ITM Cup For Beginners: Finals Review

This weekend will bring a close to a wonderful season of domestic rugby in New Zealand. All sides in this competition produced some fabulous running rugby with a high standard of skill from all players. And now all that's left to be decided is who will be promoted to the Premiership, and who will claim the Premiership crown

Championship Final:

Tasman Makos 26 v 25 Hawke's Bay, Friday 25th October 7.35am

Tasman:

1.Tim Perry, 2.Quentin MacDonald, 3. Sila Puafisi, 4.Alex Ainley, 5.Joe Wheeler, 6.Gary Redmond, 7.Shane Christie (captain), 8.Liam Squire, 9.Billy Guyton, 10.Marty Banks, 11.Mitchell Scott, 12.Tom Marshall, 13.Kieron Fonotia, 14.Bryce Heem, 15.James Lowe.
Reserves: 16.Francis Smith, 17.Siua Halanukonuka, 18.Tevita Cavubati, 19.Vernon Fredericks, 20.Mark Swanepoel, 21.Andy Symons, 22.Robbie Malneek.

Hawke's Bay:

1.Max Lahiff, 2.Ash Dixon, 3.Brendon Edmonds, 4.Michael Allardice, 5.Mark Abbott, 6.Mike Coman (c), 7.Brednon O'Connor, 8.Karl Lowe, 9.Alby Mathewson, 10.Ihaia West, 11.Penikolo Latu, 12.Andrew Horrell, 13.Richard Buckman, 14.Telusa Veainu, 15.Zac Guildford.

Reserves: 16.Ged Robinson, 17.Adrian Barone, 18.Trent Bosswell-Wakefield, 19.Tony Lamborn, 20.Chris Eaton, 21.Adam Bradey, 22.Michael Vuicakau.

Review

Tasman celebrate. Credit: Alden Williams

What a game. Everything anyone would want from a final. The skills levels were exceptional, and physicality was moan inducing and this was a very tight contest that went down to the wire.

Hawke's Bay started the brighter, forced a fantastic turnover, before Ihaia West put Zac Guildford over for a 3rd minute try. Tasman were stunned, and somehow pulled a try back to level matters, but Hawke's Bay were in control. A further penalty from West put them back ahead.

From there, Tasman started making inroads, with James Lowe coming to the fore. Two penalties from Banks put them 13-10 ahead with 10 minutes left before half time. James Lowe then sparked some magic, first with an initial break from his own half after a wonderful Shane Christie offload, and then after a quick throw from Quentin McDonald, Lowe was able to draw the last man and send Liam Squire over for his 7th try of the year.

Back came Hawke's Bay, and a period of concerted pressure on the Tasman line ended with referee Glen Jackson giving the magpies an attacking penalty on the Tasman 5m line. The exciting Ihaia West who was enjoying a fine game saw a massive numerical advantage and took the quick tap. The entire Tasman defense were caught unawares except Marty Banks, who intercepted on his own 5m line and ran in the try from 95 metres. Tasman lead at the break 23-10.

Hawke's Bay were determined to get back, and were camped in the Tasman half for the first 10 minutes of the second half without any joy. Ihaia West had missed 3 kicks at goal, and Hawke's Bay were now turning down kicking opportunities to go for a try that would put them back in the game. Eventually openside flanker Brendon O'Connor barged over to make a game of it at 23-17, before a Marty Banks put the scores out to 26-17 with a long range penalty.

Ihaia West finally nailed a kick with 5 minutes left, leading to a frantic final minutes. The game was end to end, with Hawke's Bay going close a few times before being penalised in Tasman's 22. Eventually, Brendon O'Connor turned over a ball in his own 22, setting Hawke's Bay up for one last attempt. A break from Trent Bosswell-Wakefield and some brilliant support work from Brendon O'Connor put sub scrumhalf Chris Eaton over in the corner.

Ihaia West, the 21 year old who has already missed 3 kicks, had a very difficult touchline conversion to win it with the last play of the game, but was unable to , giving Tasman a win that they deserved given their performances overall.

Preview

Tasman have been the undoubted best team in the Premiership, and Hawke's Bay have been the best of the rest, so it's no doubting that both these teams deserve to be here.

