NORTHLAND

Have already taken one step in the right direction by renaming their home ground Okara Park. A lot of history and tradition in this name, so good on the administrators. In terms of personnel, the Taniwha have been reasonably hard hit with some key players leaving. They include Jake Paringatai, Tim Dow, Brad Taylor, Hayden Taylor, Dan Bowden and Josh Levi. Paringatai especially will be a huge loss, and I for one feel that he had a lot more to offer NZ rugby. Forced to watch the S14 from the sideline because the Blues selectors opted for the hugely overrated Nick Williams; you can’t blame him for leaving.

On a positive note, however, they have gained the services of a couple of familiar provincial names in Jared Payne and the returning Blair Urlich. Plus they have a huge amount of experience in the trio of captain Justin Collins, David Holwell and Tony Coughlan.

 Holwell is without doubt the key player for Northland, and his performances may well dictate just how they fare this season.

Keep an eye on winger Fetu’u Vainikolo. After a good debut season last year, was picked up by the Highlanders where he performed well in an average team. With Auckland winger David Smith moving to Wellington after this competition, there is a vacancy in the Blues squad, and Vainikolo will want to take that opportunity.

Other players of note include Blues prop Bronson Murray, winger Rene Ranger and Chilean import Francesco Deformes.

Prediction: won’t advance

Squad: Tyler Ashworth, Steve Baker, John Cocker, Justin Collins, Tony Coughlan, Derek Carpenter, Justin Davies, Mike Davis, Francesco Deformes, Aiden Dewes, Damien Fakafanua, Dan Goodwin, Roy Griffin, David Holwell, Kaino Kaino, Glenn Martin, Joel McKenty, Bronson Murray, Jared Payne, Rene Ranger, James Rodley, Francis Smith, Leo Taliu, Blair Urlich, Fetu’u Vainikolo, Marty Veale, Ross Wright.

NORTH HARBOUR

Will very quickly want to forget last season. Could only manage draws against Northland and Counties Manukau, before being hammered by Waikato and losing the Ranfurly Shield (by a record margin for a holder), and then missing out on the quarter finals.

Have not been hit too hard by player losses – Zar Lawrence, Tusi Pisi, Junior Poluleuligaga, Greg Rawlinson and Nick Williams will not feature this season, but out of that list only Rawlinson is really a huge loss, and even then there is the promising Chris Smith to replace him.

Have recruited well, with Matt France, Chris Smylie, Jimmy Gopperth, Jamie Helleur (on loan) and Martin Purdy joining the squad.  Smylie and Gopperth are quite enigmatic, which thus far has been to their detriment, whilst Purdy could be quite an astute acquisition.

Have been hit harder than expected in terms of All Blacks, with Tuitavake, Boric and Wulf joining Woodcock in the national setup.

Look for their key player to be George Pisi. All the talk about Harbour thus far has been about Gopperth and how will direct the backline, and if he can force his way into the Blues squad, but look for Pisi to put his hand up and show some leadership too.  He has now been a part of three S14 campaigns so his experience should be valuable to this young squad.

Player to watch is Martin Purdy. The lock forward plies his trade in the UK with Bath, the same team that international locks Danny Grewcock and Steve Borthwick play for. He would have learnt a lot from these two, and his partnership in the second row with Chris Smith will be important to Harbour’s chances. Other players of note include NZ 7s rep Nafi Tuitavake, Fijian flyer Viliame Waqaseduadua and prop James Afoa – yes, the brother of.

Prediction: will once again under perform and miss out on the quarters

Squad: Hayden Abercrombie, Ben Afeaki, James Afoa, Sam Barker, Sam Biddles, Tom Chamberlain, Robbie Colhoun, Chris Eves, Michael Farmer, Matt France, Jimmy Gopperth, Luke Hamilton, Michael Harris, Jamie Helleur, James Hincho, James King, Vili Maafu, Michael Mayhew, Richard Mayhew, Jack McPhee, James Parsons, George Pisi, Ken Pisi, Martin Purdy, Malakai Ravulo, Michael Reid, Adrian Smith, Chris Smith, Chris Smylie, Nafi Tuitavake, Jona Tuitoga, Viliame Waqaseduadua, Ryan Wilson, Josh York.

AUCKLAND

The defending champions have been absolutely decimated with players heading overseas, to other provinces or retiring.

