The New Zealand conference has traditionally been the toughest of all three in Super Rugby; judging by the five squad lists on hand, 2015 is unlikely to be any different. The Chiefs and Crusaders look set to fight it out for top spot while the Highlanders, Blues and Hurricanes are all capable of reaching the semi-finals. Read on as we rate the hopes of each Kiwi side.

Blues

Last year: 10th; fifth in New Zealand. The Blues were in the running for a play-offs spot right up until the final round of 2014 but ultimately finished 10th, and last in a hotly-contested NZ conference. Wins over finalists the Waratahs and Crusaders proved to be season highlights while Jerome Kaino's return to Super Rugby had everyone in awe. A lack of consistency, and uncertainty in the playmaking roles - including the failed Benji Marshall experiment - proved to be their downfall.

Best finish: Champions (96, 97, 03)

Fixtures: Chiefs (H), Stormers (A), Cheetahs (A), Lions (H), Hurricanes (A), Waratahs (A), Chiefs (A), Brumbies (H), Highlanders (A), Crusaders (A), Force (H), Rebels (A), Bulls (H), Hurricanes (H), Crusaders (H), Highlanders (H).

Squad: Josh Bekhuis, Luke Braid, Joe Edwards, Charlie Faumuina, Blake Gibson, Jerome Kaino, Will Lloyd, Steven Luatua, Keven Mealamu, Matt Moulds, Brendon O'Connor, James Parsons, Greg Pleasants-Tate, Sam Prattley, Culum Retallick, Peter Saili, Angus Ta'avao, Hayden Triggs, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Tony Woodcock, Pita Ahki, Dan Bowden, Jimmy Cowan, Jamison Gibson-Park, Frank Halai, Bryn Hall, Simon Hickey, Ben Lam, Tevita Li, George Moala, Melani Nanai, Hamish Northcott, Charles Piutau, Francis Saili, Matt Vaega, Lolagi Visinia, Ihia West.

Ins: Josh Bekhuis, Dan Bowden, Jimmy Cowan, Joe Edwards, Culum Retallick, Hamish Northcott, Ben Lam.

Outs: Tom McCartney, Tom Donnelly, Liaki Moli, Piri Weepu, Chris Noakes, Ma'a Nonu, Jackson Willison, Albert Nikoro, Benji Marshall.

This year: Back-to-back seasons without a play-off appearance in New Zealand's biggest rugby market means the pressure is well and truly on Sir John Kirwan in 2015. The Blues certainly have the talent to return to the semi-finals despite the loss of Ma'a Nonu, but much will depend on who fills the No.10 jersey. Young gun Simon Hickey, former sevens star Ihia West and the returning Dan Bowden are all options; Kirwan needs to pick and stick as the Blues have too much talent out wide to waste.

Greg Growden's verdict: According to the Auckland smarties, this is going to be their year. Can't see it. Jimmy Cowan is a good signing, but you need far more than one cheeky halfback.

Tip: 11th

Odds: $17 (Bet365)

Chiefs

Last year: Fifth; 2nd in New Zealand. The Chiefs produced an admirable effort in their attempt for three titles on the trot in 2014 but ultimately ran out of steam after a wicked run with injury. The loss of playmaker Aaron Cruden for six weeks in the middle of the season proved critical, and even on his return the Chiefs continued to struggle for fluency.

Best finish: Champions (2012, 2013)

Fixtures: Blues (A), Brumbies (H), Crusaders (H), Highlanders (H), Stormers (A), Sharks (A), Cheetahs (H), Blues (H), Crusaders (A), Force (H), Rebels (A), Hurricanes (A), Bulls (H), Highlanders (A), Reds (A), Hurricanes (H).

Squad: Michael Allardice, Johan Bardoul, Sam Cane, Aaron Cruden, Mike Fitzgerald, Hosea Gear, Mitchell Graham, Nathan Harris, Bryce Heem, Andrew Horrell, Tevita Koloamatangi, Michael Leitch, James Lowe, Pauliasi Manu, Tom Marshall, Rhys Marshall, Quentin MacDonald, Jamie MacIntosh, Damian McKenzie, Liam Messam, Charlie Ngatai, Sean Polwart, Brodie Retallick, Augustine Pulu, Liam Squire, Matt Symons, Seta Tamanivalu, Ben Tameifuna, Siate Tokolahi, Brad Weber, Sonny Bill Williams, Tim Nanai-Williams.

