Just over two weeks out from the start of the season, so with things taking shape (pre-season won't show much - it never really does) I feel now is a great time to make some predictions for the year ahead.

As the 2025 Super Rugby squads are announced they'll be listed here

Both forward packs just smashed each other - hard carries and some bruising defence. Halfway through the second half you could see the toll the defensive effort took on the Chiefs forwards They got really passive - just worn out really.

Did they underperform or simply reach their peak based on the players they had? Were fans over expecting given the limitations that were obvious from the start?

This game was a perfect example of a team that's down on confidence and looking lumbering and predictable. Last year we saw slick interpassing near sidelines, and good rugby IQ. This year we don't know who our best 9 is, and are not playing heads up rugby

The only reason the Crusaders are certain of a spot in the final is not their number of competition points, points differential or total of wins, but the fact that the Blues and Chiefs game right at the end of the round robin is likely to knock one of these two out of the Final.

Canes4Life grades the teams and picks his players of the tournament

I felt the Canes really stood up on defence and kudos where it's due to the likes of Prinsep who made a whopping 21 tackles - if he puts in a shift like that every week then fair play to him on selection

Forwards are very, very impressive. Patrick is playing the rugby of his career, I love that he’s even more effective late in games. The nutrition tweak has helped him enormously. Sotutu seems like a no brainer to try at eight for the All Blacks.

Four teams and for me the team of the round would be dominated by the Blues. Their forwards set a magnificent platform and were punishing in defence.