Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at this year's competition and who is going to be in with a show.
This is supposed to be the year of the Ox. But it could be the year of the Magpie.
Those Magpies, as Hawkes Bay is known, have been the real up-and-comers in the domestic rugby competition in the past couple of years, and this season could be the one where they finally make an impact.
After coming into the Air New Zealand Cup in 2006, and making little impact that year, they have been slowly building into a real threat.
Hawkes Bay has never had a problem producing talent, but it has always struggled to either develop it fully or hold on to it.
But the union has got organised and under coaches Peter Russell and Tom Coventry, the team has made the semifinals for the past two years and will want to make it third time lucky.
With 12 Super 14 players and various age-group internationals throughout the side, Hawkes Bay may well have the weapons to go all the way in the competition.
Jason Shoemark takes on the captaincy from the departing Danny Lee and Ross Kennedy has moved to the Bay from Otago, to cover for All Black Bryn Evans.
The crowds have certainly been flocking to McLean Park in the past couple of years and that should continue this year.
The competition this year is a dead man walking with four teams to be dropped for next year, and Air New Zealand no longer having naming rights in 2010.
It will not be the bottom four teams dropped for next year, as a formula including population, playing numbers, finance and playing history is used to decide the unfortunate unions.
Expect plenty of protests in November when the final four are announced.
Outside the Bay, it should be last year's finalists, Wellington and Canterbury, as front-runners.
Though Wellington loses plenty of players to the All Blacks it still has sufficient depth, with players such as Jeremy Thrush, Alby Mathewson and Victor Vito sure to make an impact.
Wellington got off to a great start last year but got the wobbles towards the end of the season, losing the final 7-6 at home against the red-and-blacks.
One of its stars is bound to be exciting back Robert Fruean, who has battled back from a heart problem.
But it may miss bulky No 8 Thomas Waldrom, who has headed to Hawkes Bay, and there could be question marks about leadership on the paddock.
Canterbury should again be more than competitive and with Dan Carter making his way back from injury, his presence is a massive boost.
But one wonders how long it will be before Messrs Henry and Co come calling, should Carter show any sort of form.
Canterbury look a bit light on experience in the pack, and will miss the talents of Mose Tuiali'i and Kieran Read.
Otago has plenty of motivation to bounce back after a disappointing 2008, when it finished 10th.
It is boosted by new signings lock Hayden Triggs and winger Fetu'u Vainikolo but the biggest plus for the side may be new skipper Alando Soakai, who missed all of last season with a shoulder injury.
The lack of a true openside flanker until well into the competition really hurt the side at times last year.
Waikato will be glad of a decision made by Henry in dropping Liam Messam from the All Black squad.
His ball-running ability and speed is a real asset to the Mooloos, who will also hope Sione Lauaki has a good year, and stays on the paddock.
Waikato has been buoyed by the success of the Chiefs this year but many of the stars of that team will be away on All Black duty.
Southland must also be quietly confident of competing well this year, under experienced coaching duo David Henderson and Simon Culhane.
The side made the semifinals for the first time last year.
The side has depth and a solid look about the forward pack.
But last year it was blessed with a kind draw and needs someone to step up in the No 10 jersey.
Taranaki has much the same squad back from last year but will be counting on the return to fitness of flanker Scott Waldrom.
Lock Craig Clarke is also a key.
Auckland has lost loads of experience over the past couple of seasons, and much will rest on the shoulders of Daniel Bowden, who is returning home after stints in Northland and Otago.
The all-conquering team of two years ago is a distant memory.
Tasman has a solid look about it, and players such as Kade Poki and Ben Franks will want big seasons after disappointing Super 14 campaigns.
Bay of Plenty is in turmoil with its newly appointed coach, Greg Smith, absent from training earlier this week.
It has had a poor pre-season and it could either go pear-shaped for the Steamers or they may unite in the face of drama and blaze to a winning season.
Much will be expected of Manawatu first five-eighth Aaron Cruden but backs cannot do much if forwards do not fire, and there are doubts about the Manawatu front five.
Lachie Munro has moved to Northland and will need to expertly steer a new-look side, including former Alhambra-Union loose forward Matt Clutterbuck, around the paddock.
Counties-Manukau has dangerous winger Lelia Masaga but appears to be running on borrowed time.
It might well be the first name out of the hat when the death sentences are handed down, come November.
