Clarkie's first-placed preview

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Foxsports.com.au continues its countdown to the 2011 Super Rugby season by looking at New South Wales Waratahs, the team Greg Clark predicts will finish first in the newly-formed Australian conference.

Rebels (a), Reds (h), Crusaders (a), bye, Cheetahs (h), Brumbies (a), Chiefs (h), Force (a), Blues (a), Reds (a), Rebels (h), Force (h), bye, Lions (h), Sharks (a), Bulls (a), Highlanders (h), Brumbies (h).

Kurtley Beale  Dynamic ... Beale will set the competition alight.Source: News Limited Super Rugby Previews: Australia First: 'There can be no excuses this season'Second: 'The backline has plenty of class'Third: 'They have enough class to be a major threat'Fourth: 'The squad isn't as good on paper this year'Fifth: 'Experienced heads on the playing roster' Who Will Win 2011 Super Rugby? BluesBrumbiesBullsChiefsCheetahsCrusadersForceHighlandersHurricanesLionsRebelsRedsSharksStormersWaratahsWho's new: Ryan Cross (Western Force), Brackin Karauria-Henry (Brumbies), Tom Kingston (Sydney University/ Sevens), Pat O'Connor (Northland, New Zealand), Afa Pakalani (Auckland, New Zealand), Paddy Ryan (Sydney University).

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Who's shot through: Hendrik Roodt (released), Rory Sidey (Brumbies), Will Caldwell (released), Dan Palmer (Brumbies), Chris Thomson (released). Then and now: 2010 was another promising year for the Waratahs that ultimately ended in disappointment. While they played some fine rugby throughout the season, particularly in their victories over the Hurricanes and Blues, their trip to Cape Town for a semi-final saw them dusted by a physical Stormers pack. There aren't any major changes to their squad for this season, but the sensational form of Kurtley Beale, Drew Mitchell and Berrick Barnes on the Wallabies spring tour suggests this could be the year the Waratahs live up to their hype. Their toughest challenge in the Australian conference will come from Queensland Reds, but if they get at least one victory over their old nemesis, they should finish on top. Main Man: Kurtley Beale. There was a time when Kurtley Beale’s days at the SFS looked numbered, but since his move into the No.15 jersey, he hasn’t looked back. The switch from fly half/inside centre seemed to wake the confident game he possessed as a schoolboy, which had been missing since his move into the professional ranks. At the back he has time, space and a brilliant combination with wingers Drew Mitchell and Lachie Turner. The trio will be worth the price of admission alone this season and when given the chance to counter-attack, they won’t disappoint.

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Next big thing: Brendan McKibbin. The former Queensland Reds halfback made the move south at the start of the 2010 season, but failed to dislodge either Luke Burgess or Josh Holmes from the Tahs’ No.9 jersey. Plying his trade in the Sydney Club competition, McKibbin had a sensational season with Eastern Suburbs and went on to win the prestigious Ken Catchpole Medal. McKibbin likes to snipe in and around the ruck, throws a flat pass and is always in support. Don’t be surprised if the nuggety scrum half forces his way into the Waratahs 22 in 2011. He’s got the class, he just needs the opportunity. Fox Sports Stats: The Waratahs will hope for another stellar season from winger Drew Mitchell. In 2010 Mitchell was the equal leading tryscorer in the competition (nine), and leader in tackle busts (78). The Adjudicator: “Hmmm, smell that? The unmistakable scent of anticipation always seems to drift around Sydney in February, as discussion across the inner-city bars and pubs quickly turns to the Tahs’ Super Rugby chances. I learnt long ago that once the conversation turns to the boys in blue, it’s best to take a final gulp from your schooner and slip out the back door. The theory is that if you haven’t heard the pre-season chat about the Tahs, then there’s still a chance they’ll shake the giant monkey that’s built a mansion on their back. So my friends, how will the Tahs’ go in 2011? Read the form guides. I won’t be the one who delivers the knockout punch this year.” Fantasy darkhorse and banker: Dave Dennis ($325,000). In a team chock full of superstars, it’s pretty hard to hunt down a bargain but Dennis is one to keep an eye on. He won’t be a walk-up start by any means this season, but with injuries almost certain to claim a few forwards at some point, he’ll get his chance eventually. Berrick Barnes ($375,000). The Waratahs No.10 is a fantasy player you can rely on week in, week out. He’s not flashy, won’t ever showboat to the crowd and is developing into a more than capable goalkicker. If you’re looking for a stable player who’ll lock in a better-than average amount of points on a regular basis, then the country-music loving kid from Kingaroy is the way to go. Clarkie says: "There can be no excuses this season as they have an abundance of experienced players, some exciting home grown youngsters and a few very good signings from other franchises. Coach Chris Hickey can almost field a full Wallabies line-up and if this is to be Phil Waugh’s final year at the Waratahs, it should be the extra motivation required for his teammates to help him win a title in his 12th year of Super Rugby." Let us know what you think of the Waratahs' chances in 2011. Post a comment and have your say.