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Confused bucket heads: Tasman fans before their match against Manawatu in Blenheim - Source: Photosport -
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This is set to be the NPC of all NPCs. The stakes are high and all of the provinces know it.
The equation is simple: 14 teams to battle through 13 weeks of competition with the top seven progressing through to the Premier Division in 2011 and the bottom seven relegated to the Championship.
Enticing stuff, and if you chuck into the mix a competition that
will see Australia's most-hated man and New Zealand's favourite
dreadlocked hero, you know you're on to a winner.
Check out below for a preview of all 14 teams (in
alphabetical order)
AUCKLAND
Champions: 1982, 84-85, 87-90, 93-96, 99, 2002-03, 05,
07.
Last Season: 5th
Key gains: Ben Atiga, Matt Berquist (Hawke's Bay),
Daniel Braid (Queensland), Toby Morland (Munster), Brent Ward
(Racing Metro).
Major losses: Daniel Bowden (London Irish),
Taniela Moa (Bay of Plenty), Paul Williams (Sale).
These are strange times for Auckland rugby. Once the most feared
province in the land, the famous blue and white hoops have not made
the playoffs since 2007.
Indeed the club rugby scene in Auckland is no longer what it used
to be. Some blame the apathy of the region, others the rise of the
Polynesian athlete but whatever it is the old adage of All Blacks
rugby being strong when Auckland rugby is strong has never been so
wrong.
This season Auckland has recruited strongly with a handful of
provincial veterans giving the side a boost and if Ash Moake can
translate his club form onto this stage, things might not be all
bad. In fact, quite the opposite.
Player to watch: New Zealand under-20 lock Liaki
Moli is, by all accounts, a bruising athlete with little regard for
his own personal wellbeing.
Why we don't want them going down: Frankly, a
premier division without Auckland's fanatical supporters would take
the heart and soul out of the competition.
The Verdict: Anything less than a top-four finish
will be rightly deemed a failure.
BAY OF PLENTY
Champions: 1976
Last Season: 7th
Key gains: Luke Andrews (Italy), Lelia Masaga
(Counties), Daniel Perrin (Tasman), Taniela Moa (Auckland), Grant
McQuoid (Japan), Brett Mather (Otago), Daniel Waenga (Hawke's
Bay).
Major losses: Junior Poluleuligaga (Exeter), Zach
Hohneck (Waikato), Clinton Toopi (Gold Coast Titans).
The Steamers have been among the most aggressive on the open market
and for good reason. This is a union that has often been in deep
financial trouble and a top-seven finish is critical if they're to
stay in the black.
The loss of giant halfback Junior Poluleuligaga, who was a shining
light in BOP's seventh-place finish last season, is a blow, but
Auckland outcast Taniela Moa brings many of the same skills. His
combination with one-Test All Black Mike Delany will be
particularly pivotal.
Player to watch: Another one-Test All Black, Lelia
Masaga, is still very much one of the most dangerous players in the
game.
Why we don't want them going down: Mount Maunganui
is a nice place to play rugby.
The Verdict: The Steamers are renowned for fast
starts and fumbling finishes. Don't expect this to change as they
scrap for premier division survival.
CANTERBURY
Champions: 1977, 83, 97, 2001, 04, 08, 09.
Last season: Champions
Key gains: Robbie Fruean (Wellington), Sonny Bill
Williams (Toulon).
Major losses: Tim Bateman (Coca-Cola, Japan),
James Broadhurst, Tyson Keats (both Taranaki), Casey Laulala,
Michael Paterson (both Cardiff), James Paterson (Southland), Ti'i
Paulo (Clermont Auvergne), Chris Small (Otago)
The Red & Blacks have lost a staggering eight players from the
squad that won last year's title, plus they'll be without the
services of new All Black Sam Whitelock.
To counter that, coach Rod Penney has added a crucial player to his
team aiming for a three-peat - Sonny Bill Williams. The
former Toulon terror may not make up for the collective might of
eight players, but he'll certainly get curious spectators through
the gates.
The only talking point to rival Sonny's arrival is the insistence
by Graham Henry to hand Colin Slade the 10 jumper. Stephen Brett
won't enjoy going from Super 14 mercurial maestro to provincial
bit-part five-eighth.
Player to watch: It's as easy as ABC. All eyes
will be on SBW as he uses the NPC to become an AB with the RWC in
his sights.
Why we don't want them going down: Many would love
to see the Red & Blacks' dynasty end in disaster but New
Zealand rugby would be lost without Canterbury's conveyor-belt of
first-fives.
Verdict: Departures aside, it's hard to see the
Cantabs not playing on the final weekend of the season.
COUNTIES-MANUKAU
Champions: 1979
Last Season: 14th
Key Gains: Tana Umaga (Toulon), Jono Owen
(Brumbies).