Ins: Michael Allardice, Johan Bardoul, Bryce Heem, Hosea Gear, Mitchell Graham, Michael Leitch, Quentin MacDonald, Damian McKenzie, Sean Polwart, Seta Tamanivalu, Sonny Bill Williams.

Outs: Bundee Aki, Gareth Anscombe, Nick Crosswell, Ross Filipo, Robbie Fruean, Nathan Harris, Josh Hohneck, Tawera Kerr-Barlow (not named due to long-term injury), Mils Muliaina, Robbie Robinson, Mahonri Schwalger, Dwayne Sweeney, Tanerau Latimer, Kane Thompson.

This year: One name stands above all others in terms of off-season recruits and, fortunately for the Chiefs that name in Sonny Bill Williams; the code-hopping superstar back in rugby after two years in the NRL. A strong back-row, quality halves and an array of talent in the outside backs suggests the two-time champions will take some beating.

Greg Growden's verdict: The Sonny Bill Williams factor will work for the Chiefs, while Hosea Gear gives them another attacking dimension. Their pack is good enough to win more titles.

Tip: Champions

Odds: $5 (Bet365)

Crusaders

Last year: Runners-up; First in New Zealand

The Crusaders were heading towards an eighth Super Rugby title until Bernard Foley stepped up and kicked the Waratahs to a famous win in a gripping final. Todd Blackadder's side were the standout New Zealand franchise, despite Dan Carter's absence for much of the season, with both their forward and backline units performing at a consistently high level.

Best finish: Champions (98, 99, 00, 02, 05, 06, 08)

Fixtures: Rebels (H), Highlanders (A), Chiefs (A), Lions (H), Cheetahs (H), Bulls (A), Sharks (A), Highlanders (H) Chiefs (H), Blues (H), Hurricanes (A), Reds (H), Waratahs (A), Hurricanes (H), Blues (A), Brumbies (A).

Squad: Scott Barrett, Dominic Bird, Dan Carter, Wyatt Crockett, Ryan Crotty, Israel Dagg, Mitchell Drummond, Andy Ellis, Kieron Fonotia, Robbie Fruean, Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Willi Heinz, Nepo Laulala, Richie McCaw, Johnny McNicholl, Jone Macilai, Joe Moody, Nemani Nadolo, Tim Perry, Kieran Read, Ged Robinson, Luke Romano, Colin Slade, Jordan Taufua, Codie Taylor, Tom Taylor, Matt Todd, Nafi Tuitavake, Jimmy Tupou, Luke Whitelock, Sam Whitelock.

Ins: Robbie Fruean, Jone Macilai, Ged Robinson.

Outs: Corey Flynn, George Whitelock, Tyler Bleyendaal, Rey Lee-lo, Adam Whitelock.

This year: With largely the same squad as last year it's fair to say the Crusaders will again be among the title contenders. Skipper Kieran Read and fellow All Blacks forward Sam Whitelock will sit out the opening five rounds after activating "mini-sabbaticals" while their remaining Test stars will also rest from two regular-season games - as is the case with the other New Zealand franchises. The big question surrounds Carter and whether or not his ailing body can sustain the increasing physical demands of professional rugby.

Greg Growden's Verdict: The Crusaders are always thereabouts, and as long as they handle the early weeks when several important players are away, they should again be finalists. Then the big boys will be back.

Tip: Runners-up

Odds: $5 (Bet365)

Highlanders

Last year: Sixth; third in New Zealand. Boasting a workmanlike pack and a couple of attacking backline gems, the Highlanders played well above expectations to reach the 2014 play-offs. And they very nearly pulled of a rare away win in the semi-finals, pushing South African conference winners, the Sharks, all the way in Durban.

Best finish: Runners-up (2000)

Fixtures: Crusaders (H), Reds (H), Chiefs (A), Waratahs (H), Hurricanes (H), Stormers (H), Crusaders (A), Blues (H), Brumbies (A), Sharks (H), Lions (A), Cheetahs (A), Force (A), Chiefs (H), Hurricanes (A), Blues (A).

