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Canterbury celebrate winninng the 2008 Air New Zealand Cup - Source: Photosport -
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The Air New Zealand Cup gets underway on Thursday night again to little fanfare but it could have been different, writes tvnz.co.nz's Chris Matthews
There is no question that the NZRU has missed a golden opportunity to make the last episode of the 14 team competition one to remember.
Steve Tew and his honchos will cut four teams from the competition in the name of financial sustainability and will use pre-cursors such as population (10 percent), community rugby (25 percent), playing history (20 percent), player development (15 percent) and financial position and performance (30 percent) to decide who will stay and who will go.
The irony here is that if the NZRU had grown some balls and simply said the best 10 teams on the field this year qualify for 2010's Premier Division a lot of the money issues could have been eased.
Just imagine, for instance, that Manawatu was clinging on to 10th position in the final round of action and needed a win against North Harbour to guarantee survival in the top flight.
You could have bet your bottom dollar that Palmerston North's FMG Stadium would be full to the bleachers and that national interest (e.g. television audiences) in the match would be huge.
Instead this match, in the twilight of October, will hardly register a blip on the national conscious as will much of the Air New Zealand Cup.
Who cares if one of the big unions had fallen. That is competition and they could have always re-emerged in the Premier Division thanks to the promotion/relegation system.
But the weak New Zealand sporting mantra of participation has prevailed.
Check out a summary of your team's chances below;
AUCKLAND
Champions: 1982, 84-85, 87-90, 93-96, 99, 2002-03, 05, 07.
Last season: 11th
Amazing that Auckland, once the most feared non-international side in world rugby, could have been cut from the newly named Premier Division if the NZRU had any semblance of fairness.
But as it stands, the famous blue and white hoops will stay afloat with the cream of the crop, regardless of results this year.
However don't be fooled by a raw looking squad. They may have no former All Blacks to call on but an Auckland side, that is battled hardened from the toughest club competition in the land, should always be approached with caution.
Players to watch: Former Highlander Daniel Bowden will be out to showcase his worth as a ball running five-eight to the Blues while Chris Lowrey will be out to rediscover his Super 14 form.
The Verdict: By virtue cannot be called a dark horse but certainly a contender.
Auckland: Tevita Mailau, Pauliasi Manu, Charlie Faumuina, Paea Fa'anunu, Francis Smith, Tom McCartney, Kurtis Haiu, Jay Williams, Andrew Van der Heijden, Dean Budd, Chris Lowrey, Peter Saili, Onosa'i Auva'a, Hamish Paterson, Taniela Moa, Grayson Hart, Ash Moeke, Daniel Bowden, Benson Stanley, Winston Stanley, Jamie Helleur, Teddy Stanaway, Thomas Timani, Dave Thomas, Atieli Pakalani, Paul Williams
BAY OF PLENTY
Champions: 1976
Last season: Beaten quarter-finalists, 6th
The Steamers are one of several teams that may need a strong season to assure a presence in the revamped Premier Division next season.
The pre-season circus, with coach Greg Smith being stood down, only adds more fire to a union that is already struggling with financial matters.
Even though Bay of Plenty has a largely settled squad, with an especially exciting loose forward trio (Colin Bourke, Luke Braid and Solomon King), they had a worrying pre-season where they struggled to a 28-19 win over Counties-Manukau then lost 7-35 to Hawke's Bay.
Players to watch: Once was Warrior Clinton Toopi could be a revelation on the wing and bugling prop James McGougan is certainly a bolter for the end of year tour.
The Verdict: Not enough Steam for a top-four finish.
Bay of Plenty: James McGougan, Joe Savage, Josh Hohneck, Ted Tauroa, John Pareanga, Marcel Cummings-Toone, Culum Retallick, John Moore, Josh Olsen, Josh Katene, Colin Bourke, Luke Braid, Matt Vant Leven, Solomon King, Tanerau Latimer, Zach Hohneck, Andre Ellison, Junior Poluleuligaga, Josh Hall, Mike Delany, Nick McCashin, Cory Aporo, Nigel Hunt, Phil Burleigh, Zar Lawrence, Lance MacDonald, Jason Hona, Clinton Toopi, Wayne Hughson, Ben Smith
CANTERBURY
Champions: 1977, 83, 97, 2001, 04, 08.
