Tipster's calls for 2010

That is that then for 2009 and now that all the New Year's Resolutions have been made, it is time for our Tipster to look ahead to 2010.

That was 2009 then and now that all the customary Resolutions have been made, it is time to look a little further ahead to what might happen in 2010.

Without doubt the past twelve months across Planet Rugby has been memorable for a plethora of reasons that included a slice of Bloodgate, Druggate and that series in South Africa.

So what have we got to look forward to this year?

Of course there is another three years without the British & Irish Lions but that should not take anything away from upcoming events, as the fast approaching Six Nations, Super 14 and domestic knockout stages promise so much for rugby fans – it should keep our Tipster pretty busy too.

Speaking of our version of 'The Stig', who has recently been feeling the chill before returning south of the equator, let us see what he fancies in 2010.

Banker of the Year

Not being able to blood a good handful of their their star players has been an early hindrance for reigning English champions Leicester.

But the injury cloud seems finally to be lifting for Richard Cockerill as pivtoal internationals Toby Flood and Harry Ellis slip back into the XV following good work from Ben Youngs and Jeremy Staunton.

The form of stand-in captain Lewis Moody alongside Jordan Crane – surely now a long-term must for England at eight – is also a boost for them so I expect the Tigers to thrive going into the Guinness Premiership home straight.

Leicester to win the Guinness Premiership Grand Final!

Super 14 Shout

I don't know about you but the 2010 competition is already firmly in my thinking thanks to being safe in the knowledge that there is a much stronger Brumbies (Rocky Elsom & Matt Giteau) and Crusaders (Daniel Carter) primed for an arm-wrestle with the champion Bulls.

The multi-awarding winning group from Pretoria will be up there once again alongside the Chiefs, which completes my play-off quartet for 2010. Agreed?

The duo from New Zealand stand the best chance of beating the Bulls and I just fancy the experience of Carter, Chris Jack, Richie McCaw and Tim Bateman will help Sean Maitland, Ryan Crotty and Colin Slade in a memorable campaign for the Cantabrians.

Crusaders to come good in the Super 14!

The Best of the Rest

Heineken Cup – Leinster just have that look of back-to-back champions in waiting!

Six Nations – I am going to take a stab on England due to their favourable schedule!

Anything take your fancy??