Tasman have named a strong team, with Super Rugby experience complimenting exciting prospects throughout the team. Tim Perry and Quentin MacDonald bring Super Rugby experience with the Blues to Sila Puafisi's 5 Tongan caps. Joe Wheeler and Alex Ainley are honest workhorses in the second row, while Liam Squire is Tasman's top try scorer from No.8, and his form, along with Shane Christie's has earned them their first Super Rugby contracts, 22 year old Squire with the Cheifs, and 28 year old Christie with the Highlanders. Liam Squire is the beautiful combination of beastly power with lethal pace, and a deceptive step, as shown by his try against Southland in the semi final. 

Marty Banks has had a remarkable rise so far. Photo: Photosport

Marty Banks has been the talk of the Tasman team, being a reliable goalkicker, and his form has also earned him his first Super Rugby contract with the Hurricanes. 24 year old Banks has had a roundabout way to get to this stage, going to play rugby in Russia, before impressing with Buller in the Heartland Championship and earning a spot in Tasman's extended squad for this year's ITM Cup. Banks has taken every opportunity with both hands to get here, and is a message to every potential youngster out there to keep working.

Tom Marshall continued his outstanding form with the Crusaders to guide Banks, while James Lowe has in been the star of the team in my opinion. Lowe's pace and vision has created countless opportunities, while Tasman undoubtedly play their offloading game with much higher pace and accuracy whenever Tom Marshall is on the field. If they are in the mood, Hawke's Bay will not be able to keep up.

The Magpies also have considerable Super experience, with Max Lahiff of the Rebels and Ash Dixon of the Hurricanes in the front row, and Brendon O'Connor and Karl Lowe in the back row providing much of their leadership. If things start to go Hawke's Bay's way. The talents of Alby Mathewson, Andrew Horrell Telusa Veainu and Zac Guildford will be itching to punish Tasman at any cost.

Ihaia West has been outstanding this year and will have many offers to play Super Rugby next year.
Photo: Graham Palmer

Ihaia West is one of Hawke's Bays best prospects, and arguably their player of the year this year. Recently called up to the Maori side, this gingerhaired wizard has created quite a buzz back in New Zealand with a dummy, a left-foot step, a startling burst of speed and a crowd pleasing dive, West set himself apart as a player capable of rare brilliance on the big stage. West's individual matchwinning try was a joy to behold in the semi final. New Zealanders are now asking "Who is this red-headed Maori kid? How good is he? And will he playing Super Rugby next year?" If you haven't heard of him yet, you will soon. 

His similarities with Quade Cooper don't just end with his dancing feet an speed, but like Cooper, his defense isn't good enough for coaches to have him defending on the front line, and he often finds himself defending from the fullback position where he can do damage on the counter attack.

The previous match between these two this season was a narrow victory for Tasman, 18-9. I think Tasman will be too strong again, but it'll be a much higher scoring game. Tasman by 10.

Premiership Final:

Wellington Lions 13 v  29 Canterbury, Saturday 26th October 7.35am

Wellington:

15. Charlie Ngatai, 14. Matt Proctor, 13. Tim Bateman, 12. Shaun Treeby, 11. Alapati Leiua, 10. Lima Sopoaga, 9. Frae Wilson, 8. Victor Vito (capt), 7. Ardie Savea, 6. Brad Shields, 5. Api Naikatini, 4. Mark Reddish, 3. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 2. Motu Matu'u, 1. John Schwalger.

Reserves: 16. Reggie Goodes, 17. Eric Sione, 18. Kaipati Gaualofa, 19. Faifili Levave, 20.Adam Hill, 21. Tomasi Palu, 22.Joe Hill

Canterbury:

1. Joe Moody, 2. Ben Funnell, 3. Nepo Laulala, 4. Joel Everson, 5. Luke Katene, 6. Luke Whitelock, 7. George Whitelock (c), 8. Nasi Manu, 9. Andy Ellis, 10. Tyler Bleyendaal, 11. Johnny McNicholl, 12. Ryan Crotty, 13. Adam Whitelock, 14. Patrick Osborne, 15. Tom Taylor.
Reserves: 16. Marcel Cummings-Toone, 17. Paea Fa'anunu, 18. Dominic Bird, 19. Jordan Taufua, 20. Willi Heinz, 21. Rob Thompson, 22. Colin Slade.