Last season: Champions
The red and blacks stormed to the championship last year by winning 12 consecutive matches. They may be without their usual does of All Blacks in this year's episode but they should still have enough cover to again be a title threat.
Expect big campaigns from new skipper George Whitelock along with Corey Flynn and Andy Ellis who will all be pushing for selection on the end of year tour.
Of course all eyes will be on Daniel Carter, who is expected to direct the backline for at least part of the season, and when he is duly promoted the Cantabs are well equipped with Stephen Brett and Colin Slade as cover.
Player to watch: There is of course only one player that can headline Sunday papers after playing one match of club rugby.
The Verdict: The champs are not chumps.
Canterbury: Andrew Olorenshaw, Rodney Ah You, Peter Borlase, Wyatt Crockett, Corey Flynn, Ti'i Paulo, Will Catherwood, Luke Romano, James Broadhurst, Sam Whitelock, Matt Todd, Michael Paterson, George Whitelock, Ash Parker, Nasi Manu, Willie Heinz, Tyson Keats, Andy Ellis, Dan Carter, Colin Slade, Stephen Brett, Tim Bateman, Ryan Crotty, Adam Whitelock, Casey Laulala, Chris Small, Sean Maitland, Tu Umaga-Marshall, James Paterson, Sam Monaghan
COUNTIES-MANUKAU
Champions: 1979
Last season: 13th
Leila Masaga may have been dropped from the All Blacks yet he could be proved a prophet.
His decision to jump ship to Waikato next season has an eerie sense of premonition for not even a strong on-field performance will guarantee the union's survival.
A strong gate could help but.
Player to watch: The Flash is out of here.
The Verdict: Headline Super Sunday in the first four weeks - marketing genius!
Counties-Manukau: Cody Martin, Courtney McKay, Sikeli Nabou, Sherwin Stowers, Matt Holloway, Augustine Pulu, DJ Forbes, Siale Piutau, Waka Setitaia, Josh Hall, Ahsee Tuala, Fritz Lee, Jamie Metcalf, Lelia Masaga, Mark Selwyn, Samisoni Fisilau, Tim Nanai Williams, Siua Halanukonuka, Ilisa Maasi, Jason Roach, Rees Logan, Viliami Fihaki, David Raikuna, Graham Dewes, Jamie Chipman, Seremaia Tagicakibau, Kojak Faioso, Notise Tauafao, Simon Lemalu, Tasesa Lavea.
HAWKE'S BAY
Last season: Beaten semi-finalists, 3rd
The competition darlings are no longer an unknown quantity but they still possess a powerful squad that should make some noise.
Thanks to the giddily heights of the semi-final finish last season a number of their troops are now Super rugby hardened.
Expect star fullback Israel Dagg and powerful number eight Thomas Waldrom to push for end of year tour duties.
Player to watch: Powerful hooker Hikawera Elliot will be determined to get back on the national radar.
The Verdict: In the mix but not enough tricks.
Hawke's Bay: Josh Keys, Jody Allen, Clint Newland, Sona Taumalolo, Ash Dixon, Hikawera Elliot, Michael Johnson, Ross Kennedy, Matt Egan, Hugh Reed, Adam Bradey, Karl Lowe, George Naoupu, Thomas Waldrom, Pama Petia, Chris Eaton, Dane Shelford, Matt Berquist, Andrew Horrell, Aayden Clarke, Sam Giddens, Richard Buckman, Jason Shoemark, Nick Thomson, Mark Jackman, Zac Guildford, Jason Kupa, Israel Dagg.
MANAWATU
Champions: 1980
Last season: 14th
The perpetual strugglers are almost certain to be swiped into the inaptly named Division One next season.
As usual, they will play with a lot of heart but as ever, lack true all-round quality.
The aim will be to avoid the wooden spoon and by Sunday they may already know if they have avoided this indignity for in the first weekend of blockbuster Sunday - Manawatu play Counties Manakau.
Player to watch: Under-20 world champion first five-eight Aaron Cruden has the weight of Palmerston North on his slight shoulders and by all accounts, it's not very pleasant.
The Verdict: Better luck next season.
