The new Super Rugby season is once again upon us - with 15 sides ready to slug it out to become the southern hemisphere's top club.
The chase is on for the top honours
The new Super Rugby season is once again upon us - with 15 sides ready to slug it out for the honour of being named the southern hemisphere's top club.
The Reds will go in to the campaign confident of retaining the title they won last season following an 18-13 win over the Crusaders.
However competition this year will be fierce - especially from the New Zealand franchises buoyed by their country's World Cup success.
The Crusaders are chasing revenge - and an eighth title - while the Blues have recruited well in the off-season.
While the Reds will fly the flag for Australia, much is expected from James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale at the Rebels while the Brumbies are determined to recapture their form.
With a much-changed line-up at the Bulls and the Stormers could well be the strongest challengers from South Africa - although the Sharks could surprise a few.
For our comprehensive team-by-team guides, with expert analysis from Scott Mathie, Tony Hanks, Lachlan Mackay and Onosai Auva'a, please follow the links below...
BLUES: Coach Pat Lam says his squad is the strongest he has named during his time in charge - and few will disagree with him on that.
BRUMBIES: The Brumbies are Australia's most successful franchise, however recent years have seen a rapid descent into unchartered territory.
BULLS: Bulls coach Frans Ludeke faces his biggest challenge yet and will oversee a period that will see a clear 'changing of the guard'.
CHEETAHS: Naka Drotske would have been pleased with last year's finish, with many expecting his team to end up lower than 11th.
CHIEFS: The Chiefs are certainly the team for any neutral watching Super Rugby this season.
CRUSADERS: Beaten finalists last season, the Crusaders will be looking to go one better this time around.
HIGHLANDERS: The Highlanders surprised many last season by finishing in the mid-table position of eighth.
HURRICANES: There has been much to lament for the Hurricanes fans as many feel they have lost the very heartbeat of their team.
LIONS: The Lions' future has been cast in doubt due to SA Rugby's announcement that the Southern Kings will be granted a licence next season.
REBELS: The Rebels will be hoping to use the experience gained from their debut season to propel themselves further up the table.
REDS: The reigning champions go into this campaign without the mercurial genius of Australia fly-half Quade Cooper.
SHARKS: The Sharks are looking forward to another successful campaign and will be looking to improve on last season's sixth position.
STORMERS: Stormers coach Alistair Coetzee will have a lot more on his plate this season with the exit of Rassie Erasmus.
WARATAHS: New head coach Michael Foley has insisted the Waratahs will be playing a more adventurous style of rugby this season.
WESTERN FORCE: Western Force coach Richard Graham has announced Aussie 'fetcher' David Pocock as their captain for the upcoming campaign.
