Rugby Super League Preview & Predictions: Blue (East) Conference

The start of the U.S. Rugby Super League is set to begin this weekend and in order to get ready, we're going to preview the Blue (East) and Red (West) Conferences as well as making some predictions. Today we begin with previewing and prediction the Blue Conference.

Life University-

Last Year: 6-0 regular season, lost to SFGG in the final

Main Question: Can Life replace big name players?

Since returning to the Super League a few seasons back, Life has consistently been one of the best teams in the league. They have been able to draw on top talent like Eagles Pat Danahy and Phil Theil. They have also been able to lure players like Paul Emerick to their programme. Much of this has been made possible by the hard work for Eagle legend Dan Payne. Well, this year Emerick has found his way to Wasps, Danahy has moved back out west to play with Olympic Club, and Phil Thiel is taking a break. Still, even without his previous stalwarts Payne will likely find a way to field a strong side. Life's undergrad programme has shown the ability to produce players and some of those players may find their way into the team. While Life may struggle to replicate the perfect regular season for last year, they certainly have the infrastructure to continue to be a top team. Who emerges as a main player may be one of the best storyline of the league this year. Life take on Dallas this Saturday.

Boston-

Last Year: 4-2 regular season, Lost to Life in Semi-finals

Main Question: Can Boston replicate last year's strong season?

Boston is steady. While not having some of the big names other teams have, Boston has plenty of good players to challenge for the Blue Conference. Under the leadership of coach Mike Diamantopolous, Boston have become a side that will outwork its opponents and play smart on both sides of the ball. To a certain extend Boston were able to sneak up on several teams last year. Much of that had to do with the strong play of Eagle flyhalf Roland Suniula, but they will have to do without his services this year as he has moved on to the Chicago Griffins. Still, Boston is a solid team, and with a core that has played together for awhile, they should be a tough team to beat.

New York Athletic Club-

Last Year: 3-3 regular season, missed the playoffs

Main Question(s): How do they deal with Tolkin's absence, and can adding Stanfill make up for the loss of Hall?

The biggest change affecting NYAC this offseason is the departure of head coach Mike Tolkin. Tolkin has been a stalwart leader for the team after building up a strong programme and guiding them to the 2008 and 2010 final. Saturday's derby match with Old Blue will be Tolkin's last as NYAC head coach before moving full-time to the Eagles and the team will be under the direction of Bruce McLean. Mike Petri will return for NYAC after winning NYAC's Male Athlete of the Year award and being a star for the Eagles at the World Cup. The Eagle veteran brings leadership and direction to the team that will be needed across an expanded season. It could easily be said that Petri is the Super League's best player and this year he has 8 matches to prove why. He will also get some help in the form of returnee Lou Stanfill. After playing a couple of seasons overseas, the Eagle returns to New York where is expected to give NYAC some great defensive cover and muscle on offense. However, when one comes, one goes. Troy Hall has moved and will not be playing this season. That is a big loss for NYAC as some of felt Hall has been worthy of an Eagles call-up for some time. In his absence will be Steven Evans from Australia. All in all, NYAC have the pieces to compete for the league title, with the absence of Hall being somewhat filled by Stanfill's arrival.

Chicago Griffins-

Last Year: 2-4 regular season, missed the playoffs

Main Question: Can turn close losses into wins?

It was a down year for the Griffins last year and this year they are hoping to improve and make the playoffs. Last year the Griffins season turned on a couple of close losses. This year they are hoping that the addition of players like Suniula will put them over the edge. If a couple of result had gone different, the Griffins could have easily been 4-2 and in the playoffs. In order to make sure they have the experience necessarily to deal with close matches, they have bolstered their side by bringing in Eagle flyhalf Roland Suniula from Boston and the U.S.A. 7's programme, who replace brother Andrew. The Griffins were defeated in a pre-season match against Glendale last week, but many teams lose to Glendale. Still, it should have served as a great warm-up for the team as they get ready for the season and the chance to turn around a few results.

Old Blue-

Last Year: 0-6, missed the playoffs

Main Question: Will the changes bring new results?

Old Blue didn't exactly have their best year in 2011, and as a result the team has changed their coaching structure with Marty Veale becoming head coach. The team has also brought in some players with overseas experience to supplement their local core. Matt Costelloe, formerly of Young Munster, and Ashley Moeke of New Zealand have come into the squad and will look to bring a bit of bite to the Old Blue lineup. The first test to see whether the changes have improved the side will come this weekend when Old Blue play NYAC. If the team doesn't perform well, it could be the beginning of an even longer season for Old Blue.

Predictions:

Both NYAC and Life, lost significant players in the offseason, however, NYAC added Lou Stanfill while Life hasn't brought in anybody of equal caliber, so the edge goes to the them as the team to beat in the Blue Conference. The Griffins should be improved and could finish level with Boston but it is hard to not see Boston making a run at both NYAC and Life. Old Blue may have made changes but it still will probably not be enough to keep them out of the cellar.

Predicted order of finish:

1. NYAC

2. Life

3. Boston

4. Chicago Griffins

5. Old Blue