Manawatu: Grant Polson, Talau Hala, David Te Moana, Ma'afu Fia, Sean O'Connor, Rob Foreman, James Goode, Reece Robinson, Lisiate Fa'aoso, Michael Fitzgerald, Nick Crosswell, Hamish Gosling, Josh Bradnock, Doug Tietjens, Bertus Mulder, Brent Thompson, Aaron Smith, Aaron Good, Aaron Cruden, Isaac Thompson, Francis Bryant, Johnny Leota, Tavita Taufui, Andre Taylor, Lote Raikabula, Tomasi Cama, Kurt Baker, Casey Stone
NORTHLAND
Last season: 9th
Northland's survival in the Premier Division is looking about as stable as the playing surface at Okara Park.
The struggling union has been forced to play their opening home match against Taranaki at North Harbour Stadium but despite this - could yet surprise.
Auckland castoff Lachie Munro will be out to prove a point to the Blues franchise while in Rene Ranger and Jared Payne the Taniwha have genuine firepower out wide.
Player to watch: Lachie Munro could yet force his way into the Blues next season.
The Verdict: Have potential.
Northland: Steve Baker, Rhyan Caine, Derek Carpenter, Matt Clutterbuck, Justin Collins, Nick Collins, Justin Davies, Tim Dow, Cameron Eyre, Damien Fakafanua, Sione Fonua, Eroni Gadolo, Brook Gilmore, Dan Goodwin, Roy Griffin, Karl Haitana, Luke Hamilton, Cameron Jowitt, Joel McKenty, Lachie Munro, Bronson Murray, Pat O'Connor, Jared Payne, Rene Ranger, Mikaele Tuu'u, Matt Wallis, Tony Woodman, Jon Elrick.
NORTH HARBOUR
Last season: 12th
Two former All Blacks legends, Craig Dowd and Jeff Wilson, have been cast with the challenge of turning around a union that has failed to ever deliver on their promise.
They have a does of fringe All Blacks out wide but, Anthony Boric aside, a lacking true mettle upfront.
Another poor season, like last, could ultimately be disastrous: unions facing the chopping block will rightfully point out their consistently low crowd figures and close proximity to arch-rivals, Auckland.
Player to watch: Ben Botica is the namesake of father Frano and by all accounts a more than handy first five-eight.
The Verdict: Wingers may score tries but they don't win matches.
North Harbour: James Afoa, Mike Reid, Ben Afeaki, James Parsons, Michael Mayhew, Anthony Boric, Filo Paulo, James King, Chris Smith, Malakai Ravulo, Tom Chamberlain, Richard Mayhew, Robbie Colhoun, Vili Ma'afu, Chris Smylie, Matt France, Mike Harris, Ben Botica, Andrew Mailei, Anthony Tuitavake, George Pisi, Nafi Tuitavake, Josh York, Rudi Wulf, Jack McPhee, Ken Pisi.
OTAGO
Champions: 1991, 98
Last season: 10th
A return to Otago's glory days is someway off yet but they will at least be out to improve on last season's disappointing 10th place finish.
They begin with a Shield challenge in the Capital and even though their chances there are looking unlikely, a top half finish surely is not.
Daniel Bowden's return north gives Chris Noakes the chance to shine at first five-eight and All Black Adam Thomson, who is recovering from a broken hand, will be a menace when fit.
Player to watch: Once was Warrior Michael Witt is hoping to play for the Highlanders next year however might need to graduate to the Otago bench first but.
The Verdict: Should improve on last season but that ain't saying much.
Otago: Peter Mirrielees, Jason Macdonald, Keith Cameron, Ben Nolan, Sam Hibbard, Pieter van de Merwe, Hayden Triggs, Charlie O'Connell, Seko Qaraniqio, Adam Hill, Hoani Matenga, Paul Grant, Adam Thomson, Steven Setephano, Eben Joubert, James Kenny, Johnny Legg, Glenn Dickson, Chris Noakes, Brett Mather, Andrew Parata, Lucky Mulipola, Fetu Vainikolo, Ben Smith, Karne Hesketh, Ryan Shortland, Michael Witt, Luke Herden, Sam Young.
SOUTHLAND
Last season: Beaten semi-finalists, 4th
One of the surprise packages from last season that will be out to prove lasts seasons semi-final finish was no fluke.
Scott Cowan, the brother of All Black Jimmy, provides assured service from half and the squad is littered with a number of up and comers: most notably star under-20 full back Robbie Robinson.
But of course the real strength of the Southland lies upfront: A functional unit that will not be run amuck.
Players to watch: Giant lock forward Joe Tuineau just missed out on a NFL contract while Jamie Mackintosh will be out to rediscover the form that won him national honours almost a year ago.