From last year’s championship winning squad, a total of 15 players have gone, and out of them there are probably 10 or 11 that would have made the starting XV. However, Auckland has always had an abundance of young talent in the region, and they will need to step up this season if Auckland is to achieve the same success.

Rather than looking outside the province (only former Southland winger Watisoni Lotawa has been recruited), Auckland will look to develop their young talent and rely on the handful of experienced players to guide them through. It will be a tough ask, but Auckland are not the most successful province in New Zealand by fluke.

Another factor going against them is that coach Pat Lam has secured the position of Blues head coach and will therefore vacate his Auckland post at the end of August.

Expect Keven Mealamu, Jerome Kaino and John Afoa to be unavailable most of the season due to All Blacks commitments.

Their key player will be Lachie Munro. Munro has been in the Auckland set up for a few years now and looks to have the goods. Was harshly treated by the Blues selectors earlier in the year when they opted to play Isaia Toeava out of position to cover for the injured Isa Nacewa and Nick Evans, but with Pat Lam now at the helm, Munro will be looking to prove that he is the best 1st 5 8ths in the region, especially with Gopperth transferring to Harbour.

Watch out for Isaia Toeava. After the national selectors waxed lyrical about him, only for him to show that he wasn’t then up to it, he will be eager to prove that he has learned from those experiences and will want a strong campaign to boost his chances of a recall for the end of year tour. Other key players will be backs Ben Atiga and Benson Stanley, and openside flanker Daniel Braid.

Prediction: even with a huge player exodus and Pat Lam leaving, they will win back to back titles

Squad: Ben Atiga, Daniel Braid, Dean Budd, Anthony Elisala, Paea Fa’anunu, Charlie Faumuina, Jarek Goebel, Kurtis Haiu, Grayson Hart, Stanley Haukinima, Watisoni Lotawa, Chris Lowrey, Chris Mahony, Tevita Mailau, Pauliasi Manu, Tom McCartney, Taniela Moa, Lachie Munro, Mikaele Pesamino, Peter Saili, David Smith, Benson Stanley, Winston Stanley, Isaia Toeava, Nick White, Jay Williams (plus the injured Chris Heard, Onosa’i Tololima-Auva’a, Brenton Helleur and Joe Rokocoko to be added).

COUNTIES MANUKAU

There’s only one direction Counties Manukau can head – up – after finishing at the bottom of the table last season. Changes were needed, and it looks like some have occurred.

Kevin Putt has been replaced as head coach by Matt Aldous (who has won Auckland club rugby’s Gallaher Shield coaching Waitemata), less than half of last year’s squad remains, and importantly for the union’s fans, their home games will be played in Pukekohe, not Mt Smart Stadium.

Kristian Ormsby has moved overseas and will be a massive loss; now is the time for lock Andrew van der Heijden to step up and fulfil his potential. They have managed to acquire the services of a few players who should add value to the team in Tasesa Lavea, DJ Forbes, Jayden Murch and Romi Ropati, back from Japan.

By all accounts, they have a couple of very exciting new backs in David Raikuna and Tim Nanai-Williams, carrying on the tradition of the likes of Robertson, Lomu, Vidiri, Laulala and Sivivatu.

The key player to Counties Manukau’s ambitions will be winger Lelia Masaga. Many thought he was unlucky not to have cracked the All Blacks squad after a stellar Super 14, and he will be out to demand to Henry & co that he deserves a spot on the end of year tour.

Keep an eye on David Raikuna. Fellow winger Masaga speaks very highly of him, and while a lot of the opposition’s focus might be on Masaga, Raikuna could cause a lot of havoc on the other side. Other key players are experienced centre Niva Ta’auso, former Manu Samoan international Tanner Vili, and prop Simon Lemalu.

Prediction: won’t finish last, but will miss out on the quarters nonetheless

Squad: Eugene Beneke, Jamie Chipman, Dean Cummins, Dave Duley, Kevin Farrell, Viliami Fihaki, Samisoni Fisilau, DJ Forbes, Hani Halaelia, Tasesa Lavea, Fritz Lee, Simon Lemalu, Ilaisa Ma’asi, Lelia Masaga, Jayden Murch, Tim Nanai-Williams, Siale Piutau, Lance Po-Ching, David Raikuna, Romi Ropati, Gary Saifoloi, Sherwin Stowers, Niva Ta’auso, Chad Tuoro, Andrew van der Heijden, Tanner Vili (two to be added).