Review

A game that had so much billing and lots of potential was nearly ruined by the conditions. The wind meant that there wasn't as many offloads as one would have hoped as teams decided to play territorially, but there was still an impressive amount of ball handling skills and a limited number of mistakes. Hookers did extremely well not to have as many crooked throws as there could have been, and passes that left the hands going backwards often ended up a few metres in front.

Nevertheless, there was a hell of a game played, and Canterbury got off to a great start after Patrick Osborne punished a poor kick from Frae Wilson from a scrum to gift a try to Andy Ellis. Canterbury were unable to regather the resulting kickoff, and Lima Sopoaga got Wellington off the mark with a wonderfully struck penalty in the conditions.

Wellington started to get on top, and were pushing the line for minutes before Lima Sopoaga spotted a gap to put his side in front 10-7 at the break.

George Whitelock lifts Canterbury's 6th title in 6 years.
Source: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images AsiaPac

That was as good as it got for Wellington, who have lost 6 finals since their last win in 2000. Canterbury dominated the second half, playing a smart territory game, and controlling possession. George Whitelock had a fantastic game and kept Ardie Savea unusually quiet. Canterbury had two tries disallowed before Ryan Crotty went over in the corner after the entire Wellington team were attracted to a ruck on the opposite side of the pitch. Sopoaga was able to keep Wellington within 7 points with a penalty, but a fortutiously awared try in the last few minutes from George Whitelock ended the game as a contest with Canterbury winning their 6th in a row.

Preview

Canterbury have a huge test ahead of them if they want to win the Premiership title for the 6th time in a row on Saturday. Wellington have been by far the best team in the competition and don't look like they will be stopped. Wellington will feel they have a point to prove after only having 6 players in Steve Hansens touring squad, while Canterbury have double that number with 12 representatives.

Shaun Treeby has been outstanding in midfield for Wellington this year, and the pace and power of Leiua and Proctor will case Osborne and McNicholl all sorts of problems.

Motu Matu'u is a hard hitting hooker, and Toomaga-Allen will look to dominate the scrum against new All Black Joe Moody.

Ardie Savea is a star in the making and will look to prove that in the final.
Photo: CHRIS SKELTON/Fairfax NZ

New All Black squad member, Luke Whitelock will have a deadly backrow to contend with, all of whom will feel they should have been picked ahead of the 22 year old. The battle of the back rows will be key for this game, and George Whitelock will have to contend with Ardie Savea, who has the pace of a winger, power of a number 8 and the hands of a centre, but is deadly at the breakdown.

Tom Taylor and Ryan Crotty will give Canterbury some direction, while Andy Ellis will control the game from the base. Ellis has been in fine form, and is unfortunate that he is a couple of years older than the current New Zealand scrum halves, none of which have the control of a game that Ellis displays.

Tyler Bleyendaal is showing Canterbury and Crusader fans that their might be life after Dan Carter. Photo: radiosport

The player I've been most impressive with this season is outhalf Tyler Bleyendaal. He has the game management of a Ronan O'Gara, and the eye of a gap like Ian Madigan. This 22 year old is sure to get some opportunities for the Crusaders next year with Dan Carter's sabbatical and Colin Slade's injury history. Another outstanding talent to watch.

Canterbury may be coming into form at the business end of the season like usual, and while experience usually counts, I can't see anyone stopping the Wellington train that's been rolling over teams so far. One thing is for sure. This is one game of the weekend not to miss.

ITM Cup For Beginners: Update

It's nearly semi final time in the ITM Cup, and I haven't been following it as much as I'd have liked.

The semi final line up is as follows;

Championship:

Saturday 19th October 4:35am
Tasman (1) v (4) Southland

Sunday 20th October 2:35am
Otago (2) v (3) Hawke's Bay

Premiership:

Friday 18th October 7:35 am
Wellington (1) v (4) Counties Manakau
Result: 44-10
Wellington cruise into the final with the back row of Shields, Savea and Vito particularly impressing. It's unlikely that they will be stopped.

