NSW Waratahs

Finishes over the past three seasons: 2011 – qualifying-finalists; 2010 – semi-finalists; 2009 – 5th

Coach: Michael Foley

Captain: Rocky Elsom

Gains: Rocky Elsom (Brumbies), Adam Ashley-Cooper (Brumbies), Sarel Pretorius (Cheetahs, SA), Grayson Hart (Southern Districts)

Losses: Phil Waugh (retired), Al Baxter (retired), Kurtley Beale (Melbourne), Luke Burgess (Toulouse), Soseni Anesi (NTT Communications, Japan), Ryan Cross (Perpignan), Ben Mowen (Brumbies), Josh Holmes (France), Cam Jowitt

One to watch: Berrick Barnes – With Kurtley Beale out of the picture, it’s up to the No.10 to take charge of the Waratahs attack.

Best team: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tom Kingston, Rob Horne, Tom Carter, Drew Mitchell, Berrick Barnes, Sarel Pretorius, Wycliff Palu, Chris Alcock, Rocky Elsom, Dan Vickerman, Sitaleki Timani, Benn Robinson, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Sekope Kepu. Interchange: Dean Mumm, Dave Dennis, Damien Fitzpatrick, Jeremy Tilse, Daniel Halangahu, Atieli Pakalani, Brendan McKibbin.

Predicted Australian conference finish: 2nd.

Betting: Sportingbet: $7.50 (to win comeptition)