Major Losses: Lelia Masaga (Bay of Plenty), Tasesa
Lavea (Clermont Auvergne).
Wooden-spoon holders for three years running, Counties-Manukau will
be banking on the one and only Tana Umaga to change their fortunes
this season.
The former All Blacks captain may not be the athlete he once was
but the player/coach is sure to add belief to a team that will be
in a dogfight for credibility.
A couple of encouraging pre-season results, where they drew with
Auckland and lost narrowly to North Harbour, will add to their
confidence but unfortunately they lack the forward pack to unleash
some of their dangerous backs.
Player to watch: He is no longer an unknown but
the rise and rise of Tim Nanai-Williams is sure to continue.
Why we don't want them going down: The question
really should be - why do we want them to stay up?
The Verdict: In a battle with Northland for the
wooden spoon.
HAWKE'S BAY
Champions: Never
Last season: Beaten semi-finalists, 3rd
Key gains: Kahn Fotuali'i (Tasman), Kas
Lealamanu'a (Saracens), Daniel Kirkpatrick (Wellington), Luke
Rooney (Toulon), Grant Webb (Newport Gwent Dragons).
Major losses: Matt Berquist (Auckland), George
Naoupo (Japan, via Connacht), Sona Taumalolo (Waikato), Thomas
Waldrom (Leicester).
The ever-consistent Magpies will be hunting their fourth
consecutive semi-final this season and while they have lost a
couple of influentials - Matt Berquist and Thomas Waldrom - they
have added some notable class.
Kahn Fotuali'i proved in the Super 14 for the Crusaders that he is
among the best halfbacks in the land, and former NRL star Luke
Rooney adds a true wildcard factor that will be watched with
interest.
And while they will miss All Black Israel Dagg for much of the
season, it's the loss of Waldrom that could be felt most
greatly.
Player to watch: Can Zac Guildord repeat his
sizzling try-scoring form of last season and regain his All Blacks
place?
Why we don't want them going down: The provincial
darlings have been everbody's second-favourite team for three years
running.
The Verdict: Top-seven for sure but semi-final
again? Unlikely&
MANAWATU
Champions: 1980
Last Season: 11th
Key gains: Craig Clare (Otago), Karl Haitana
(Northland), Shannon Paku (Montauban), Hadleigh Parkes
(Canterbury), Aseli Tikoirotuma (Wanganui).
Major losses: Kurt Baker, Andre Taylor (Taranaki),
Adrian Barone (Wellington).
The Turbo's captured the heart of the rugby public last season with
a competitive team that was out to prove they deserved to be on
this stage.
Indeed the enduring image of the 'Bucket Head' faithful was one of
the biggest single reasons why the NZRU did their almighty U-turn
at the end of last season and allowed them to stay in this
competition.
Unfortunately this season things aren't looking too good. While
they should get the services of Aaron Cruden for most of their
campaign, the loss of Kurt Baker and Andre Taylor to Taranaki
seriously limits their try-scoring ability.
Player to watch: Bruising loose forward Nick
Crosswell will be out to regain his Super 15 place.
Why we don't want them going down: Bucket Heads
are the closet thing New Zealand rugby has to real fans.
The Verdict: Likely relegation.
NORTHLAND
Champions: Never
Last season: 13th
Key gains: Aaron Bancroft (Otago), Paea Fa'anunu
(Auckland), Dean Budd (Auckland), Mark Burman (Waikato).
Major losses: Karl Haitana (Manawatu), Cam Jowitt
(New South Wales), Dan Goodwin (Bay of Plenty).
The Taniwha faces another season on Struggle Street but at least
should have the service of two-Test All Black Rene Ranger for most
of the season.
Ranger, along with Jarred Payne, Lachie Munro and veteran David
Holwell, form the nucleus of competent backline but it is upfront
yet again where the Northern boys will be found wanting.
A top-seven finish will be the goal but realistically, they will be
scraping to avoid wooden spoon with other strugglers
Counties-Manukau.
Player to watch: Young halfback Rhyan Caine proved
last season he is a livewire and could push for Super 15
honours.
Why we don't want them going down: Whangarei has a
brand new stadium for the World Cup and it would be a shame if it
became redundant after next season.
The Verdict: Round 9 in Pukekohe should decide who
brings up the rear.
NORTH HARBOUR
Champions: Never
Last season: 12th
Key gains: Alipate Fatafehi (Tonga), Matt Luamanu
(Wellington), Jack Tarrant (Japan), Brendon Watt (Taranaki).
Major losses: Viliame Ma'afu, Anthony Tuitavake
(both Japan), George Pisi (Taranaki), Rudi Wulf (Toulon).
New Zealand rugby most unpredicatable team looks set to battle it
out again with the neighbours across the bridge for the title of
most erratic union.