Saturday 19th October 2:05am
Canterbury (2) v (3) Auckland

Story So Far

There have been 4 standout teams in the ITM Cup this season. Wellington have been by a distance the best team in the competition, with Canterbury and Auckland close by on their tails in the Premiership.

Tasman have also been very impressive after cantering to top seeds in the Championship.

Ardie Savea scores v Auckland. Source: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images AsiaPac

Wellington have swept all before them with Ardie Savea standing out in an impressive back row, where the performances of Victor Vito will also have BNZ selectors interested.  Such was Wellington's dominance that they started with 4 try bonus point wins in the first 4 games, including beating Counties 19-55 in the first week. They ended up winning their next 4 games, which also included victories against Canterbury and a bonus point win over Auckland, the other two semi finalists. The only blot on their mark was a loss to Hawke's Bay in the last week having already guaranteed top spot.

Canterbury and Auckland also started well, not losing until the 6th and 5th weeks respectively, with Canterbury's only loss to Wellington by 19 points to 25. Auckland were a little more sloppy, with losses to Waikato and Otago also on their copybook.

Waikato and Taranaki had average seasons, neither one threatening either relegation or the playoffs, while Bay of Plenty struggled.

Tasman were very impressive in their march to the Championship top spot, with only losses to Canterbury and a bad loss to North Harbour their only blots, although not playing Auckland or Wellington certainly helped.

Otago were next best, and while they had mixed season, their 4 losses all came against teams who ended up in the semi finals. They finished the season strongly with two bonus point wins, but will be looking to make up for their one point loss to Hawke's Bay in the semi finals.

Finishing one point behind them was Hawke's Bay, and in what looks like a very tight semi final, both teams had similar seasons with 4 losses each. A loss to Bay of Plenty early on was a set back, but victories over Otago, Southland and Wellington set up Hawke's Bay up for a push for promotion.

Southland won only 3 of their 9 games, and scraped into the semi finals at the expense of Manwatu, but shouldn't be expecting much from their semi final sojourn.

Northland, despite the magic of Rene Ranger and Rupeni Caucaunibuca, couldn't muster up a semi final challenge, while one win and a draw was all North Harbour could manage.

Ranfurly Shield

Premiership semi finalists Counties Manakau had a great season after being promoted last year. Not only did they manage to finish 4th, they also finished the season with the Ranfurly Shield after it changed hands several times.

Counties Manakau claim the Ranfurly Shield. Getty Images

Waikato started the season as holders, and managed to successfully fend off North Harbour before losing the following week to Otago. It was the first time in 56 years for Otago to hold the Ranfurly Shield, which made it all the more devastating they lost it the following week in that one point loss to Hawke's Bay. Hawke's Bay couldn't do much better, losing the following defense to Counties Manakau, where the shield stayed after 3 successful defenses to Taranaki, Waikato and Southland.

Standout Players

Wellington - Ardie Savea, Shaun Treeby

As mentioned, Savea looked a class apart in this competition, showing a complete range of skills, from impressive steals, strong running and great finishing collecting up with 4 tries. Treeby has also scored 4 tries, and was magnificent against Counties in the semi final displaying strong defensive highlighted by the great rip which set up his try. Other strong Wellington performers include Victor Vito, who must have earned his way back into BNZ selector's thoughts for the end of year tour.

Canterbury - Jordan Taufua, Luke Whitelock, Mildford Keresoma

While Canterbury are a highly drilled unit with each player performing highly, it was hard to pick one player as a standout. No team scored more tries than Canterbury, highlighted by the fact that Mildford Keresoma leads the try scoring charts with 8 after 9 games. At 21, he looks to have a big future in the game. Patrick Osborne and Adam Whitelock both finished with 5 tries, Rob Thompson with 4, while Ryan Crotty and Luke Whitelock bagged 3 each. With 4 different outhalves tried in Canterbury just highlights the sense of a team stepping up and no one individual standing out. Jordan Taufua is one to watch out for next season in Super Rugby though, with much expected of the 21 year old, he performed well when given the chance this competition.