WAIKATO

Hugely disappointing season last year. After heading into the competition as the defending champions, they started off on the right note, including a record 52-7 demolition of North Harbour to win the Ranfurly Shield. However, it was all downhill from there – they lost the Shield 7 days later (equalling the record for the shortest tenure), finished 5th on the table and were knocked out by Hawke’s Bay in the quarters.

For various reasons, they will be missing a number of key players from last season’s squad, including Kahui, Donald, Bates, Holah, Gibbes, Leonard, Kinikinilau and Willis. However, these losses will be somewhat offset through acquiring Callum Bruce, Tom Harding, Faifili Levave and Kevin O’Neill – all players with S14 experience.

It’s hard to tell just how Waikato will fare this time around. On the one hand, all the young players they have blooded in the last couple of seasons are now more experienced and battle-hardened, but on the other hand, they have lost all their star players.

A star in the making, though, and they key player to the Mooloo men’s chances this season is Liam Messam. Even when Messam was playing for Rotorua Boys High School’s first XV, there was very little doubt that he would one day be an All Black, and that time will be sooner rather than later. A strong showing in this championship will force the selectors to include Messam in their next squad.

Watch out for the midfield combination of Roimata Hansell-Pune and Jackson Willison. They will have learned from their misfortunes last season and form one of the most potentially exciting midfields in the country. Both are very young men and can only get better.

Other key players are outside back Sosene Anesi (a one test wonder), NZ 7s rep James Kamana and versatile front rower Aled de Malmanche.

Prediction: knocked out in the quarters

Squad: Sosene Anesi, Malcolm Barnes, David Bason, Matt Blain, Callum Bruce, Sam Christie, Aled de Malmanche, Kent Fife, Hikairo Forbes, Romana Graham, Roimata Hansell-Pune, Tom Harding, Josh Hohneck, James Kamana, Vern Kamo, Faifili Levave, Toby Lynn, Liam Messam, Tim Mikkelson, Josh Olsen, Kevin O’Neill, Trent Renata, Armyn Sanders, Jordan Smiler, Henry Speight, Dwayne Sweeney, Watene Waenga, Craig West, Nathan White, Jackson Willison.

BAY OF PLENTY

Already things are looking very bleak for the Bay.

After finishing second from the bottom last year, they have lost a huge wealth of experience with Ben Castle, Simms Davison, Warren Smith, Rena Schuster, Anthony Tahana and Murray Williams all heading offshore.

Add to that the fact that they are even struggling to field a team (financially speaking) thanks to a near million dollar loss announced at the start of the year, and there is the added pressure because a few teams are likely to be axed from next year’s competition. Not looking at all good for the Steamers; it was only four years ago they held the Ranfurly Shield and made the NPC semi finals!

They have managed to secure the services of NZ 7s reps Zar Lawrence and Nigel Hunt, plus a couple of props, but they will hardly offset the players lost. There could be a surprise in store with veteran Clayton MacMillan set to make an appearance here & there after a return to club rugby not too long ago.

The key player will be exciting openside flanker Tanerau Latimer. Latimer has performed strongly for every team he has played for – whether it be the Steamers, Crusaders, Chiefs, national 7s team or the Maori. Like fellow Maori team mate Messam, Latimer is an All Black in waiting, and maybe now is his time.

Their player to watch is Colin Bourke. Bourke burst onto the scene in that famous 2004 season, but sadly for the Steamers, he remains the only player left from that team that won the Shield off Auckland. Big things were expected of him, but he has so far failed to deliver. His combination in the loose forwards with Latimer and Solomon King promises a lot.

Other players to watch for include captain Jamie Nutbrown, first five Mike Delany and midfielder Cory Aporo.

Prediction: will miss out on the quarters, and wouldn’t be surprised to see them finish last

Squad: Cory Aporo, Toby Arnold, Paula Asaeli, Colin Bourke, Luke Braid, Marcel Cummings-Toone, Arden David, Mike Delany, Kelly Haimona, Josh Hall, Jason Hona, Nigel Hunt, Solomon King, Aidan Kuka, Josh Katene-Roberts, Tanerau Latimer, Zar Lawrence, Lance MacDonald, James McGougan, John Moore, Teu Nafe, Jamie Nutbrown, John Pareanga, Cullum Retallick, Joe Savage, Matt Wallis.

