The Highlanders bought a whole heap of older players and haven't invested in new talent. They have a journeyman coach (much like Canterbury). In summary, they kind of suck.
The Blues and the Chiefs are the strongest sides in NZ.
Agreed, Thorn 38, Woocock, 32, Nonu, 30, Hore 34. They're nearly discards (maybe not Hore) and they're starting to show their age. Thomson gone, Croswell gone, Nasi Manu out of the forwards and Tamati Ellison out of the backs, both injured for the year. Persisting with t
wo locks (not Thorn) with the combined IQ of a rugby ball, we're looking pretty meh.
And people suggested we would be title contenders this year, tut tut.
Oh.. and well done to the Cheetahs. They played well.