The signs certainly aren't great for Harbour, who have regressed
since winning the Ranfurley shield four years ago. They've lost a
wealth of backline talent in Tuitavake and Wulf and their attack
remains unpredictable - but occasionally lethal. That's why they'll
probably run up the occasional cricket score but lose the odd game
to a team they really should have beaten.
But most of the attention around Harbour's games will be centred on
Luke McAlister. With the ABs' second-five spot well-covered by
Nonu, Stanley and potentially Sonny Bill, will he make a late bid
to be Carter's understudy in the 10 jersey?
Player to watch: Luke McAlister. Looked back to
his best in the NZ Maori victory over England last month, but now's
the time to show he can stay in-form and injury-free for a season,
not just 80 minutes.
Why we don't want them going down: Few people
would shed a tear if Harbour were to go down. Except, perhaps, the
500 or so punters who turn up to their home games.
Verdict: If McAlister fires, they'll stay in the
top tier. If he doesn't, they won't.
OTAGO
Champions: 1991, 98
Last season: 10th
Key gains: Josh Tatupu (Western Force), Joe Hill
(Wellington), Chris Small (Canterbury).
Major losses: Karne Hesketh (Japan), Brett Mather
(Bay of Plenty), Michael Witt (Super League), Jason Macdonald
(injury).
No prizes for guessing what Otago's season hinges upon. August 7's
Shield challenge in Invercargill will be the biggest game in many
of the players' lives and, in the greater scheme of things, the
most important game for the union in a generation.
Bringing the log of wood back across the Clutha would be an
enormous shot in the arm for a union that is at one of its lowest
ebbs, but it looks a dim prospect against an ever-improving
Southland team. Lose that game and Otago will likely be consigned
to also-rans in 2010.
Their squad could kindly be described as workmanlike - again
heavily reliant on Adam Thomson at the breakdown and outside back
Ben Smith for counter-attacking flair. Both have points to prove to
the national selectors, but in other areas - such as the front row
and inside backs - a surfeit of passion can't make up for a
shortage of class.
Player to watch: Ryan Shortland. The Warriors
discard had limited opportunities last season but will be forced to
step up after the departure of Hesketh and Mather.
Why we don't want them going down: Rightly or
wrongly, Otago remains the Highlanders' senior franchise partner
and failure to finish in the top seven would be another body blow
for the ailing Super 15 outfit.
The Verdict: It's a reflection of how far Otago
rugby has fallen that a Shield victory would be enough to
constitute a successful season. Will in all likelihood be reduced
to playing second-tier rugby in their shiny new stadium.
SOUTHLAND
Champions: Never
Last season: Beaten semi-finalists, 4th
Key gains: James Paterson (Canterbury).
Major losses: Jason Kawau (Japan).
Complacency may be the Stags' greatest enemy right now. Euphoria
left over from a stellar 2009 season must be put to one side,
especially with a hungry Otago side steeling itself for one of the
biggest Shield challenges in years in round two.
The personnel are largely the same and is the gameplan, with a
powerful tight five setting the platform for a low-risk,
high-intensity approach. Any front row containing Jamie MacKintosh
and Jason Rutledge has to be respected, while locks Joe Tuineau and
Josh Bekhuis will look to capitalise on their breakthrough 2009
seasons.
That's not to say there isn't talent to burn in the backs; and that
was shown in Southland's recent thrashing of Wanganui. Young
fullback-cum-first five Robbie Robinson is a year older and wiser,
and may be given greater scope to run the team. It's onwards and
upwards for the Stags.
Player to watch: Brayden Mitchell. A member of
last year's World Cup-winning U20s squad, the 21-year-old hooker
has been likened by insiders to a young Sean Fitzpatrick.
Why we don't want them going down: Like Otago,
their success is crucial to the Highlanders' chances of pulling
themselves out of the mire. And let's be honest, everyone has a
soft spot for the mighty Stags.
The Verdict: A shield run is a definite
possibility, with tough challenges from Canterbury and Wellington
not until October. Top four contenders again but do they have the
big-game experience to go one better than last year?
TARANAKI
Champions: Never
Last season: Beaten quarter-finalist, 8th
Key gains: Kurt Baker, Andre Taylor (both
Manawatu), James Broadhurst, Tyson Keats (both Canterbury), George
Pisi (North Harbour), David Smith (Wellington).
Major losses: James Hinchco (retired), Paul Perez
(Toulon), Neemia Soqeta (Japan)
A consecutive eighth place finish just won't do for the 'Naki. So
with the Top Seven in mind the Amber & Blacks have outdone
Southland and Bay of Plenty on the recruitment stakes.
They've done the dirty on neighbours Manawatu by nabbing two of
their New Zealand Sevens reps, secured the services of a pair of
Canterbury champions and new coach Colin Cooper has lured a third
Sevens star, David Smith, up State Highway 1.
