The Sunwolves won't win it. Nor will any of the Australian or South African sides.

The Jaguares could though. And I don't reckon many other fans of any other teams would mind that much if they did. Or certainly not mind as much as if the Crusaders win it again.

Hardly anyone will be able to name all 15 sides or tell you how many teams even played this comp two years ago. No-one, not even their own fans, will be able to name all four captains of the South African sides.

Ardie's goggles have as much chance of staying on as the Hurricanes do of winning it all.

The increased use of game wrecking yellow and red cards will cause as much frustration as it did during the World Cup in Japan. SANZAAR will be quick to react, though, hiding behind yet another hastily written anonymous and ambiguous press release that explains nothing and excuses everything.

A new Brodie and Sam combination will step forward and claim their place, signal their intent to eventually re-place those twin sabbatical chasing legends. Because, if they don't, the All Blacks scrum will be looking as lost as we did against England.

Still hurts huh?

Reiko Ioane will regain the form that two years ago made him the world's best and most feared winger. Either that or he'll be off overseas by season's end as we all lament what went so wrong with that guy who used to be the world's best etc etc

Damien McKenzie, when he does get to play, plays the whole season at fullback not 1st-5. It's called "Keep it SIMPLE stupid".

Beauden Barrett, when he does get to play, plays the whole season at 1st-5 and not fullback. It's called "Keep it SIMPLE stupid".

And finally, my Hurricanes won't win it. But the Crusaders probably will.