HAWKE’S BAY

The ‘Cinderella’ story from last year’s competition. Nobody expected Hawke’s Bay to make the semi finals, but that’s exactly what coach of the year Peter Russell managed to do with his team.  This time around, everyone will be wary of them, but they should still be there or thereabouts come then end of the season.

Importantly, the Magpies have managed to hang onto most of last season’s squad, with Ben Batger and Grant Webb probably the only two that have left that might have commanded a starting spot. However, in Israel Dagg and George Naoupu, they have a couple of ready made replacements.

One big blow however is the loss of prop Clint Newland for the season through injury. He was an integral part of last season’s pack which dominated some much more fancied packs at scrum time, but capped Argentinean prop Bruno Cuezzo should be an able replacement.

Twenty two year old Sharks lock Johan Snyman will prove to be a good acquisition too, much in the same way Martin Purdy will be for Harbour. Snyman would have learned a lot from Sharks team mates Johann Muller and Johan Ackermann, both of whom have played for the Springboks in the last year.

The key for the Magpies will be the halfback/first five combination of Danny Lee and Matt Berquist. They proved to be very effective last year and will be even better together now with that experience. Lee played well enough to force his way into the Blues Super 14 squad, and even be the first choice at the start of the season.

The player to watch has to be young winger Zac Guildford. He is still only 19 years old but already has a season of Super 14 behind him, and was part of the U20 team that recently became world champions. Much is expected already of Guildford, and so far in his short career it is easy to see why.

Other important players for the Magpies will be hooker Hika Elliot (who is now on the brink of All Blacks selection), veteran flanker Michael Johnson and centre Jason Shoemark.

Prediction: will prove that they were not one season wonders and will make the semis again

Squad: Matt Berquist, Adam Bradley, Bruno Cuezzo, Israel Dagg, Ash Dixon, Chris Eaton, Matt Egan, Hika Elliot, Bryn Evans, Rob Evans, Sam Giddens, Zac Guildford, Mark Jackman, Michael Johnson, Josh Keys, Jason Kupa, Danny Lee, Karl Lowe, Jamie Muir, George Naoupu, Pama Petia, Hugh Reed, Jason Shoemark, Tom Simpson, Johan Snyman, Sona Taumalolo, Dan Waenga.

TARANAKI

For a long time, Taranaki have been an enigma in NZ rugby. They have held the Ranfurly Shield on numerous occasions, won the 2nd division in the old NPC many times, have beaten most of the big teams during the professional era, and have even made the semis of the division one competition a couple of times. They always seem to be nipping at the heels of the competition, but more often than not, that’s where it stops.

On the surface, it doesn’t look like this season will be much different. They have assembled a decent, solid group of players, and have some S14 experienced players to work around, but unfortunately have lost a few key players.

Matt France has transferred to Harbour, Matt Harvey, Tomasi Soqeta and Michael Tagicakibau have moved offshore, and Jarrad Hoeata and Scott Ireland are unavailable through injury (although Ireland may rejoin the squad later in the season).

They have secured the services of the Tuifua brothers, Isaia and Taiasina, from Counties Manukau and Alex Tulou from Wellington, and in addition have made a couple of very important buys in first five Willie Ripia and centre Jonathan Spratt. Spratt plays for the Ospreys club in Wales, a club that boasts world class international players such as Mike Phillips, James Hook, Shane Williams, and our own Justin Marshall. Surely Spratt has gained valuable insight and experience around these players, and hopefully he can bring some of what he has acquired to Taranaki.

Willie Ripia transferred down from Waikato, and during the S14 he established himself as the number one first five in the Hurricanes region. This position has been a problem for Taranaki since Brock James left 4 years ago. How Ripia performs will be crucial to their chances, along with key player Scott Waldrom. Waldrom now has a wealth of experience at this level, and with the departure of Chris Masoe, he will be looking to firmly establish himself as the number one openside in the region.

Keep an eye out for Shayne Austin. He has scored 40 tries in 54 games for Taranaki, an incredible strike rate, so will no doubt add to this tally. Other key players are locks Jason Eaton and Craig Clarke, and captain Tony Penn.

Prediction: will once again scrape into the quarters, but will be knocked out there

Squad: James Annabell, Shayne Austin, Jack Cameron, Carl Carmichael, Craig Clarke, Shane Cleaver, Laurence Corlett, Jason Eaton, Brett Goodin, Brendon Haami, Jayden Hayward, Nathan Hohaia, Asalemo Maio, Hamish Mitchell, Corey Niwa, Tony Penn, Paul Perez, Leon Power, Willie Ripia, Nemia Soqeta, Jonathan Spratt, Isaia Tuifua, Taiasina Tuifua, Alex Tulou, Scott Waldrom, Chris Walker.

