It’s finally arrived, the much anticipated 2012 season of the Super 15 Rugby competition. Round 1 promises to be a beauty as well. National rivalries are at the core of the round 1 fixtures with the Blues and Crusaders getting things started on Friday night.

We preview each match below, and provide our tips and best bets for this weeks action. Be sure to check out our season previews for each conference as well!

Blues v Crusaders – Super 15 Rugby Preview
Eden Park, Auckland, Friday 5.30pm (EDT)

First up we have an absolutely cracking match as the Blues and Crusaders from New Zealand lock horns. The Crusaders are always close to the top in this competition and this year will probably be no different, however the Blues could give them a real run for their money this season.

The Crusaders will be without Dan Carter and Richie McCaw for the first month or so of the Super Rugby season, this is a massive blow to them and will no doubt affect their early results. The Blues, they have recruited well in the off-season and I’ve tipped them to be close to the top come the end of the season. The likes of Piri Weepu and Ma’a Nonu from the Hurricanes will provide them with more speed and creativity. Although the Blues will be without Ma’a Nonu until later in March when he returns from Japan.

The Blues got the Crusaders by 2 points in the corresponding match last season, and I see this one going the same way in round 1.

Brumbies v Western Force – Super 15 Rugby Preview
Canberra Stadium, Canberra, Friday 7.30pm (EDT)

The first match from the Australian conference kicks off on Friday night also, when the Brumbies host the Force at Canberra Stadium. Both sides will want to improve on last seasons disastrous form and will want to get the season off to a good start.

The Brumbies have been completely overhauled in the off-season after last season’s efforts. A new coach, a heap of new players and possibly a new attitude to go along with it. The Western Force have a new skipper in David Pocock, who takes over from Stirling Mortlock this season. The Force have a number of Wallabies in their squad compared to just 4 for the Brumbies. If the Brumbies get many injuries they could struggle this season.

The Brumbies may take a few weeks to get their new players gelled in so I think they might come out of the blocks slowly. For that reason I think the Force will get the points in a close one here.

Bulls v Sharks – Super 15 Rugby Preview
Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, Saturday 4.10am (EDT) 

The Bulls finished 7th last year after winning 3 of the previous 4 Super Rugby competitions. They have shifted a lot of their ageing players and have also lost coaching director Heyneke Meyer. The Sharks just qualified for last years finals series and will be looking to improve on that this year in their hunt for their first Super Rugby title.

Despite the Bulls shedding a truck load of players and their coaching director, they have recruited well from other sides in the South African conference and still have the pedigree to do well in the competition. The Sharks have possibly regressed slightly since their 6th place finish last season. They lost some notable players in Stefan Terblanche and Ross and Guy Cronje to the Lions.

With this a home game for the Bulls, I think they can shake off the cobwebs from last season and get a win up over their Durban based rivals here.

Chiefs v Highlanders – Super 15 Rugby Preview
Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, Saturday 5.30pm (EDT) 

Another cracking match from the New Zealand conference with the Chiefs hosting the Highlanders. Both sides will have been disappointed with last seasons efforts and have made moves in the recruiting area to plug the gaps they felt needed plugging.

The Chiefs possibly picked up the signing of the season with Sonny Bill Williams coming across from the Crusaders for this season. They also picked up young half Aaron Cruden from the Hurricanes however some experienced backs have left the side over the off-season and it will be up to the youngsters to perform. The Highlanders haven’t really recruited much in the off-season apart from All Black Hosea Gear, and they have a number of injuries heading into this match from their 3 trial matches.

I think the Chiefs will be buoyed by their big name signings and have a lot to prove this season. The injuries to the Highlanders are too many to overlook so I think the Chiefs will draw first blood at home.

Waratahs v Reds – Super 15 Rugby Preview
ANZ Stadium, Sydney, Saturday 7.40pm (EDT) 

A mouth watering clash between the Waratahs and Reds awaits us for this Saturday night. Last seasons Super Rugby champions up against the side that always promises so much but never delivers. This grudge match never fails to produce high quality entertainment and I can’t see this being any different.

The Reds head into this match without Quade Cooper but apart from this they can pretty much field a full strength side. The Waratahs on the other hand, they have injury problems already. Dan Vickerman is out, new captain Rocky Elsom won’t play for the few weeks, Lachie Turner is already out for the season and Drew Mitchell is also likely to miss the start of the season. 

Despite the injuries to the Waratahs, I still think they will put up a good fight against the Reds and playing at home they should be able to come away with the points. Last season the Waratahs made the top 6 despite their injuries which shows they have depth in their squad.

Stormers v Hurricanes – Super 15 Rugby Preview
Newlands, Cape Town, Sunday 2.05am (EDT) 

The only inter-conference match for round 1 sees the Stormers host the Hurricanes early on Sunday morning. The Stormers performed above expectations last year, finishing the regular season in 2nd spot behind the Reds. They couldn’t go on with it though, going out in their first finals match to the Crusaders. 

The Hurricanes will be looking to improve on last years 9th place finish, however that is going to be tough this season. They have lost experienced players in Andrew Hore, Piri Weepu and Hosea Gear and have not really recruited too well in the off-season. A massive clean-out of the squad could see them struggle this season.

The Stormers at home were unbeatable last year, and they have 4 of their first 5 games at home to set up their season. They should chalk up their first win here against the Hurricanes.

Lions v Cheetahs – Super 15 Rugby Preview
Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg, Sunday 4.10am (EDT) 

The last match of round 1 of the Super 15 Rugby competition sees the Lions host their South African neighbours the Cheetahs in Johannesburg. The Lions and Cheetahs will, in my opinion, be playing out this season for the wooden spoon.

The Lions have not had the best off-season and there are rumours that the playing group, coaches and administration are not seeing eye to eye. The Cheetahs, they’ve lost their main playmaker in Sarel Pretorius to the Waratahs which is a massive blow to their chances this season. He was one of the main reasons they played such entertaining rugby and will be sorely missed.

With this one a toss of the coin, I’m going to put my money on the home team, with the Lions to get the points here.

Super 15 Rugby Preview – sportsbanter.com.au Tips:

Blues v Crusaders – Blues
Brumbies v Force – Force
Bulls v Sharks – Bulls
Chiefs v Highlanders – Chiefs
Waratahs v Reds – Waratahs
Stormers v Hurricanes – Stormers
Lions v Cheetahs – Lions

Super 15 Rugby Preview – Banter’s Best Bets:

Blues v Crusaders – Blues -3.0 @ $1.90
Brumbies v Force – Force +3.5 @ $1.90
Bulls v Sharks – Bulls @ $1.75
Chiefs v Highlanders – Chiefs @ $1.42
Waratahs v Reds – Waratahs -3.0 @ $1.90
Stormers v Hurricanes – Stormers @ $1.20
Lions v Cheetahs - Lions @ $1.72