of two years, no-nonsense coach and former All Blacks hardman Jamie Joseph has turned the Highlanders into a formidable force. His success has come from instilling a work-hard ethic coupled with astute recruitment.

Tony Woodcock and Ma'a Nonu have joined from the Blues and bruising former All Blacks lock Brad Thorn is another new addition.

The problem with the resurgent Highlanders under Joseph is they have self-destructed at the crunch end of the season, but the professionalism of the new trio should boost their chances of making the play-offs for the first time since 2002.

On the downside for the Highlanders, solid midfielder Tamati Ellison has been sidelined by injury.

Coach Mark Hammett cleared the decks when he took charge in 2011 to produce a relatively new-look side intent on playing anentertaining, high-risk, game. Last year they finished eighth, scoring more tries and points than any other team, but in terms of possession, territory and tries conceded they were well down the list.

Their strength lies in the flair of their back three - Conrad Smith, Julian Savea and Andre Taylor. Their forwards have been bolstered by the recruitment of Ben Franks to steel the front row but they have lost ace try scorer Cory Jane to injury.

Rival teams will have a better understanding of what makes the Hurricanes tick and their challenge is to again produce a successful counter-attack ethos while shoring up their defences.

The Rebels embark on their third Super Rugby season bolstered by hooker Shota Horie, who is in line to become the first Japanese player in