Auckland - Simon Hickey, Lolagi Visinia

Simon Hickey impressed for Auckland Source: Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images AsiaPac

After watching a lot of the JWC, Simon Hickey had a mixed competition. After starting extremely brightly against Australia, once Ireland started to come back, Hickey faded into obscurity and never really recovered. Until now. Given the reigns in Auckland, Hickey's steered them into third place, and has bagged over 100 points in the competition. From the New Zealand Herald (who aren't known to praise lightly) "Hickey has had some bright spots this year. A sideline conversion to win their Super City derby against Counties Manukau in week four stands out, while his kicking and running have impressed."

Still only 19, Hickey will have another year at Under 20s next year. A frightening thought.

Visinia is himself only 20, which means his tally of 6 tries is very impressive. Another young backthree who will look to get some gametime for the Blues next season.

Counties Manukau - Sherwin Stowers

He may be without a team for next season's Super Rugby and will turn instead to 7s, but Sherwin Stowers was one of the names that New Zealand commentators praised highly for his performances. A player with huge X factor, the crowd audibly got excited whenever he got the ball, and more often than not he made things happen. It seems incredible that he couldn't find a team for Super Rugby next year, at 27, he should only be approaching his peak. A far cry from 2011, when he turned down both the Chiefs and the Highlanders to sign for the Blues.

Tasman - James Lowe

Like Stowers, James Lowe is someone who makes things happen, and was the standout player in the Tasman side. A number of this side has been subsequently signed for Super Rugby, including Lowe, who will be looking to replace Lelia Masaga for the Chiefs. Scorer of 6 tries himself, Lowe also has the ability to break the line and create things for others.

Otago -Hayden Parker,  Fa'asiu Fuatai

Hayden Parker finished the regular season as top points scorer with 161, and generally looked a tidy player. With Slade leaving the Highlanders, the 22 year old will be looking to challenge Lima Sopoaga for the starting spot. Parker displayed maturity beyond his years in this years competition, and players similar to Beauden Barrett.

Southland - Cardiff Vaega

Admitedly, I don't think I caught one Southland game, but I had to include Vaega for this article, from stuff.co.nzstuff.co.nz:

Southland midfielder Cardiff Vaega has claimed the final spot in the Hurricanes squad for 2014.
Vaega signed with the franchise this week, after Wellington Lions lock Mark Reddish also recommitted to the team for 2014.
The two signings round off the Hurricanes' roster for next season, with its wider training group members still to be added.
Vaega, 22, has been a standout for Southland during the provincial season particularly through his midfield pairing with Willis Halaholo.
Hurricanes' coaches Mark Hammett and Alama Ieremia felt Vaega had been at the forefront of that pairing, and would be a good fit for the Hurricanes in 2014.
Assistant and backs coach, Ieremia, said Vaega was extremely physical, made accurate defensive decisions, and had been one of the standout midfielders during the 2013 ITM Cup.
"Cardiff offers size and a physical presence we were looking for in our midfield. He's been a consistent performer for the Southland team and we're excited to help him develop his game through the Hurricanes environment.
"As a team man, he will fit well into our culture and we welcome him to the next challenge of his career."
Vaega said he couldn't be more excited to pick up the last spot in the Hurricanes squad, and put his selection down to the confidence he had developed in Southland.
"I've got a bit more confidence this year which has enabled me to express myself better on the field and show people what I have to offer.
"I grew up watching and admiring a number of players in the Hurricanes and can't wait to have a chance to pull the jersey on myself. I'm looking forward to representing the team as best I can on and off the field."

Players signed for Super Rugby teams from ITM Cup.

Blues:
Patrick Tuipulotu (Auckland) Second Row

Chiefs:

James Lowe starred for Tasman and was rewarded with a move to the Chiefs. Source: Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images AsiaPac

Matt Symons (Canterbury) Second Row
Liam Squire (Tasman) No. 8
James Lowe (Tasman) Wing

Crusaders
Mitchell Drummon (Canterbury) Scrumhalf

Highlanders:
Tom Franklin (Otago) Second Row
Gareth Evans (Otago) Flanker
Shane Christie (Tasman) Flanker
Kurt Baker (Taranaki) Full Back

Hurricanes:
Mark Abbot (Hawke's Bay) Second Row
Marty Banks (Tasman) Fly Half
Cardiff Vaega (Southland) Centre

Rebels:
Telusa Veainu (Canterbury) Wing

ITM Cup: A Beginner's Point Of View. Preview

Never heard of the ITM Cup you say? Never fear, this beginner's guide will be with you throughout the season telling you everything you need to know.

