More penalties are expected and the number of players shown yellow cards is set to increase with a "zero tolerance" crackdown on head-high tackles to be implemented in Super Rugby this season.

Teams have spent time in the off-season formulating plans to combat the new rules, which include a minimum yellow card sanction for reckless contact with the head.

Accidental contact – even if it is below shoulder height and an attacking player falls – will automatically result in a penalty.

The new laws, implemented by World Rugby, mean players will have to be much more vigilant, particularly tall players – such as Will Skelton and Rory Arnold – tackling smaller players.

There are concerns players will deliberately lead with the head in order to milk a penalty. 

2. Off-field drama to keep clubs on their toes

Australian Super Rugby clubs have more to lose than ever.

With the competition structure shrouded in uncertainly, there is significant pressure to perform.

Should the Western Force, Melbourne Rebels or ACT Brumbies fail to get out of the blocks quickly, fingers will be pointed with a lingering threat that one franchise may not be wanted beyond this year.

The blowtorch will be on coaches more than last season, with results as important as ever, particularly given the increasing gulf in standard between Australian and New Zealand teams.

There are concerns from some in the rugby fraternity that if Australian teams flop in the first few rounds, the idea of cutting a franchise will be justified to those who want to see it happen. 

3. Will Israel Folau continue his Super Rugby dominance?

Australian rugby's poster boy will start at outside-centre for the Waratahs but debate will still rage about where Folau is best suited.

But will he come up short like he has in recent international matches?

Folau has crossed for an impressive 36 tries in 61 appearances for the Waratahs and last year surpassed Lote Tuqiri's club record of 29.

Last year Folau scored the most tries (11) of any player in Super Rugby and was ranked fourth for number of carries (173), fourth for metres run (1250m) and fifth in the offloads department (24).

As grand as these numbers may be, Folau has failed to replicate his early career form in a gold jersey.

Three tries in his last 26 Tests shows opposition teams have successfully combated Folau's attacking brilliance.

Is a move to outside-centre the circuit breaker he needs?

4. Will Australian teams be any match for their New Zealand counterparts?

Australian sides tasted victory on just three occasions against New Zealand opposition last year.

Results can't get much worse, but will they get better? The assumption is a British and Irish Lions tour in New Zealand this year will inspire aspiring All Blacks to inflict further damage on their rivals.

The barometer of success this year for Australia may well be getting a second team into the quarter-finals.

One Australian team is guaranteed to progress – it was the Brumbies last year – but there is genuine hope that number will double.

Early results are important otherwise fans will have no hesitation reaching for the television remote.

5. Which Wallaby positions are up for grabs?

With Michael Cheika keeping a close eye on things – so much so he even travels to New Zealand at times to watch Australian Super Rugby teams – a number of Wallaby positions will be up for grabs, starting with the back row.

With David Pocock making his way through the African jungle, Cheika needs a No.8 and No.6 and will be scouring for options.

Cheika likes Lopeti Timani, however the big Tongan weapon has been picked in the second row for the Rebels on Thursday, despite stating his preference to play with a No.8 on his back.

Sean McMahon is injured for the time being, leaving the door open for someone – perhaps Jed Holloway when he recovers from injury – to step up to the plate.

A wing spot and perhaps the back-up halfback role, when Will Genia isn't be available, are two other positions which will be hotly contested.