MANAWATU

When Manawatu were given the green light to compete at this level ahead of North Otago, who had performed considerably better than them in the last season of division two, a few eyebrows were raised and questions asked. Many failed to see the merit in that decision.  However, in the last couple of seasons, the Turbos have improved a great deal and have gone some way to vindicating the decision of the NZRFU.

After managing just a draw in 2006, they managed two victories and a draw last year. Crowd numbers are increasing, and two players even managed to secure S14 contracts this year.

They have been hit very hard with injuries, with many of their forwards suffering from various ailments, most notably their number 8 Bertus Mulder. Six players have been brought in from outside the province, most notably NZ 7s rep Lote Raikabula, and Manawatu will be hoping that these players may at least provide competition for positions.

The key player for Manawatu will be lock Hayden Triggs. Triggs has been involved in two S14 campaigns now, and has even been touted by some as Manawatu’s next All Black. There is no doubt that he has performed very well over the last couple of seasons, and if he can carry on his good form, then Manawatu may carry on their recent improvements.

Their player to watch will be winger Tomasi Cama. Cama has been involved with the national 7s team for awhile now, and is their most recent player of the year. If he can produce some of his 7s magic for the Turbos then there will be some spectacular tries scored!

Other key players are midfielder Johnny Leota, captain and talented openside flanker Josh Bradnock, and fullback Francisco Bosch (who will form an exciting back three with Cama and Raikabula).

Prediction: will continue their improvement, but not quite enough to make the knockout phase

Squad: Kurt Baker, Francisco Bosch, Josh Bradnock, Frankie Bryant, Tomasi Cama, Mitchell Crosswell, Nick Crosswell, Rob Foreman, Aaron Good, James Goode, Hamish Gosling, Talau Hala, Aaron James, Matty James, Toese Lealamanua, Johnny Leota, Sean O’Connor, Grant Polson, Lote Raikabula, Paul Rodgers, Adam Ross, Aaron Smith, Andre Taylor, Doug Tietjens, David Te Moana, Hayden Triggs, Joggie Viljoen.

WELLINGTON

The nearly men of NZ rugby in recent years. They have made the final four times in the last five seasons, and have lost on each occasion. This statistic will not be lost on the players, and they will be looking to go that one step further.

Most of their frontline players from last season are back, but notable losses include Tana Umaga, Shannon Paku, Jimmy Gopperth and Tone Kopelani.

Perhaps the biggest talking point in the squad is Victor Vito. He caught the rugby public’s attention with some storming performances in the IRB Sevens World Series, and was in fact compared to a young Jonah Lomu. He has represented NZ through the age grades, and was the IRB U19 player of the year in 2006. This year, he decided to focus on the 15 a side game, therefore giving up 7s. He is a very exciting prospect, but may get limited game time with more established players in front of him.

The key to Wellington’s chances will be young first five Dan Kirkpatrick. With Gopperth’s move up north, Kirkpatrick has suddenly become the first choice pivot. There is no doubting his immense talent and potential – he won the man of the match at the recently completed IRB Junior World Championship – and if he is not overawed by the pressure and the size of the task at hand,

Wellington will go a long way to justifying the pre-tournament favouritism at the TAB. Their player to watch will be flanker Serge Lilo. He was cruelly dealt an injury blow at the tail end of last season’s competition, meaning he missed not only the business end of it, but also the entire S14. With Jerry Collins gone and Rodney So’ialo on national duty, there is a massive opportunity for Lilo to establish himself as a key loose forward for Wellington.

Other players of note are versatile back Tamati Ellison, AB reject Chris Masoe, and captain Piri Weepu (national duty pending).

Prediction: will remain NZ’s nearly team by not progressing past the semis

Squad: Dane Coles, Jacob Ellison, Tamati Ellison, Tim Fairbrother, Ross Filipo, Hosea Gear, Michael Hobbs, Cory Jane, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Serge Lilo, Chris Masoe, Alby Mathewson, Api Naikatini, Ma’a Nonu, Tomasi Palu, Anthony Perenise, Ged Robinson, John Schwalger, Conrad Smith, Rodney So’oialo, Jeremy Thrush, Neemia Tialata, Tane Tu’ipulotu, Bernie Upton, Victor Vito, Thomas Waldrom, Piri Weepu.

