamstring problems.
Haydn Evans 