We've barely been able to bat an eyelid since New South Wales Waratahs claimed their first Super Rugby title in August, but here we are on the cusp of yet another season; and what a tournament it promises to be. To help you uncover a list of contenders for this year's title, we've taken a look back at previous editions of the competition to see what trends have occurred.

A reasonably level playing field

Despite the All Blacks' continued dominance of international rugby over the last 10 years, the battle between the franchise teams from either side of the Tasman Sea and South Africa has been ultra-competitive - with each nation producing successful sides of predominantly home-grown talent.

New Zealand have provided four competition winners since its move to 14 clubs in 2006, South Africa three and Australia two. Interestingly, the figures read the same for the number of runners-up provided by each nation. A simple addition: there have been eight New Zealand teams involved in finals since 2006, six South African sides and four from Australia.

Use the ball wisely

Looking back at the most recent Super Rugby champions, some common traits can be found in their success. The competition has always had a reputation for an attractive and open style of play, and the past three editions have definitely seen a pattern of success for sides with flair and attacking prowess.

While the Chiefs proved the need to dictate possession is but a myth, the 2012 and 2013 winners did share an attacking trait with last year's champions, the Waratahs namely the ability to get over the gain-line. Both sides also showed a willingness to chance their arm by keeping the ball alive (which in turn produced a high error rate) and this ultimately proved a recipe for success.

Shaky set-piece? No problem

Interestingly, since 2012, the winners of the competition have fared poorly at the set-piece - making further pleasing reading for sides that aim to keep the ball alive instead of playing for territory. When compared with northern hemisphere rugby and the Test arena, this really does add to the unique nature of the competition.

Further illustrating the lesser importance of the set-piece in Super Rugby is the fact the past four winners have ranked 10th or worse when it comes to ball retention at the scrum. While it would be bad practice to neglect scrummaging and the lineout at training - particularly in Asutralia - victory in those battles does not necessarily guarantee the points in Super Rugby as it can in international or European rugby.

Prior to 2012, the Reds and Bulls produced success through other means. Neither side were particularly dangerous with ball in hand but maintained an excellent lineout, a low rate of errors and vigorous defence.

Hitting your straps

With the format of the competition, it goes without saying a side must peak through the latter stages of the season. But the past five years show the eventual champions have made an impressive starts as well (with the exception of the Waratahs).

Should a side be near the top of the attacking charts and boast a 70% win rate come the half-way mark of the 2015 season, recent history suggests they'll be hard to ignore as a potential finalist.