Super Rugby 2026 Preview: Hurricanes the Favs? Chiefs' Title Window Shut?

Super Rugby is nearly back, and the pressure is already building. With preseason just around the corner, we sit down with Nigel Yalden to take a proper look at where the New Zealand sides are really at heading into 2026. From the Highlanders’ continuity and depth, to the Crusaders being ruthless when it matters most, Nigel breaks down why some teams are judged differently, and why expectations don’t disappear just because names do. We get into the Hurricanes’ growing connection, the Chiefs’ unfinished business, and the Blues’ championship-or-bust mindset. There’s also a wider conversation about player management, All Blacks workloads, squad depth, and why Super Rugby has no easy games anymore. Add in a detour through NFL misery and coaching pressure, and it’s a classic DSPN deep dive to kick the year off. Find every episode and discover your next favourite podcast on the rova app or rova.nz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices