The Super Rugby season is less than a week away, so we convened a panel of five experts with Australian Wallabies experience to answer the BIG questions about the ACT Brumbies in 2015. Here's what Bob Dwyer, Rod Kafer, Brett Robinson, Greg Martin and Stephen Larkham had to say to Fairfax media's rugby reporter Chris Dutton.

Can David Pocock get back to his best after two knee reconstructions and challenge Michael Hooper as the starting Wallabies flanker?

Rod Kafer: They're different players, having both of them in the same Wallabies squad would be ideal. To come back from two knee reconstructions is huge. He's at a higher risk now, but he has always been a world-class player and he gets a chance to leave his mark.

Brett Robinson: One of the great risks after these big breaks is being match fit. He'll have to get his confidence back, but on his day he was one of the best in the world. He'll be competitive but in a very different way to Michael Hooper.

Greg Martin: We've been lacking the turnover ball he can provide to games. I reckon he could be the difference in the way the Wallabies can play. I'm really looking forward to seeing him come back. I know how he looks after himself, he'll be right.

Bob Dwyer: I can see a situation where they can both fit into the one team. Maybe Pocock can play No. 8 because he's so physical. I don't see a huge amount wrong with that. If they were both playing at their best, it would be a shame to leave either of them out. Who knows with his injuries, but people before him have been able to get back. Clearly he's very determined and committed.

Stephen Larkham: His first trial game was superb, he handled himself well, did his job as if he didn't have any injuries. It's a short season in terms of winning every week, we want to make sure Poey is there until the end of the season. He's instrumental off the field and everyone sees what he does on the field. It's going to be a big battle with Hooper. It's difficult to play with two openside flankers, you limit your options in other places.

Are the Brumbies on the way up or down?

RK: The semi-final against the Waratahs showed me they're still at the high end, even if they didn't win. That tells me they've got more in them. There are a couple of unknowns with some changes they've had. But they've got a lot of players who can get even better and they're getting players back from injury.

BR: They've got an incredibly strong side. But the thing I really like is there's a humility about the team, I like the style and culture. I thought they lost focus on the core values of the place, but they've reconnected over the last three or four years. That's a powerful foundation for success. They'll have to adjust to coaching changes, but they'll be able to keep their heads down.

GM: Definitely on the way up. They look sensational, an all-Wallabies front-row and forward pack, their back line is full of talent. They're the only team that will go close to beating the Waratahs in terms of the No.1 Australian team. I'm really bullish about their prospects.

BD: They are probably at a bit of a crossroads. They weren't at their best consistently last year. But having said that, they're undoubtedly talented and with Stephen Moore and Pocock back, they're a pretty fair side. They've got guys that are continuing to improve and develop. I think they're a better team this year.

SL: What we've learnt over the last couple of years is that we've had the team to win it. We almost ran the season perfectly in 2013. But it's really difficult to win the title if you don't finish first or second. You need to make sure you're winning every week to give yourself that chance. We had a lot of injuries last year, we need a bit of luck. We've certainly got the team to do it.

Can the Brumbies be a contender?

RK: Absolutely, when you look at the firepower they've got - a back line with Matt Toomua and Christian Lealiifano in it, Tevita Kuridrani and then a Wallabies forward pack - it's a dangerous side which can hurt any team in the competition.

BR: Definitely they can. Just look at the quality of the team, they've got an almost full Test forward pack, where haven't they got a Wallaby? I think they should be quietly confident. They'll surprise a few people.

GM: They'll go close. They can cope up front and destroy out wide. The only two question marks is covering Ben Mowen and Laurie Fisher's work at the breakdown. I would hope the intellectual property has come through.

BD: If they produce their best consistently, they'll be there when the whips are cracking. I've got no doubt about it.

SL: With the squad we've got on paper, we should be in the top half of the competition. It's a matter of a bit of luck and making sure we know that it is a grand final every week because you can't take anyone lightly.

What's the biggest weakness or challenge the Brumbies face?

RK: Probably injuries, the ability to keep their best players on the field is crucial. I don't look at the Brumbies and see an obvious weakness in their game. They've got a well-rounded squad.

