Super Rugby Pacific burning questions: Can anyone unseat the mighty Crusaders?

So Stuff’s senior rugby writers have gathered to tackle the burning questions of a 2023 season that once again sees everyone chasing that red and black standard.

Razor Robertson has never not won a title in six years at the Crusaders -- what chance he bows out with a 7th in '23?

Marc Hinton: A very good one. The road to the title still runs through red and black country while Robertson is there to weave his motivational magic, and they have a beautiful balance of All Blacks quality and no-fuss, high-IQ role players who understand the formula for success. There are no weaknesses in a group who will not beat themselves, which means something special is needed to unseat them.

Paul Cully: Reasonably high. The way the Crusaders dismantled the Blues in the final last year sent a message to the competition: look as good as you want during the round-robin, because it doesn't matter when you get to the Big Dance. If Richie Mo'unga stays fit, the Crusaders will go very close. Their depth is excellent, and with Ethan Blackadder and Jack Goodhue out of the casualty ward their squad might be even stronger this year.

Richard Knowler: If Mo'unga remains unencumbered by injury, the Crusaders will strong-arm their way into the playoffs and, quite probably, win the competition. This dynasty has been built around the talent of Mo'unga and Robertson. Only when the former leaves for Japan, will New Zealanders fully appreciate what he has given the game here.

The Blues rattled the cage in '22 with 15 straight victories leading into the final. What do they have to do to take the final step?

Hinton: Not implode at lineout time when the title goes on the line would be a good start. The Blues were the best team in the competition last year – until it really mattered. Then they were a rabble. The Crusaders showed them what it’s really about when the trophy is on the line, and it’s a lesson that will haunt them until they get a chance to face those demons again.

Cully: Here's a tip. If they beat the Crusaders in the regular season – especially in Christchurch in mid-May – tone down the celebrations. The Blues' celebrations when they beat the Crusaders in Christchurch last year were duly noted by players who used that fuel to devastating effect when they met again in the final. The Blues are a well-coached side with great depth, but lacked the maturity to take the final step last year.

Knowler: Get more juice out of the immensely talented Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. If MacDonald can somehow get more out of the ex-NRL star, and what a player he was in that competition, the possibilities are endless.

The Hurricanes, Chiefs and Highlanders will also fancy their chances. Who's most likely to challenge from that group?

Hinton: The Canes have a quality starting group, but depth will be their biggest issue. The Chiefs are loaded and with D-Mac back to add that floating unpredictability, they have all the tools to unseat the big two. It feels like Samisoni Taukei'aho could be an unstoppable force, and Pita Gus Sowakula has a big statement to make. Clayton McMillan is an outstanding coach too. Warren who?

Cully: If the Chiefs don't make the final they'll be bitterly disappointed. There are no excuses, They have a good core of senior All Blacks, excellent depth, and X-factor in Shaun Stevenson, Cortez Ratima and Sowakula. They should have beaten the Crusaders in the semifinal last year, and there are few teams that can compete when Taukei'aho and Brodie Retallick get that big pack rumbling forward.

Knowler: The Chiefs. It depends on whether McMillan can create the right chemistry in the backline, given Damian McKenzie may slot in at fullback so that Bryn Gatland and Josh Ioane can operate in the key playmaker role. Rotating his pivots - in other words thrusting McKenzie into first receiver during matches - could add venom to the attack.

Now Ian Foster has finally figured out Jordie Barrett is the best 12 in NZ, what's his next World Cup conundrum that SRP might help him solve?

Hinton: There are a few head-scratchers still to solve. How does be best use Beauden Barrett? Will Jordan? Who’s right wing? No 6? But the intriguing battle between skipper Sam Cane and rising star Dalton Papalii for the No 7 jersey stands out. If Foster’s honest with himself, he will accept his captain has been surpassed on pure form. Then it comes down to how highly he values his leadership.

Cully: Foster's real conundrum is he could pick the right players in the right positions and the All Blacks still mightn't be good enough. Take No 10: Richie Mo'unga isn't in the top three in the world, possibly even top five. And he's honest about it – the playmaker knows his Super Rugby form hasn't been replicated in tests. Foster's task is to turn Crusaders Mo'unga into All Blacks Mo'unga. Easier said than done.

Knowler: I've always banged on about the talents of Shannon Frizell, so will back him to repel the challenge from Scott Barrett for the No 6 jersey. Frizell often delivers for the Highlanders, in work ethic and consistency, and if he remains free of injury, he could be a big asset for Foster.

Super Rugby never fails to deliver in promoting young talent. Who's a player you have tabbed to make a move in '23?

Hinton: There’s something about Blues flanker Anton Segner that exudes top-end class. He will have to be patient around opportunities in a loose trio with three All Blacks, but this is a kid with all the tools, and set to be an important figure over the next cycle. Watch him come of age.

Cully: Highlanders lock Fabian Holland, although the All Blacks won't get their hands on the 20-year-old Dutchman until ‘25. Holland is out early with a knee injury, but when fit he'll be in the Highlanders' 23. He's big, mobile, learns quickly and competes hard for every inch on either side of the ball.

Knowler: Ruben Love will be worth watching. Injury will delay his start with the Hurricanes, but if the fullback/first-five builds on his performances with Wellington in the NPC last year, and later the All Blacks XV up north, you can expect him to feature in punters’ conversations.