TASMAN

By all accounts, the two unions that form Tasman – Nelson Bays and Marlborough – will go their separate ways at the end of the season, largely due to an estimated $4 million debt.  New coach Todd Blackadder has stated that all the off field dramas have not affected preparations, but how can the players not be affected, knowing that their team will probably be defunct at the season’s end? Rather than focusing on this, if the players realise that there are S14 contracts to play for, plus the chance other unions may pick them up, then at least their heads may be in the right space in terms of focused on rugby.

Chris Jack and Caleb Ralph have both gone offshore, along with a few others, but the overall balance of the squad shouldn’t be affected.

Veteran lock Steve Jackson is once again available, and first five Miah Nikora has signed from Wellington.

The key player to Tasman’s chances will be halfback Kahn Fotuali’i. He has already established himself as a crucial member of the team, and his performances earned him S14 selection for the champion Crusaders squad. He will look to expose defences around the ruck with his great speed, and if he can get Tasman on a roll, they will cause opposition defences some headaches.

Watch out for winger Kade Poki. Poki is only 20 years old, and was part of the team that won the Junior World Championship. His previous season was curtailed by injury, but the Crusaders didn’t offer him a S14 contract for nothing.

Other key players promise to be prop Ben Franks (who is on the brink of All Blacks selection), 7s star Afeleke Pelenise, and exciting fullback Robbie Malneek.

Prediction: will scare a few teams, but won’t be enough to reach the quarters

Squad: Alex Ainley, Shaun Begg, Mark Bright, Shane Christie, Hamish Cochrane, Blair Cook, Will Crutchley, James Foote, Kahn Fotuali’i, Ben Franks, Andrew Goodman, Glen Gregory, Joel Iggo, Steve Jackson, Jack Lam, Karl Leary, Quentin MacDonald, Robbie Malneek, James Marshall, Ben May, Craig Moore, Miah Nikora, Rowan O’Gorman, Mike Pehi, Afeleke Pelenise, Dan Perrin, Siaki Peti, Jonathan Poff, Kade Poki, Stephen Sasagi, Sakaria Taulafo, Lualua Vailoaloa, Joe Wheeler.

CANTERBURY

The dominant region in Super rugby, but at this level they haven’t won a title since 2004, which they will be looking to rectify this time round.  People go on about the systems and the culture in terms of rugby down there, and while one cannot really argue with that, Canterbury has performed well below expectations since the advent of the Air New Zealand Cup.

Some key players from last year’s squad have gone – the likes of Rico Gear, Johnny Leo’o, Kevin Senio, Kevin O’Neill and Steven Yates, whilst Casey Laulala injured himself pre-season and is unavailable.  Like most of the other big provinces, Canterbury has the luxury of good young talent, and will fill the voids with these players leave.

There is a lot of talk about Stephen Brett, and he really needs to fire. He has an enormous amount of talent, but for all the talk about him being an All Black (which he will be one day), he seems to disappear at the crunch end of tournaments. After setting the competition alight last year, he was nowhere to be seen in the Ranfurly Shield loss to Auckland and the semi final against Wellington, and in this year’s S14 he sat on the bench while the 10-12 combination of Carter & Bateman started. So to me, Tim Bateman will be Canterbury’s key player. He was unlucky with injury last year, and when he was given a chance to start in the S14 this year, he made the position his own. He will also take some pressure off Brett, and this combination could be very dangerous. Don’t be surprised to see Bateman on the end of year tour.

Their player to watch will be Paul Williams. Williams is another on the brink of higher honours, and was part of the unofficial training squad before the announcement of the first ABs squad. A strong campaign will not only secure his ticket on the tour, but will also be important to Canterbury’s hopes.

Other players to watch will be openside flanker George Whitelock, outside back Sean Maitland, and captain and AB prospect Kieran Read.

Prediction: will lose to Auckland in the final

Squad: Steve Alfeld, Tim Bateman, Peter Borlase, Stephen Brett, James Broadhurst, Phil Burleigh, Wyatt Crockett, Ryan Crotty, Owen Franks, Steve Fualau, Hamish Gard, Scott Hamilton, Hayden Hopgood, Campbell Johnstone, Tyson Keats, Sean Maitland, Nasi Manu, Mike Paterson, James Patterson, Ti’i Paulo, Kieran Read, Isaac Ross, Colin Slade, Mose Tuiali’i, Adam Whitelock, George Whitelock, Paul Williams.

