The Kiwi Super 14 teams.  Five of the buggers, all now having at the very least been in a semi final, and, after next year, when the Chiefs sweep all before them, all having been in a final too.

Read on for their results, squads, captains, scoring and all that other train spotting information that stat heads love so much...

Blues
Participating unions:
Northland, North Harbour, Auckland.
Counties Manukau was an original franchise member union in 1996 and 1997,and Thames Valley joined in 1998 for one season, before the two unions were switched to the Chiefs, to be replaced by Northland and North Harbour.
Home venues:
Eden Park, Auckland.  North Harbour Stadium, Albany, ITM Stadium, Whangarei.
Colours:
Blue and white.

Chiefs
Participating unions:
Counties Manukau, Thames Valley, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, King Country.
Current members Counties Manukau and Thames Valley had previously been affiliated to the Blues.  The current franchise makeup was established in 1999.  The Northland and North Harbour unions contributed to the first three years of the Chiefs before being realigned with the Blues.
Home venues:
Waikato Stadium, Hamilton.  International Stadium, Rotorua.  Blue Chip Stadium, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga Domain, Tauranga, Growers Stadium, Pukekohe.
Colours:
Black red and gold.

Hurricanes
Participating unions:
East Coast, Poverty Bay, Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa Bush, Taranaki, Wanganui, Manawatu, Horowhenua Kapiti, Wellington.
Home venues:
Westpac Stadium, Wellington.  McLean Park, Napier.  Arena Manawatu, Palmerston North.  Yarrow's Stadium, Taranaki.
Colours:
Gold and Black.

Crusaders
Participating unions:
Nelson Bays, Marlborough, Buller, West Coast, Canterbury, Mid Canterbury, South Canterbury.
Home venues:
Trafalgar park, Nelson.  Jade Stadium, Christchurch.
Colours:
Red and black.

Highlanders
Participating unions:
North Otago, Otago, Southland.
Home venues:
Carisbrook Stadium, Dunedin, Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill.
Colours:
Blue, maroon and gold.