That's a lot of strike power to go with Taranaki's traditional
uncompromising forward strength, including last year's All Black
lock Jason Eaton.
Player to watch: James Broadhurst is a big lock
with a big future who'll thrive away from the Canterbury second-row
log-jam.
Why we don't want them going down: One of the
great learning experiences undertaken by our future Test forwards
is going forehead-to-forehead with a Tarankai pack on a cold, dewy
night at the Bull Ring.
Verdict: It'll be edge-of-your-seat stuff in the
final weekends of the season, but with Willie Ripia kicking their
goals chances are Taranaki will sneak into the Top Seven.
TASMAN
Champions: Never
Last season: Beaten quarter-finalist, 7th
Key gains: Chris Jack (Saracens), Steve Alfeld
(Canterbury), Fai Mika (Otago), Jack Umaga (North Otago).
Major losses: Kahn Fotuali'i (Hawke's Bay), Andrew
Goodman (Japan), Sakaria Taulafo (Wasps)
The amalgamated unions of Nelson Bays and Marlborough have endured
a fractious relationship in each of their four seasons of
existence. But 2010 could be the making or breaking of the Makos'
marriage of convenience.
Make the top seven and they'll stick together; finish eighth or
worse and the two unions will likely go their separate ways.
From 2009, 14 players have gone, 14 have remained. The arrival of
uber-experienced Chris Jack is offset by the departure of tenacious
halfback Kahn Fotuali'i who was in the form of his life a matter of
months ago.
Player to watch: Rugby superstars are scarce at
the top of the South Island but Kade Poki is a former Under 20
world champion and part of a Crusaders' winning Super 14 side. All
the midfielder needs now is an injury-free season.
Why we don't want them going down: Everyone loves
an underdog and when the NPC's newest province can beat Auckland
and almost take the shield off Wellington then long may they
continue.
Verdict: It was fun while it lasted& or was
it?
WAIKATO
Champions: 1992, 2006
Last year: 6th
Key gains: Zac Hohneck (Bay of Plenty), Christian
Lealiifano (Brumbies), Chris Middleton (Wellington), Steven
Setephano (Otago).
Major losses: Callum Bruce (Japan), Sione Lauaki
(Clermont Auvergne)
The once-mighty Mooloos finished last season just two positions
away from what would spell disaster for the province this year. But
there is reason to be confident in 2010.
The squad is stacked with typical Waikato talent: gnarly
front-rowers, workhorse locks, dynamic loosies, lethal halfbacks
and blockbusting three-quarters.
Add to the mix, the return of former All Blacks Brendan Leonard,
Stephen Donald and Aled De Malmanche, who were needed by Graham
Henry last campaign, and the arrival of Brumbie utility back
Christian Lealiifano, all of which could see the cheering at
Waikato Stadium drown out the cowbells.
Player to watch: We got a glimpse of Save Tokula
at the end of the Super 14 - and that is precisely all the
defenders got - to know that the Mooloos won't lack
strikepower.
Why we don't want them going down: Waikato were
last seen in the second tier 25 years ago but can you imagine
provincial rugby without cowbells?
Verdict: If Chris Gibbes' men can capture
home-ground advantage in the play-offs then the last three dismal
seasons might be forgotten.
WELLINGTON
NPC champions: 1978, 81, 86, 2000
Last season: Runners-up
Key gains: David Te Moana (France), Adrian Barone (Manawatu).
Major losses: Tamati Ellison (Japan), Robbie Fruean (Canterbury),
Daniel Kirkpatrick (Hawke's Bay), Matthew Luamanu (North Harbour),
Anthony Perenise (Hawke's Bay), David Smith (Taranaki)
In many ways Wellington have gained three All Blacks: Rodney
So'oialo, Neemia Tialata and Hosea Gear. The trio were mostly tied
up last season with the Tri Nations - this campaign they will be
on-hand to ensure the Lions' stellar backline gets enough
pill.
Departures include Tamati Ellison, David Smith, Robbie Fruean and
Daniel Kirkpatrick but the biggest personality seen flying out of
the capital is likely to be Highlanders-bound coach Jamie
Joseph.
The toughest decision left to the man stepping into Joseph's boots:
who to pick at first-five? The unpredictable Michael Hobbs, fan
favourite Fa'atonu Fili, rookie Lima Sopoaga or sporadically
available Piri Weepu?
Player to watch: The nation is salivating over the
emergence of Julian Savea but if you want a winger who can score at
will, then look no further than Hosea Gear.
Why we don't want them going down: Would they ever
climb out of the second division if they kept losing the final
match of the season?
Verdict: They've got the goods to challenge for
the ITM Cup. Whether they've got a hypnotist who can trick the
players into winning a final, remains to be seen.