OTAGO

Otago are probably the underachievers of NZ rugby.

They have produced a number of great players, but as a team they have probably not achieved the level of success expected. They last won the title in 1998, and were hammered by Auckland in the 2005 final. Last year they just squeezed into the quarters, where they were absolutely annihilated by Canterbury, and it’s not looking much more promising this season.

They have lost a lot of key players. They have managed to acquire Dan Bowden, Lucky Mulipola, Steven Setephano and Eben Joubert, but have lost Callum Bruce, Charlie Hore, Chris King, Matt Saunders, Ben W Smith, Chris Smylie, Silao Vaisola and George Whitelock, plus unavailable through injury are Matt O’Connell, Alando Soakai, Ezra Taylor and Greg Zampach. Not looking bright at all!

The key to Otago’s chances is without a doubt their influential captain Craig Newby. Newby covers all three loose forward positions – which will be even more important this season with the injuries to Taylor and Soakai – and will bring his usual tenacity and fortitude to this campaign before he heads off overseas.

Their player to watch will be midfielder Aaron Bancroft. He arrived from Canterbury a couple of years back with huge expectations on him, and to an extent he delivered – unfortunately the team couldn’t quite click! He didn’t have a happy S14, and will be looking to improve on his performances from earlier this year.

Other key players will be lock Tom Donnelly, halfback Toby Morland and utility back Ben R Smith.

Prediction: will not be at all surprised if they miss out on the quarters, but will do just enough to squeeze in there

Squad: Jeremy Aldworth, Aaron Bancroft, Dan Bowden, Keith Cameron, Tom Donnelly, Paul Grant, Karne Hesketh, Sam Hibbard, Glen Horton, Eben Joubert, Ross Kennedy, Uili Kolo’ofai, Jason MacDonald, Hoani Matenga, Brett Mather, Peter Mirrielees, Toby Morland, Lucky Mulipola, Craig Newby, Chris Noakes, Ben Nolan, Andrew Parata, Seko Qaraniqio, Sean Romans, Steven Setephano, Ben R Smith, Dan Snee, Alando Soakai, Casey Stone, Jed Vercoe.

SOUTHLAND

Apart from Hawke’s Bay, Southland was probably the most improved team during last year’s competition. They finished 6th on the table, including a victory over fierce rivals Otago, before being halted by a rampant Wellington in the quarters. However, their performances from last year should instil the side with belief and confidence, and they will be looking forward to their opening round clash against Otago eagerly.

They have lost a couple of good front rowers in Clarke Dermody and Jayden Murch, but the arrival of Chris King should offset this.  Likewise the arrival of wingers Tony Koonwaiyou and Matt Saunders to replace Watisoni Lotawa and Mana Harrison.

Southland’s key player is set to be Hoani MacDonald. The experienced lock (who can cover blindside flanker too) has been talked up by some as All Black material, and with the circus that has recently gone on around the locks for the All Blacks, MacDonald will want a strong campaign to thrust himself into contention.

Watch out for halfback Scott Cowan. Scott is Jimmy’s brother, and with Jimmy away on All Blacks duty, Scott is likely to step up. He will be keen to show everyone that Jimmy is not the only one in the family who can play a decent game of rugby. Also keep an eye out for prop Jamie Mackintosh, openside flanker Tim Boys (who possesses arguably the greatest mullet in the game) and midfielder Jason Kawau.

Prediction: will be the dark horses. Will definitely make the quarters, and maybe even the semis

Squad: Dion Bates, Josh Bekhuis, Tim Boys, Jimmy Cowan, Scott Cowan, Dayna Cunningham, Tony Dodunski, David Hall, John Hardie, Matt Holloway, Jason Kawau, Chris King, Tony Koonwaiyou, Kendrick Lynn, Hoani MacDonald, Jamie Mackintosh, Fai Mika, Alesana Muliaina, Michael Peterson, Daniel Ramsay, Willie Rickards, Robbie Robinson, Jason Rutledge, Matt Saunders, Dane Shelford, Iona Sipa, Noa Soqeta, Blair Stewart, Hua Tamariki, Pehi Te Whare, Faaitu Tuamoheloa, Scott Vessey, Mark Wells, James Wilson.