Every year there is that silly season just after October where contracts get signed and players find new homes.  Sometimes they move for the money.  Sometimes they move to get away from a struggling team.  Sometimes they move to a team they think will prosper.  Sometimes there are personal or other reasons why they switch loyalty.  I take my hat off to players that stick at a union through thick and thin.  Names like Juan Smith at the Cheetahs, Mils Muliaina at the Chiefs and Cobus Grobbelaar at the Lions are shining examples of strong loyalty.  

Lets look at some of the new faces around the Super Rugby squads:

At the Bulls:
Johann Sadie has been touted as a future springbok.  The Stormers must be kicking themselves for not securing his signature.  He makes his debut this weekend against the Sharks with his opposite number being retreaded wing JP Pietersen.

Chance of success in 2012: 8/10

At the Stormers:
The men from the cape were relatively quiet this off-season with very few new signings, many of the new faces come from the junior ranks.  And that is where the Stormers newbie Eben Etzebeth comes from.  He partners Andries Bekker this weekend against the 'Canes.  He has with his rather large frame made giant strides, literally and figuratively, in the past 2 years playing for the Baby Boks and WP after an outstanding season in the Varsity Cup for UCT.

Chances of success in 2012: 9/10

At the Brumbies:
After a poor 2011 many old faces left for greener pastures.  And in steps Mr Fix-it Jake White.  In typical Jake White fashion he takes over a team with great potential that had been suffering recently and looks to see who will work hard and fit in his ideology.  He has found some able lieutenants in Pat McCabe, Ben Hand, Ben Mowen and Stephen Moore.

Chances of success in 2012: 6/10

At the Rebels:
The new duo of Kurtley Beale and James O'Connor will make the Rebels a formidable outfit with some attacking potential.  The Rebels tight five could be a weak spot, but these guys have proven even at international level, they can create chances out of virtually nothing.

Chances of success in 2012: 8/10

At the Lions:
The huge Hendrick Roodt is a lock very much in the Bakkies Botha mould and should not be taken lightly.

Chances of success in 2012: 4/10

At the Chiefs:
They have secured Aaron Cruden and Sonny Bill Williams.  Too very attacking players with World Cup winning medals.  The Chiefs will be one of the top try scoring teams with these two creative players linking up with Richard Kahui in midfield.  Tim Nanai-Williams will benefit most and could top the try scoring sheets.  Defence could be a lottery though.

Chances of success in 2012: 7/10

At the Sharks:
Riaan Viljoen is a talented fullback that can play flyhalf as well as wing.  He has a tremendous boot too.  I expect to see him flourish in the black and white of the Sharks.

Chances of success in 2012: 6/10

At the Hurricanes:
Ben May has come in to bolster the ranks leaving the Chiefs in the process.  With a depleted squad, Ben May is a welcome addition to their roster.

Chances of success in 2012: 5/10

At the Cheetahs:
Their debutant flyhalf Johan Goosen is the complete flyhalf.  He kicks virtually everything over.  He has a great pass and step.  He seams to have it all.  Does he have Big Match Temperament though?  I think he will show what he is made of very soon.

Chances of success in 2012: 9/10

At the Crusaders:
Luke Whitelock makes it 4 brothers in the Canterbury squad.  He will undoubtedly get more than enough playing time and will be helped by a massively experienced squad.

Chances of success in 2012: 6/10

At the Reds:
The title of "next big thing" in Australian rugby tends to be accurate.  Over the last 5 years that title has belonged to Quade Cooper, Kurtley Beale, James O'Connor and Liam Gill.  The latest kid being touted as the "next big thing" in Australian rugby is 19 year old Chris Feauai-Sautia.  He has the record of most capped Australian Schoolboy player.  He is an extremely talented winger.  Only question is, will he get game time?

Chances of success in 2012: 7/10

At the Waratahs:
Adam Ashley-Cooper is a world class back filling whatever spot the coach requires of him.  The Waratahs seem to be a very confident bunch playing clinical rugby, are they peaking to early?

Chances of success in 2012:  8/10

At the Highlanders:
A paceman with a great record, Hosea Gear will provide the Highlanders with a true finisher.  He will be hoping to catch the All Black selectors eye this year.

Chances of success in 2012: 7/10

At the Force:
Salesi Ma'afu has become a serious front ranker the last 2 seasons and his move to the Force could pave the way to bigger things for the tighthead.

Chances of success in 2012: 6/10

At the Blues:
The Blues team is bolstered by the ex-Hurricane duo of Piri Weepu and Ma'a Nonu.  Two players who have done it all but win a Super Rugby Championship.  They have a realistic chance this year.

Chances of success in 2012: 9/10

So there you have it, the new guys on the block trying to make successful changes or bright starts to their career.  Who else is going to make a name for himself this season?