The ITM Cup is New Zealand's club tournament, and I think it's fair to say it's the world's leading club tournament in the world. It's the equivalent of Ireland's UBL championship, except that it creates a lot more attention, and their Super Rugby and international stars want to play for their club team.

ITM Cup is the competition that Ireland plucked Michael Bent from, while international squad members Francis Saili, Charles Piutau and Franka Halai were unknowns in the competition last year.

The regard that is held for the ITM Cup is huge, with Australian players signing up to play (Paul Alo-Emile, young Rebels prop) and Benji Marshall, fresh from his switch from League, eager to get some action.

Background

The ITM Cup in it's current format is entering it's 8th season, with 14 teams from the North and South Islands of New Zealand. With the remaining 12 teams playing in the Heartland Championship. In 2013, the ITM Cup has 2 Divisions - the Premiership and the Championship. Each Division has seven teams in it.

Within this framework there is a unique format whereby teams will play all other teams in their own Division as well as four of the teams from the other Division. This means that over a nine week period, each team will play 10 games. This keeps up some of the long established, traditional provincial rivalries. Eg. In 2013, Auckland (North Island) will play Manawatu, North Harbour, Northland (North Island) and Otago (South Island). In fact, North Harbour, Northland and Auckland are in the North West point of the Northern Island.

Points are awarded similar to the majority of Rugby competitions, with 4 points for a win, and a bonus point system in place. As with most competitions, a 4 team playoff occurs at the end of the regular season in each division to determine a winner.

The 2013 competition sees Counties Manukau promoted to the Premiership after winning the Championship final in 2012, and Hawke's Bay relegated to the Championship. Canterbury are the holders of the Premiership.

Ranfurly Shield

The ITM Cup also features within it another arguably more prestigious trophy, the Ranfurly Shield. The Ranfurly Shield, also known as the "Log o' Wood", is perhaps the most prestigious trophy in New Zealand's domestic rugby union competition. First presented to Auckland in 1902, the Ranfurly Shield is based on a challenge system, rather than a league or knockout competition as with most football trophies. The holding union must defend the Shield in challenge matches, and if a challenger defeats them, they become the new holder of the Shield. The Shield holder at the end of each season is required to accept at least seven challenges for the following year. All home games during league play, but not during knockout playoffs, in the ITM Cup are automatic challenges. The remaining shield defences must be made up of challenges from unions in the other domestic competition.The Shield is currently held by Waikato who won it from Taranaki in the 12th round of the Round Robin in the2012 ITM Cup.

The season's first Ranfurly Shield challenge will see the Northland Taniwha have the first tilt at wrestling 'the Log o' Wood' off the summer guardians, the Waikato Mooloos.

If Waikato retain their hold on the Shield they will face challenges from Northland (Week 1), Otago (Week 2), Auckland (Week 5), Wellington (Week 7) and the ultimate derby match against Taranaki, the team that handed the Shield to Waikato, in Week 9.

Premiership

Canterbury are the holders, and the hot favourites to retain their title. While other teams will be shorn of their international stars during the early parts of the competition, Canterbury will still have the likes of Joe Moody, Corey Flynn, Dominic Bird, George, Luke and Adam Whitelock, Colin Slade and Johnny McNicholl amongst others. Matt Todd was unlikely to miss on international selection, while Nasi Manu and Jordan Taufua and young wingers Belgium Tuatagaloa and Milford Keresoma are worth keeping an eye out for.

Key Player: George Whitelock

One to Watch: Jordan Taufua

Wellington are expected to be a strong challenger, who are also left relatively intact following the New Zealand squad announcement. Ardie Savea, Jeffrey Toomuga Allen, Victor Vito, Brad Shields, Charlie Ngatai, Alpati Leiua and Hosea Gear featuring for a strong team. Wellington possibly have the most balanced team, with Vito eager to make up for missing out on New Zealand selection, they could be worth a bet.

