Some big names have switched clubs ahead of 2015 © Graham Cousens / Scrum.com

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It's arguably the greatest collection of off-season recruitment Super Rugby has ever seen with several of world rugby's biggest names switching clubs, or returning to the competition altogether, for the 2015 season.

But who will make a difference in a season that looks to be among the most keenly contested on record?

Read on as we continue our 10For20 series with a look at 10 of the best recruits for Super Rugby 2015.

Karmichael Hunt

An unknown quantity after his time in Australian Rules, Hunt is generating plenty of buzz at Queensland Reds pre-season training. It may take some time but the former rugby league star has all the pedigree to become one of Super Rugby best ever code-hoppers.

Jason Woodward

A standout performer at the Rebels over the last two years, Woodward has returned home to Wellington to chase his All Blacks dream. An excellent counter-attacker and reliable goal-kicker, Woodward should be the final link in an awesome Hurricanes backline.

Mike Harris

After a couple of mixed seasons at the Reds, Harris joined a few teammates in making the move to Melbourne. He could well prove to be a playmaking inside-back, or a fine replacement for Woodward at the back, as the Rebels look to climb up the Super Rugby ladder.

Adriaan Strauss

You've got to feel just a little bit sorry for the Cheetahs after skipper Strauss packed his bags and headed north to the Bulls. That is unless you spend your weekends at Loftus Versfeld; the mobile Strauss is a superb pick-up for the Pretoria-based side.

Robbie Fruean

It's been a tough few years for Fruean but a return home to Christchurch might just prove to be the catalyst for him to realise his enormous potential. Fruean, who has twice undergone heart surgery, should take some of the load off the reliable Ryan Crotty.

Hosea Gear

The lure of a spot in the All Blacks' World Cup squad was enough to convince Gear to pursue a Super Rugby contract and the Chiefs were all too happy to oblige. One of the toughest players to tackle in the game, Gear will be a handful on the Chiefs flanks.

James O'Connor

It's the biggest question in Australian rugby: can O'Connor keep clear of off-field distractions and finally deliver on his immense talent? The Reds certainly hope so. The former Force and Rebels utility looks set to start on the wing in an imposing Queensland backline.

Adam Thomson

A former All Blacks back-rower rounds out a trio of high-profile Reds recruits and, in our opinion, Thomson will end up being the pick of the bunch. The former Highlanders forward will help the Reds get going up front; an area of the game where they were badly beaten throughout 2014.

Ma'a Nonu

The last few years have taken Nonu from the Blues to the Highlanders, back to the Blues and now finally "home" to the Hurricanes. The veteran All Blacks centre is without a standout Super Rugby season; could this be the year?

Sonny Bill Williams

The race for the All Blacks No.12 jersey is set to be one of the most interesting selection debates ahead of the World Cup. Williams has already staked his claim after switching back from rugby league late last year; his efforts for the Chiefs are only likely to reinforce that.