Of particular interest to me will be what impact brilliant young Manawatu first five-eighths Aaron Cruden will have on the Hurricanes star-studded backline playing alongside the likes of All Blacks Piri Weepu, Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Corey Jane.
Although his slight frame suggests he might be prone to injury, Cruden has much the same innate feel for the game that marked brilliant Daniel Carter’s arrival on the first-class scene.
Deceptively quick, few read the game better, make a break and draw and pass with such timing.
Whether the Hurricanes have the forwards to set the foundation for their classy backs remains the big question when pitted against the likes of the defending champion Bulls who overpowered the Chiefs in last year’s final.
While the Chiefs have the backs to mesmerise, especially with Brendon Leonard returning to his best on the All Blacks end of 2009 northern hemisphere tour, the forwards lack the muscle of the Crusaders, Blues and Highlanders.
With Brad Thorn, Isaac Ross and Chris Jack all vying for a start, the red-and-blacks are not short of locking talent and have All Blacks challenging for every position in the pack.
Add Kieran Read’s development last year to the huge talent of Richie McCaw, and you have the kind of forward talent most coaches would give an arm for.
Although Carter, Andy Ellis and young wing Zac Guildford are the Crusaders only All Black backs, the others are not lacking in skill or speed.
But if you want to talk backline depth, you can’t go past a Blues squad that has failed to achieve for far too long.
That should change with the introduction of gifted imports Alby Matthewson and Stephen Brett to offer the kind of direction that’s been lacking since Carlos Spencer headed for England.
With the likes of Luke McAlister, Isaia Toeava and Benson Stanley competing for midfield berths – and Joe Rokocoko, Rene Ranger, Rudi Wulf and Anthony Tuitivake contesting spots on the wing – the squad offers tremendous individual talent.
Add Paul Williams and Toeava’s claims to the fullback position and the biggest problem likely to be faced by coaches Pat Lam and Shane Howarth should be who to leave out.
With Ali Williams returning from injury, the Blues are capable of producing a powerful pack based around him, Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, John Afoa, Anthony Boric and Jerome Kaino.
A pre-season last minute 19-17 win against the Hurricanes last Saturday will have boosted the Blues confidence, although too much should not be read into that when coaches are eager to experiment with different combinations.
Nevertheless, the Highlanders will also have taken heart from their 31-24 win against the Chiefs.
Meanwhile, while our domestic Twenty20 cricket heads towards an interesting climax, our attention is riveted on the international tennis stars that make the Australian Open such compelling viewing.