Key Player: Victor Vito

One to Watch: Lima Sopoaga

Auckland are fresh off an impressive season by the Blues, Auckland are an exciting young team that will go far. Peter Saili and Luke Braid will be vital, while they are backed up by promising youngsters Angus Ta'avo and Ofa Tu'ungafasi up front, with Simon Hickey (U-20), Hadleigh Parkes, George Moala and Lolagi Visinia expected to provide the thrust in the backline. Also featuring is Under 20 blindside flanker Joseph Edwards who made my team of the Tournament

Key Player: Luke Braid

One to Watch: Joseph Edwards

Waikato are lower down on the list of likely challengers, but have enough talent to cause teams problems. Paul Alo-Emile, Ben Tameifuna and Toby Smith will fight it out for the two prop positions, while Matt Van Leven and Jack Lam will need big performances if Waikato are to continue the success from the Chiefs. Sam Christie of the Western Force and Tim Mikkelson of NZ Sevens legendary feature in the backline, while Marty Holah and Brendon Leonard are including in the wider training squad.

Key Player: Jack Lam

One to Watch: Ben Tameifuna

Counties Manukau are another team capable of springing surprises, with Hika Elliott, Fritz Lee, Augustine Pulu, Baden Kerr, Frank Halai and Bunde Aki in their ranks. Much could depend on when Tim Nanai Williams returns from injury.

Key Player: Baden Kerr

One to Watch: Rey Lee-Lo

Taranaki should be safe from relegation in a team featuring Chris King, the promising Rhys Marshall, Kane Barrett and Jarrad Hoeata up front, with Jamison Gibson Park, Waisake Naholo, Kurt Baker (another 7s star) and Andre Taylor in the backline. They will be further boosted when Beauden Barrett comes back from internationals and James Marshall comes back from injury.

Key Player: Jarrad Hoeata

One to Watch: Rhys Marshall / Andre Taylor / Jamison Gibson Park

Bay Of Plenty will struggle this year, in a team lacking upcoming youngsters or any established talent. Everything will rest on Tanerau Latimer and Chris Noakes.

Key Player: Tanerau Latimer

One to Watch: Nathan Harris

Championship

The Championship is not without it's talent, and will be worth keeping an eye on, if not for exciting talent from this years Under 20s, then for some exciting combinations like Rene Ranger and Rupeni Caucau combining in midfield for Northland.

Here are the best of the Championship:

Southland Notable Players:

Super rugby regulars: Jamie Mackintosh, Josh Bekhuis, Elliot Dixon, John Hardie, Robbie Robinson

Upcoming: Taylor Adams (scrumhalf),

Northland

Super: Ranger, Caucau, Bronson Murray

Otago:

Super: Tom Donnelly, Ezra Taylor, Liam Coltman, Fumiaki Tanaka, Hayden Parker, Buston Popoali'i

Upcoming: TJ Ioane, Michael Collins (inside centre), Fa'asiu Fuatai (Winger) , Teihorangi Walden (Centre)

North Harbour

Super: Ben Afeaki, Bryn Hall, James Parsons

Upcoming: Sione Mafileo (Lock), Jordan Manihero (Flanker)

Tasman

Super: George Stowers, Quentin McDonald, Tim Perry, Tom Marshall

Manawatu:

Super: Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Michael Fitzgerald

Upcoming: Jason Emery, Ma'afu Fia, Nic Stirzaker, Jade Te Rure (Outhalf)

Hawke's Bay

Super: Ged Robinson, Ash Dixon, Brendon O'Connor, Karl Lowe, Alby Mathewson, Zac Guildford, Andrew Horrell

Irish: Max Lahiff

Upcoming: Telusa Veainu, Gillies Kaka, Trinity Spooner Nera

Where to watch: 

Sky Sports will have all the games live, their coverage starts on Friday at 8.35am

Superbru:

For those who find following along is better if there's something to play for, join the SuperBru pool 

http://www.superbru.com/itmcup/pool.php?p=11111186

Pool name: World In Union 

Pool code: cutenear