Super Rugby
Seven stars to illuminate Super Rugby
Greg Growden
February 6, 2015
Greg Growden and Sam Bruce look forward to season 2015

Greg Growden has listed seven stars he is looking forward to watching this Super Rugby as he believes they will feature in shaping the season. Which players do you think will light up Super Rugby in 2015? Let us know in the comments below, or join the debate using the hashtag #SuperRugbyStars.

Pat Lambie (Sharks)

The Sharks are blessed with a good draw, and they are expected to be less inhibited under new coach Gary Gold than the dictatorial Jake White, who has moved on to France via Tonga. So much depends on their No.10, who will be eager to stay ahead of Handre Pollard in the Springboks' selection stakes; and the best way to retain the Test jumper is to direct the Sharks to the finals.

Patrick Lambie can improve again with less dictatorial coaching in Durban © Getty Images
Enlarge

James O'Connor (Reds)

The troubled son has his many detractors, but a Test spot is certain if he quickly re-establishes himself in the Super Rugby ranks as a force at his third province. But where? Fullback? Wing? Centre? Five-eighth? Also O'Connor has a messy history with Reds coach Richard Graham. Can Graham contain O'Connor and fellow "Amigo" Quade Cooper? Expect headlines from Brisvegas all tournament, hopefully for the right reasons.

We expect big things from James O'Connor back in his home state © Image Supplied: Queensland Rugby Union
Enlarge

David Pocock (Brumbies)

It seems like an eternity since the former Wallabies skipper has been sighted on a football field, but the debate will be immediate if his return is enlightening: who should be the Wallabies' World Cup skipper? Pocock or Michael Hooper? Both have their followers, and their performances all season will provide endless comment. Also interesting to see how the Australian Rugby Union handles Pocock after his recent anti-mining altercation.

The Brumbies need David Pocock to re-establish his Wallabies credentials © Getty Images
Enlarge

Handre Pollard (Bulls)

If the Springboks are to be any hope at the World Cup, they must have a class No.10; and Pollard gets his chance with the Bulls to make that spot his. Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer has allowed Pollard to play his natural game, which includes constantly taking the ball to the gain line, but will he be allowed similar freedom with the Bulls? It's the big question in South Africa, as the Bulls have in the past relied on big-kicking pivots constantly putting the ball in front of their gargantuan forwards.

Will the Bulls allow Handre Pollard to play his natural ball-running game? © Getty Images
Enlarge

Jacques Potgieter (Waratahs)

Will the best signing of the 2014 Super Rugby competition be a victim of the second-season syndrome? Potgieter's recruitment from the Bulls to the Waratahs was a master stroke, with his exceptional forward play crucial in transforming the constant also-rans into tournament titleholders. But can he do it two years in a row? The Waratahs will be hoping. The rest not.

Jacques Potgieter established became a cult hero in 2014, and the Waratahs need him to back up those efforts © Getty Images
Enlarge

Brodie Retallick (Chiefs)

World rugby's standout lock and the World Rugby World Player of the Year was a distinctive power in the All Blacks jersey, and the Chiefs will hope he produces at provincial level. Retallick has high standards, and he sometimes slipped below that during last year's Super Rugby tournament. The Chiefs will be a serious tournament contender this season only if Retallick is a set-piece force.

Brodie Retallick must feature to the fore if the Chiefs are to make another title bid © Getty Images
Enlarge

Ben Smith (Highlanders)

For so many, the Highlanders became their second favourite Super Rugby team last year - primarily because they were one of the real tournament entertainers, attacking from everywhere. A lot of that had to do with their fullback and co-captain, who ran more metres than any other player during the 2014 tournament. As Chris Latham showed with the Reds, there is nothing more invigorating that a fullback wanting to be more than just someone reliable under the high ball.

Which players do you think will light up Super Rugby in 2015? Let us know in the comments below, or join the debate using the hashtag #SuperRugbyStars.

Ben Smith is the Duke of Dunedin © Getty Images
Enlarge
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.