The Verdict: It's bloody cold in Invercargill!
Southland: Dion Bates, Josh Bekhuis, Tim Boys, Jimmy Cowan, Scott Cowan, David Gannon, David Hall, John Hardie, Glen Horton, Jason Kawau, Chris King, Tony Koonwaiyou, Kendrick Lynn, Jamie Mackintosh, Seminar Manu, Fai Mika, Michael Peterson, Robert Robinson, Sonny Rongotoheriri, Jason Rutledge, Matt Saunders, Hua Tamariki, Pehi Te Whare, Joe Tuineau, Mark Wells, James Wilson.
TARANAKI
Last season: Beaten quarter-finalist, 8th
The amber and blacks are aiming high this year: Coach Tony Penn has the stated that the objective is a top four finish.
And while some may sceptics may dismiss this notion they should be flying high for at least the first five weeks of the competition where they play strugglers Tasman, Northland, Counties-Manukau and Manawatu.
Jason Eaton's elevation to the All Blacks though sheds the team of experience and they will need Willy Ripia to deliver on his potential at 10 if they are to maintain such lofty heights.
Player to watch: Tearaway flanker Scott Waldrom will be out to regain his Black number.
The Verdict: To fade badly.
Taranaki: Tony Penn, Carl Carmichael, Laurence Corlett, James Hinchco, Timo Tutavaha, Shane Cleaver, Michael Bent, Nemia Soqeta, Craig Clark, Leon Power, Jason Eaton, John Willis, Ben Souness, Chris Walker, Scott Waldrom, Jarrad Hoeata, Samuela Vunisa, Brett Goodin, Baydon Phillips, Kylem O'Donnell, Willie Ripia, Jayden Hayward, Jack Cameron, Nathan Hohaia, Wille Rickards, Shayne Austin, Paul Perez, Ed Jenkins, Asalemo Malo.
TASMAN
Last season: Beaten quarter-finalist, 7th
Tasman have a largely settled with squad and have the ability again to make the playoffs.
Last season, with the axe hovering, they punched above their weight and even if they do so again it may not be enough to avoid demotion.
In pre-season action last weekend Tasman narrowly went down to Otago by 32-33.
Player to watch: Crusaders flyer Kade Poki can rip open any defence
The Verdict: See you in Division One.
Tasman: Hamish Cochrane, Ben Franks, Tristan Moran, Sakaria Taulafo, Quentin MacDonald, Daniel Perrin, Alex Ainley, Anthony Elisala, James Foster, Joseph Wheeler, Mark Bright, Daniel Crichton, Glen Gregory, Daniel Hyatt, Jonathan Poff, Zane Winslade, Shaun Begg, Kahn Fotualii, Matty James, James Marshall, Andrew Goodman, Sione Holani, Ammon Matuauto, Mike Pehi, Kade Poki, Blair Cook, James Kamana, Afeleki Pelenise, Robbie Malneek
WAIKATO
Champions: 1992, 2006
Last year: 5th
Had a squad last year capable of adding to their 2006 season but was struck twice by Hawke's Bay hex.
Will be out to make amends and should be right in the mix by the time November rolls round.
Liam Messam and Sione Lauaki will be out to regain their Black jersey although the latter may have run his cause.
Player to watch: Dominiko Waqaniburotu is the Fijian Sione Lauaki - which means big but fast.
The Verdict: Champs.
WELLINGTON
NPC champions: 1978, 81, 86, 2000
Last season: Runners-up
The Lions did everything last year but win the title.
After storming through round robin, including whipping Auckland for the Ranfurly Shield, they fell at the final hurdle in a single digit final.
No obvious weak links and with a littering of fringe All Blacks have the capability to rack up some big scores.
Player to watch: Victor Vito is well aware that an All Blacks spot is near.
The Verdict: Close but no cigar.
Wellington: Dane Coles, Jacob Ellison, Tamati Ellison, Fa'atonu Fili, Robert Fruean, Scott Fuglistaller, Hosea Gear, Michael Hobbs, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Alapati Leiua, Faifili Levave, Serge Lilo, Matt Luamanu, Alby Mathewson, Motu Matu'u, Api Naikatini, Charlie Ngatai, Anthony Perenise, Buxton Popoalii, Damiel Ramsay, Mark Reddish, Ged Robinson, John Schwalger, David Smith, Jeremy Thrush, Shaun Treeby, Victor Vito.
