14 ways to make this season Super

Believe it or not the rugby season proper is upon us. The sevens entree has been devoured and now it's on to the Super scene. Here are 14 wishes for the Kiwi effort and the championship in general.

1 - A replacement stands up strongly for Dan Carter. Chiefs pivot Stephen Donald heads a list of candidates that isn't totally reassuring. Someone needs to do something special at No 10. One man doesn't make a team but already there's a vulnerable air to the All Blacks at the thought of no DC calling the shots.

2 - Ditto for Riche McCaw's backup. He's in a class of his own but the change in tact with his various deputies last season wasn't all that convincing. There's an opportunity begging in a position of traditional strength for the New Zealand game.

3 - The referees must improve. There has been a dramatic drop in standards as all three countries have lost some top whistlemen. Too many crucial decisions affected Super 14 matches last year. It can't go on.

4 - The Chiefs get off to a good start. Their preseason form has been impressive. It's time to transfer that into the big arena rather than having to play their annual game of catchup.

5 - The Aussies come up with a real marquee player. With all due respect to Daniel Braid and Ben Castle, the much-hyped plan to introduce some international talent across the ditch has fallen flat. Maybe as seasons draw to a close elsewhere, a true superstar pops up. It's a good idea but at the moment it pales in comparison to what's happening in Europe.

6 - The Blues stay injury-free. The omens aren't good with Ali Williams (back) and Rudi Wulf (broken wrist) already sidelined. They look shaky in terms of depth below their favoured XV so they need to keep their big guns fit and firing if they are to factor this year.

7 - Toddy Blackadder continues the Crusade. A first-up title might be a tall order but everyone knows the red and black legend is a great bloke. Here's one nice guy who deserves a good time. Importantly he seems to have done his apprenticeship to give himself and his team a decent chance of continuing their remarkable record.

8 - The Highlanders go to another level. They did a decent job last year with their squad of discards. No one could deny their honesty and effort. But the southern faithful need better than that this time around. Heart-breaking losses need to be turned into wins. It's time to get ruthless.

9 - The Hurricanes finally fulfil their potential. They have arguably the most talented New Zealand squad and even the various bookmakers are close to agreeing on that. They also have a coach well-schooled in this domain. It's time to deliver.

10 - The Blues boos. Forget the unimaginative idea of trying to copy Munster's ploy of employing silence at the ground when goalkickers are operating. Why not go for something original. A low moan of Bluuuuuuuuueeee perhaps?

11 - The fans turn up. Every Kiwi ground was guilty of poor attendances at some stage last season. The World Cup hangover excuse is long gone. Only an economic downturn is closing the wallets now. But hey, if you are a true footy fan, give yourself a night away from the telly. Break out a buck or two now to help save the national game and support your team. If it's good enough for the South Africans, it's good enough for New Zealanders.

12 - A Kiwi coach will win the title. But don't bet against that being former Wellington mentor John Plumtree who is now in charge of the Sharks in Durban. He's been getting plenty of good press in the republic as kick-off looms.

13 - Sanzar comes up with a worthy new look for their competition. We've heard talk of expansion for a long, long time. But when push came to shove late last year the three countries couldn't even agree to expand the finals format. It's time they came up with something to rev up the product as they look ahead.

14 - We get through a season without a scandal. Think quokkas, think bar room brawls, think sex allegations, think drug abuse. Does all this add up to professionalism or just young men paid too much money with too much time on their hands and a lack of respect or accountability?

What would you like to see happen this season? What are the big issues facing the teams and the championship? Have your say below.

- © Fairfax NZ News