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Super Rugby: Michael Lynagh previews the Australian teams

Image: Nick Cummins: The Honeybadger is back!

Sky Sports pundit Michael Lynagh looks at the Australian franchises to preview their chances in the 2015 edition of Super Rugby

Brumbies

What Stephen Larkham seems to be doing is taking the effective style of rugby that Jake White implemented in Canberra and building on it with an exciting set of backs. Players like Christian Lealiifano, Tevita Kuridrani, and Matt Toomua are all a year older now and have better experience in taking control of a game. They’ve lost Ben Mowen but the return of David Pocock will be a huge boost for the whole squad. The Brumbies are always a tough team to beat at home, and if they can be equally as effective when they're on the road then they will be competitive in this year’s competition.

Force

Great news for all of us watching that the Honeybadger is back in action! Last year the Force were a surprise package and were probably underestimated by teams that went to Perth early on in the year. As a result they strung together a good few results that kept them in contention for much of the season. This year everybody knows they can play and that they’re a difficult team to beat, so now that other teams won’t be underestimating them, they will need to step things up another level. That’s the key for the team in 2015 and I’m sure they will deliver.

Rebels

The Rebels have lost a few key players, and though Scott Higginbotham will be there for this season, he’s gone thereafter too. Whether those key players have been replaced by guys who are able to fill those boots will be the definition of their season. Much like the Force they were able to string together some really good rugby last season, but they ended up losing games despite the performances. They need to start the season well which is difficult when your first game is against a full-strength Crusaders team in Christchurch. Teams that go away early have a tough time of it, but the Rebels can’t afford a poor run at the beginning.

James O'Connor passes during an Australian Wallabies training session at Ballymore Stadium on June 18, 2013 in Brisbane, Australia
Image: James O'Connor: Back in Australia after a spell in Europe

Reds

The Reds have a few interesting players that have come in this year in the form of James O'Connor, Karmichael Hunt and Adam Thomson. Hunt is holding onto the fly-half jersey until Quade Cooper is back from injury but it's important he performs because he could find himself too good to drop, or - as is always the case - he may be part of the crucial squad depth that is needed to win the competition. James Horwill and Will Genia both seem to have found form in the pre-season and that will be good news for the Reds because when they won the competition in 2011 those two were central to the cause, as was Cooper.

Waratahs

The Waratahs have a strong team that now looks settled and the players seem to be operating in a positive environment. They are one of the teams from Australia that could do well, but with second season syndrome they will have to ensure that they don’t rest on their laurels – and that’s where Michael Cheika will help them. He is the sort of coach who will keep them grounded and ensure they remain focussed. The style of the rugby they were playing when they last year was very attractive, and I hope they are able to replicate that style this season. I see them in the play-offs if they do.

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