BR: It will be interesting to see if they have the discipline that Laurie Fisher introduced at the breakdown. They have the ability to penetrate and a good set piece, it's getting that balance right. The challenge is being assertive with their attacking game.

GM: Winning away from home, as it is for everyone. They only won one in South Africa or New Zealand. I don't know why, but that can be helped by the fact Stephen Larkham is deeper into his coaching career. But I don't see many weaknesses.

BD: In a couple of positions their temperament is a bit questionable. Perhaps they're easily put off their game in a couple of spots around the team. But they've got players in every position, maybe they need to come to the party a bit more in the tight five and step up a bit.

SL: Being consistent every week. We reviewed last year and we want to play a grand final every week. You can't take anyone lightly. Our away record last year was terrible. Our biggest challenge is to turn that around while maintaining our home record.

ARU boss Bill Pulver predicted three Australian teams could make the finals. Who is the team to beat?

RK: Logically you think the Waratahs are still at the top. But there will be pressure on the Brumbies and Waratahs just because of the amount of rugby their players have played over the last couple of years. That impacts how a team performs. But the Chiefs, Crusaders and Hurricanes all have firepower as well. I think the winner will come from Australia or New Zealand.

GM: The Brumbies and the Waratahs are the top two teams. The Waratahs, Chiefs and Sharks are the teams to beat, then the Brumbies will make up the top four. But I don't know about three Australian teams in the finals.

BD: It's definitely the Waratahs and the Brumbies, I'm not sure how the others will go. You'd think the Force are on the rise and are responding to Michael Foley's coaching. But there's a few rugby teams out in New Zealand who will have plenty to say about winning the title. It's not outside our capacity to have three teams in.

How will Ben Mowen's absence affect the Brumbies?

RK: In rugby, teams move on very quickly. He's already been forgotten by the team and that's just the nature of it. Life goes on and I think the team will adjust well. Ben had a certain style about him and it worked. But they didn't win anything under Ben Mowen. People will talk about him being successful and he was. But success is defined by the trophies you win. There's an opportunity now to win something, that's how you're remembered. This is a new opportunity.

BR: Ben organised lineouts brilliantly, that will be the biggest difference. In Australian rugby he was one of the most outstanding thinkers, Ben managed referees well on the field and was a strong off-field manager. But I think they've got quality guys to cover.

GM: I reckon they've got him covered with Pocock coming back and Jarrad Butler playing so well. Then they've got Ita Vaea, I think they're in a good place. They lose a Wallaby and captain, but I think they can cover it.

BD: He's a very good player, but you lose them and that's the nature of rugby. The challenge is the Brumbies getting someone to graduate to the next level. It's a plus, not a minus.

Does Stephen Moore deserve another chance to be Wallabies captain?

RK: I think it's unquestionable that he should be Wallabies captain. I don't have any reservations or doubt about that whatsoever. Not just because of his obvious playing ability. There's a characteristic about Steve that is needed in Australian rugby. That's someone who is a statesman to the game, who the team can look up to and represent the Wallabies on and off the field at the highest possible level. You think of David Kirk, Nick Farr-Jones, Francois Pienaar, John Eales, they led teams to victory in a World Cup. I think Stephen Moore has the capability to be one of those types of players. He's absolutely the right man to captain the Wallabies, but that's not for one second denigrating anyone else or Michael Hooper.

BR: I really like Stephen as a leader. He gets the challenges of leading on and off the field and the importance of it. He has a strong sense of what's right and wrong. I hope he has a great year and puts some pressure on Michael Cheika to what his leadership choices are at Test level.

GM: For me, he should be the Wallabies captain. Let Michael Hooper do his thing, he will be locked in a battle. If Stephen Moore comes back and plays the way I expect him to, he should be Wallabies captain.

BD: I think it's a certainty he will get that chance. I think he's a walk-up start. He's got the right character, has the ability to lead. He's tough, honest and straightforward and can say what has to be said without putting people off.

SL: That's an interesting one, I thought he did a fantastic job under Ewen McKenzie. Cheika has his ideas, but hasn't seen Moore play for him. I think Moore has bought into what the Wallabies are trying to do. It was an honour for him to get that captaincy and I think he's got to work his way into the team. In my mind, he's the Wallabies starting hooker and that's another thing you've got to consider.

