Format
There has been another tweak to the format. It would not be rugby otherwise. But this one is not too bad. Thankfully there is just one competition table this year. The Odds and Evens pools have been ditched. Each team plays 10 round-robin games — five home and five away. The quarterfinals have been retained, so eight of the 14 teams will get to experience playoff rugby. That is awfully generous. The storm week has been retained as well which is not universally popular. It exists to compress a 10-week competition that winds up with the final on October 20.
The teams
Wellington
Last year: Champions
The oil: The Lions are heavy on experience and high on recent success. There have been some major losses, though. Halfback TJ Perenara and powerhouse outside back Julian Savea are ruled out with injury. That will hurt. The pack looks formidable.
Canterbury
Last year: Runners-up.
The oil: Midfielder Ryan Crotty has returned from Japan but there have been some big departures, including winger George Bridge and prop Owen Franks, who have signed in France. Highlanders captain and openside Billy Harmon is a key player and first five Fergus Burke has lots of potential.
Auckland loose forward Blake Gibson is tackled by North Harbour’s Moses Leo during an NPC quarterfinal match at North Harbour Stadium in October. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
Auckland
Last year: Beaten semifinalists.
The oil: Blessed with some fringe All Blacks and seasoned Super Rugby players, Auckland should go deep into the season. But it is 20-year-old winger Caleb Tangitau who might set the competition alight this year. He has the three Ps: pace, power and potential to go a long way. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is dropping back to fullback. That ought to be a warning for opposing teams not to kick it aimlessly.
Bay of Plenty
Last year: Beaten semifinalists.
The oil: The Bay played some sparkling rugby and much of that attacking power has been retained. The pack looks impressive, too. Lock Justin Sangster is highly rated and rugged Highlanders loose forward Nikora Broughton is a dangerous ball carrier.
Waikato
Last year: Beaten semifinalists.
The oil: Otago first five Josh Ioane has transferred north and he needed to make a change after failing to build on some impressive form early in his career. Midfielder Quinn Tupaea returns from injury and hopefully back into some good form. And most of last year’s crew are back.
Hawke’s Bay
Last year: Beaten quarterfinalists.
The oil: Folau Fakatava and Brad Weber will battle it out for the No 9 jersey, and outside them, Lincoln McClutchie will shape the attack. Hawke’s Bay are tough on home soil and look a reasonably safe bet for the top eight.
Bay of Plenty halfback Leroy Carter scores during the quarterfinal against Waikato in Hamilton in October. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
North Harbour
Last year: Beaten quarterfinalists.
The oil: According to coach Daniel Halangahu, Harbour have a bunch of plumbers learning how to become professional rugby players. They also have Shaun Stevenson (when not on All Blacks duty) and we all know how good he is. Veteran pivot Bryn Gatland is there to guide the play as well. But if they dip out early, at least the good folk on the North Shore will be able to get that leak fixed.
Northland
Last year: Beaten quarterfinalists.
The oil: Otago export John Leslie will coach the Taniwha and he will be able to lean on the likes of accomplished fullback Josh Moorby to create magic out wide, while captain and loose forward Matt Matich always plays with a lot of heart.
Otago
Last year: Ninth.
The oil: Underachieved last year. Never recovered from a costly loss first-up to Counties-Manukau. Gone with a local crew this season. Winger Jona Nareki has X-factor and first five Cameron Millar shapes as a critical cog. Sam Gilbert was the best back for the Highlanders this year and he will be Otago’s Mr Fix It. It would not be a surprise to see him play first five one week, fullback the next and even make an appearance in the midfield if needed.
Tasman
Last year: 10th.
The oil: With loosie Ethan Blackadder, lock Pari Pari Parkinson and first five Mitch Hunt all returning from injury, the Mako look a much stronger unit. They have added Canterbury outside back Wil Gualter as well. Midfielders Alex Nankivell and Levi Aumua are a sharp combination.
Counties-Manukau
Last year: 11th.
The oil: Upset Otago in game one last season and ruined their season. The Steelers shape as spoilers again. Powerhouse No 8 Hoskins Sotutu will have a point to prove following his All Blacks demotion, while Riley Hohepa will be charged with keeping the pack in the right area of the field.
Taranaki
Last year: 12th.
The oil: First five/fullback Stephen Perofeta shapes as an influential player and he will have some talent around him in new Highlanders recruit Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens and the elusive Vereniki Tikoisolomone, while Tei Walden is a steady figure in the midfield. No 8 Pita Gus Sowakula will have one last dip with Taranaki before heading to France.
Southland
Last year: 13th.
The oil: The Stags have built a reputation as battlers but have some really promising youngsters in the side. Look out for the progress of loosies Hayden Michaels and Semisi Tupou-Ta’eiloa. Dangerous centre Isaac Te Tamaki has signed in France and will be a big loss.
Manawatu
Last year: 14th.
The oil: Coach Mike Rogers led the New England Free Jacks to glory in Major League Rugby, but the NPC is a tougher nut. The Turbos might find themselves in the back seat with a bag of chips and a bottle of coke watching as other teams play for the spoils.