Squad: Kane Hames, Pingi Tala'apitaga, Ma'afu Fia, Ross Geldenhuys, Josh Hohneck, Brendon Edmonds, Liam Coltman, Ash Dixon, Tom Franklin, Joe Wheeler, Alex Ainley, Mark Reddish, Dan Pryor, Gareth Evans, John Hardie, Shane Christie, Nasi Manu, Elliot Dixon, Aaron Smith, Fumiaki Tanaka, Marty Banks, Lima Sopoaga, Hayden Parker, Trent Renata, Shaun Treeby, Jason Emery, Malakai Fekitoa, Richard Buckman, Waisake Naholo, Patrick Osborne, Ben Smith, Kurt Baker.

Ins: Alex Ainley, Marty Banks Ash Dixon, Ross Geldenhuys, Josh Hohneck, Waisake Naholo, Dan Pryor, Mark Reddish, Pingi Tala'apitaga.

Outs: Josh Bekhuis, Phil Burleigh, Matias Diaz, Jarrd Hoeata, TJ Ioane, Chris King, JP Koen, Brayden Mitchell, Ged Robinson, Winston Stanley, Brad Thorn.

This year: Seemingly written off year in, year out, the Highlanders are unlikely to be bothered by talk they're set to struggle in 2015. Coach Jamie Joseph, now in his fifth season in Dunedin, will have surely planned plenty of defensive work over the summer after the Highlanders shipped 442 points in 2014 - the fourth worst record in Super Rugby. Fly-half could again prove to be a troublesome position with neither Lima Sopoaga nor Hayden Parkes producing the kind of consistency required in the play-making role.

Greg Growden's Verdict: After years in the doldrums, finally showed their true worth last season. There are a lot of new faces this season, while Brad Thorn and Ged Robinson will be missed. They should be hovering.

Tip: 8th

Odds: $29 (Bet365)

Hurricanes

Last year: Seventh; fourth in New Zealand. The Hurricanes missed out on a semi-final place by a solitary bonus-point last year. Arguably the most under-performing side in Super Rugby history, it was the same old story in 2014 as they mixed sublime performances with error-riddle efforts in the space of seven days.

Best finish: Runners-up (2006)

Fixtures: Lions (A), Bulls (A), Force (A), Blues (H), Highlanders (A), Rebels (H), Stormers (H), Waratahs (H), Reds (A), Crusaders (H), Sharks (H), Chiefs (H), Blues (A), Crusaders (A), Highlanders (H), Chiefs (A).

Squad: Mark Abbott, Vince Aso, Beauden Barrett, James Broadhurst, Dane Coles, Geoffrey Cridge, Chris Eves, Ben Franks, Callum Gibbins, Reggie Goodes, Willis Halaholo, Iopu Iopu-Aso, Cory Jane, Reynold Lee-Lo, Christian Lloyd, Ben May, James Marshall, Motu Matu'u, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Ma'a Nonu, TJ Perenara, Matt Proctor, Ardie Savea, Julian Savea, Brad Shields, Conrad Smith, Chris Smylie, Blade Thomson, Jeremy Thrush, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Victor Vito, Jason Woodward.

Ins: Vince Aso, Willis Halaholo, Geoffrey Cridge, Callum Gibbins, Iopu Iopu-Aso, Rey Lee-Lo, Nene Milner-Skudder, Ma'a Nonu, Jason Woodward.

Outs: Marty Banks, Tim Bateman, Ash Dixon, Brendon Edmonds, Jack Lam, Alapati Leiua, Faifili Levave, Hadleigh Parkes, Mark Reddish, Andre Taylor, Cardiff Vaega.

This year: It really is now or never for the Hurricanes. Ma'a Nonu is back for one last hurrah and it could well prove to be skipper Conrad Smith's final foray in yellow and black. The side has all the makings of a title contender but new coach Chris Boyd must find a way to fulfil the squad's ultimate potential and make the most of the undisputed quality they have on deck. A virtual All Blacks backline must be given a solid platform up front; and that responsibility will fall on the shoulders of Dane Coles, Victor Vito and Jeremy Thrush.

Greg Growden's Verdict: A decade ago, I gave up on the Hurricanes. They are too unpredictable, lose too many winnable games, and lack something at their core. At least there will be interest in Australia in how former Rebels fullback Jason Woodward fares.

Tip: Ninth

Odds: $15 (Bet365)