Premiership
1. Canterbury
Coach: Tabai Matson.
The red and blacks still look the team to beat. A quality front row and loose forwards such as Matt Todd and Nasi Manu give the side plenty of strength in the forwards. Tom Taylor and Robbie Fruean are just two of many quality backs.
2. Taranaki
Coach: Colin Cooper.
Backed by plenty of money and support, Taranaki has depth in the forwards and also a quality first five-eighth in Beauden Barrett. Look for a big year from Andre Taylor.
3. Bay of Plenty
Coach: Kevin Schuler.
The Steamers have a fair sprinkling of Super 15 talent within their squad. Throw in the experience of halfback Jamie Nutbrown and hooker John Pareanga, and the side looks to be coming to the boil quite nicely.
4. Wellington
Coach: Chris Boyd.
The boys from the capital always have plenty of depth and have a solid look to their forward pack. But with players such as TJ Perenara, Brad Shields and Faifili Levave injured or off playing elsewhere, Wellington may struggle in some key areas.
5. Waikato
Coach: Chris Gibbes.
The Mooloo men always do well in the ITM Cup but may struggle this year with players on All Black duty and the loss of key playmaker Stephen Donald from last year. Much will depend on No 8 Alex Bradley and halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow.
6. Auckland
Coach: Wayne Pivac.
Pivac comes back into the mix after a long spell away. Much has been said of the side having a lot of Super 15 players but most of them were tied up with the woeful Blues. Need to get the habit of winning back.
Daniel Braid likely to bring up a century of Auckland caps.
7. Hawkes Bay
Coach: Craig Philpott.
The reward for winning promotion was the sack for coach Peter Russell. Many players have left. Winger Zac Guildford, utility back Andrew Horrell, halfback Chris Eaton and hooker Hika Elliot will have to be to the fore if the Magpies are to be competitive.
Championship
8. Southland
Coach: Dave Henderson.
Should be right in the reckoning to go back up to the higher level.
Much will depend on how much gas is left in the tank for key men such as Josh Bekhuis, Jamie Mackintosh and Robbie Robinson. Injury cloud hovers over important loose forward John Hardie.
9. Tasman
Coach: Kieran Keane.
There should be some optimism at the top of the south as the Makos have cobbled together a decent squad with a bit of experience. Captain Andrew Goodman is a solid player, while lock-loose forward Joe Wheeler should have plenty of energy after the briefest of Super 15 campaigns.
10. Otago
Coach: Tony Brown.
Plenty of drama off the field since Otago last played a competitive game. Lots of young local guys who will not die wondering. Injuries and the ability to overcome them may be a key, as will the availability of All Blacks Adam Thomson, Tamati Ellison and Ben Smith.
11. Manawatu
Coach: Jason O'Halloran.
The departure of coach Dave Rennie and the likely non-appearance of the two Aarons - Cruden and Smith - could be a big blow to the Turbos. Played well last year and need to get back that hunger and energy again this season.
12. North Harbour
Coach: Liam Barry.
Every year it seems like North Harbour should do better. Too many individuals in many of their teams. Michael Hobbs has signed up and Harbour needs big seasons from prop Ben Afeaki and midfielder Cory Aporo.
13. Northland
Coach: Adriaan Ferris.
The Taniwha has cobbled together a side and will feel the loss of Jared Payne. Needs to get some consistency into the side. Much will fall on Rene Ranger, Bryce Williams and Dan Pryor.
14. Counties-Manukau
Coach: Tana Umaga.
Usually starts well, and will be hard to beat on home ground. But side lacks that bit of experience. Big seasons expected from winger Sherwin Stowers and loose forward Fritz Lee after little playing time in Super rugby.
