Wallabies coach Robbie Deans doesn't believe reigning Super Rugby champions the Reds will fall victim to second-year syndrome, and is confident two Australian sides will make the semi-finals in 2012.
The Reds will go from being the hunters to the hunted this season after claiming their maiden title last year.
But Deans, who knows a thing or two about defending a crown having led the Crusaders to five titles before taking over the Wallabies job in 2008, believes the Reds are primed for a strong title defence.
"The Reds will have a target on their back this year, there's no doubt about that, but I'm also very confident they'll be up for that," Deans said at ARU headquarters on Tuesday.
"I was up there yesterday and they haven't stood still, they're continuing to raise the bar in terms of the way they prepare and how they're supporting their playing group, which is a good indicator."
"So they'll obviously aspire to retaining that title, they've had a taste of it, they clearly enjoyed it, their public enjoyed it, you've only got to look at their membership numbers and I wouldn't underestimate the impact of that."
"I fully expect they'll be there at the end and it'd be great to have two Australian sides there at the business end, and by the business end I mean the semis, and I think we're capable of that."
Deans also backed the Reds to manage without injured five-eighth Quade Cooper, who will miss at least the first two months of the season with a knee injury suffered at the Rugby World Cup.
"I don't think they'll change their game hugely, obviously Quade's got a unique skill set but it's a team game," Deans said when asked what impact Cooper's absence will have on the Reds game plan.
"Sure, he brings some elements that people remember and he's been a big part of driving the spectacle at Suncorp (Stadium), but there's many other components to their team and to their game as well."
"He's part of a vehicle that gives him that luxury if you like, and they've got a playing group there that's more than able to cover his absence."
Deans, who has spent recent weeks visiting the Aussie franchises, is feeling buoyant about the prospects of all five local teams this season.
"I think they'll all give the semis a nudge, you've only got to look at last year in terms of recent history," he said.
"The Force probably should have beaten the Reds twice ... the Brumbies did beat the Reds quite convincingly at Suncorp, so those are the margins you're dealing with and I've got no doubt that this year's competition will be similar."
"What I've witnessed out in the franchises in terms of the way they're taking to their work, personally I think it's unprecedented the ethic that we're seeing, and that's a great sign."
He added that the Waratahs, who will enter Saturday's Round 1 blockbuster against the Reds as favourites with the bookies, are in better shape than 12 months ago.
As for the main overseas threats, Deans believes the Stormers and Sharks will spearhead the South African charge, while he sees the Blues and Crusaders as the main Kiwi dangers.