The Australian and New Zealand Super Rugby teams are set to battle it out for supremacy across Super Rugby Trans-Tasman.
Rugby.com.au will be previewing every Australian team along with their New Zealand counterparts.
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On the eve of the competition, here is how each Kiwi team is positioned ahead of Super Rugby Trans-Tasman.
Super Rugby Aotearoa form
The Crusaders were once again crowned champions after a dominant season under coach Scott Robertson.
They would win their first four games of 2021 before falling to losses against the Highlanders and Chiefs.
Despite this, they would eventually gain revenge in the Final, defeating the Chiefs 24-13.
Key Player
Flyhalf Richie Mo'unga continues to be the leading man for the Crusaders and New Zealand Rugby.
The 2020 Super Rugby Player of the Year has guided the defending champions around the park with ease, all but securing the MVP award.
As always, he will loom as the major difference-maker for the Crusaders if they want to cement their place as the premier club in the world.
Young Gun to watch
Number eight Cullen Grace has picked up where he left off in 2020 as he continues to be a menace over the ball.
Grace is an incredibly physical player that sets the tempo for their pack in defence and attack.
Shutting him down and limiting his effectiveness is crucial towards slowing down the Crusaders.
Super Rugby Aotearoa form
The Chiefs nearly pulled off the fairytale run, falling at the last hurdle against the Crusaders.
After a pair of thumping losses, Clayton McMillan's side continued to pull off tight win after tight win as they rose up the Aotearoa rankings.
They would eventually book their place in the Final, falling valiantly to the Crusaders.
Key Player
Damien McKenzie looms as the biggest threat as he shifts between flyhalf and fullback.
McKenzie finished the season as the leading point-scorer, kicking several crucial penalties at the death to win the game for the Chiefs.
Their attack seems to run through the All Black, so shutting his play-making abilities down and reducing penalties in kickable areas will be the keys to success.
Young Gun to watch
Josh Lord has become a key member of the Chiefs pack after a string of injuries.
Lord has earned a starting spot for their game against the Force, with both Mitchell Brown and Naitoa Ah Kuoi missing the trip to Western Australia.
The U20 representative showed that he could match it with the best in their final Round loss to the Blues and his towering 2.02m frame makes him a nightmare at lineout time.
Super Rugby Aotearoa form
The Blues' inconsistency would come back to haunt them as they narrowly missed the Final.
Wins over the Highlanders and Hurricanes were offset by losses to the Crusaders and Chiefs as they failed to gain proper momentum.
This would come back to haunt them as they ended tied on points at the end of the regular season, missing the finals on a countback.
Key Player
In a squad that has been ravaged by injuries, number eight Hoskins Sotutu remains one of the key game-breakers for their pack.
Sotutu was rewarded for a strong 2020 campaign with All Blacks and has continued that form into 2021.
With the likes of Patrick Tuipolutu and Dalton Papalii on the sidelines, Sotutu has stepped up and formed a nice partnership alongside Tom Robinson, looming as a threat across the breakdown.
Young Gun to watch
Zarn Sullivan exploded onto the scene during their find Round win over the Chiefs.
The fullback was electric at the back, scoring a try as he earned re-selection for their opening Round clash against the Rebels.
The 20-year-old enters the competition as an unknown prospect, however, needs to step up and help create opportunities for the Blues with Caleb Clarke off to Sevens.
Super Rugby Aotearoa form
Like the Blues, the Highlanders struggled for consistency across Super Rugby Aotearoa as they finished in fourth place.
Disappointing losses to the Blues and Hurricanes would be followed by an incredible performance against the Crusaders, before falling to the Chiefs in a thriller.
For outgoing coach Tony Brown, it was a season of 'what could've been' as they managed just three wins from eight games.
Key Player
Aaron Smith continues to get better with age as he leads the Highlanders around the pack.
Taking the co-captaincy alongside Ash Dixon, Smith has been integral to their success and has been quick to fire barbs across to his Australian counterparts.
With Shannon Frizell set to miss their opening round clash, Smith needs to step up as a leader if they wish to upset the Super Rugby AU champion Reds.
Young Gun to watch
Kazuki Himeno has been the revelation of the season, named Rookie of the Year after a standout season at flanker.
The Japanese import missed the opening three rounds of the season, however, his impressive all-round performance, particularly against the Crusaders, made him a no-brainer for the award.
Himeno, who has already earned selection by club coach Tony Brown ahead of the Brave Blossoms Tests against the British and Irish Lions and Ireland, will be looking to further establish himself as a Highlanders cult hero.
Super Rugby Aotearoa form
The Hurricanes failed to fire in 2021 as they settle into life with Beauden Barrett.
After a series of heartbreaking losses, the Hurricanes struggled throughout the season, often needing a Jordie Barrett masterclass to deliver victory.
They would win just two matches in Super Rugby Aotearoa, with coach Jason Holland optimistic about a better showing in Super Rugby Trans-Tasman.
Key Player
As alluded to earlier, Jordie Barrett remains the main game-breaker for the Hurricanes.
This was evident in their 30-19 win over the Highlanders as Barrett scored all 30 points, capped off by a hat-trick.
Barrett can do it all, often slotting into first or second receiver, and needs to be contained if the Australian teams want to overcome the Hurricanes.
Young Gun to watch
Ruben Love hasn't looked back since being thrown the starting flyhalf job late into the Super Rugby Aotearoa season.
The 20-year-old has grown in confidence and his distribution and tactical play will be essential heading forward.
With Ardie Savea and France-bound Ngani Laumape out for their opening round, Love will need to take over and help fellow young half Luke Campbell guide their pack around the park if they want to secure victory.