Does Stephen Larkham have what it takes to be a championship-winning coach?

RK: No doubt about it. He has the quality of a modern-day coach of dealing with current players. He understands how to manage Gen Y and they respect him for that. They take what he says as gospel, not just because of what he did as a player or his intellect, but because he can give a clear and distinctive message.

BR: Stevie definitely knows what it takes to win championships, he did enough of that as a player. He knows the drivers, the challenge is translating that as a head coach. He's had a rapid rise so he's still young. But he's respected and can do it with the right support around him.

GM: God yes. The bloke is a winner, fullstop. The rugby brain on that bloke is extraordinary. He's called Bernie because he was quiet, but he's started to find a voice and this will be the start of him as a proper coach.

BD: He certainly does. He's got great knowledge of the game and has learnt from his exposure to great players whom he was alongside. His temperament, character and intelligence all go into making a great coach. He's got all of it. He's tough, even though you think he's quiet and unassuming, but he's not. He does his block in a different way. We don't want sooks running the show because they can't run it properly. If he's not world-class already, he will be.

Where will the Brumbies finish?

RK: I think they'll be either one or two in the Australian conference and then anything goes. They've got the capability to win the competition.

BR: They should be aiming for the finals again and translating that into a positive outcome. They've definitely got the ability to get there.

GM: Top four. They've got so many strengths and power out wide, they can take points when they're on offer and that's crucial.

BD: I think it's pure fantasy trying to predict it.

Which player is one to watch this season?

RK: I get the feeling that we haven't seen the best of Tevita Kuridrani. I watched him in a trial and it was like a man against boys. It was phenomenal. There's a heightened confidence, he will get better.

GM: Tevita Kuridrani and Henry Speight. Those two together, it could be anything. The double Fijian threat, that could kill people. Henry Speight was wild and exciting and if Kuridrani beats you on the outside, you're gone. Those two together could be anything.

BD: Scott Sio. I would think Sio has to be the Wallabies loosehead prop this year if we're going to go where we want to go in terms of the World Cup. I'd like to see Joe Tomane consistently playing at the top level because he's a good player and a big strong kid.

SL: I think Stephen Moore's had a fairly remarkable pre-season. It's something he hasn't done in 10 years after missing a Wallabies tour through injury. He has pushed himself pretty hard, he's ahead of schedule with his knee. He's very focused on a successful year.

How do the Brumbies win back fans?

RK: Rugby is a niche game with a boutique supporter base. Rugby needs to stay true to that and the values that make the game part of people's lives. The Brumbies have been associated with a style and pattern that they would be inventive and play attacking, attractive rugby. That's the basis of Brumbies rugby. Steve Larkham knows that better than anyone. We'll see a return to that style. If they get the mix right, people will come back and watch.

BR: It's about being authentic, what they value, stand for and respecting the community. And then just enjoy what they do and play attractive rugby. You can see Steve's impact on the attack and that means they're playing attractive football. They've got exciting players and I think it will draw people back.

GM: Through the way they play. The Waratahs have shown the way. If you're winning, the fans feel like they're winning. It's the best way to market. And then they've got to play entertaining rugby, the only way to get the crowds is to win with style.

Is Nic White's decision to move to France a sign of an exodus about to hit Australia?

BR: He made his decision early and got it out of the way, he'll give everything he possibly can on the way out. He'll try to make the most of his last opportunity in Australia. Going to Europe has always been a part of the game. There will be a turnover of players, guys want to leave on their terms.

GM: He's got time to come back. These guys don't have many years. Make a decision now because if he didn't go now there might not be any positions next year. He can go for two years and come back, there's nothing stopping him from doing that. Other guys will come through the ranks.

BD: I'm disappointed that we're not picking players [for the Wallabies] from overseas. I think it's fantastic, Nic can realise the financial potential of his ability. Someone will step up and replace him, maybe not immediately. But someone will take the spot. All I'm worried about is the stupidity that says we won't pick players that don't play in Australia.