The naming of the Highlanders will be something like the celebration of a 34th birthday.
Sure it will be something of a special day.
But it will not be the most important day of the year and will have few if any surprises.
The days of teams trading players, haggling over players in the draft the day before teams are announced, and some genuine bolters coming from nowhere, have long gone.
The player market has evolved thanks to the advent of franchise direct contracting, and Super 15 teams no longer being simply an extension of provincial sides.
The Highlanders of 2013 have been pretty much signposted.
The side went into a draft meeting yesterday to pick two more players for its team, having secured 28 players earlier this month.
The Highlanders were looking for two positions in the backs but general manger Roger Clark was not going to say who they got before this morning's announcement.
The big names they have signed have been well trumpeted and the side has an exciting look to it.
The only big name departure is Adam Thomson, who has dithered around on his future and the Highlanders have looked elsewhere.
Thomson's departure will undoubtedly be a big loss and his boots may be filled by a couple of players.
Tasman forward Joe Wheeler can play both lock and flanker and may come into the No 6 jersey.
He had limited time in the Crusaders jersey but there was plenty in front of him there. This is now his big chance.
It is believed the Highlanders have signed former Crusaders No 8 Jake Paringatai, who has been playing in Japan.
He last played in New Zealand in 2007 and has since played in Ireland and Japan.
Usually a No 8, he has been playing at lock for the past couple of years at Fukuoka Sanix Blues, the same club Brad Thorn plays for.
Paringatai left New Zealand under a cloud after he was convicted of an indecent assault in 2009, stemming from an incident in April 2007.
Paringatai was a strong-running forward and has previously played in Dunedin, turning out for the Southern club.
He is an abrasive player, who should do well under the tutelage of Joseph.
In the backs the Highlanders have turned over a few players with the likes of Kurt Baker, Chris Noakes and Siale Piutau not returning.
Livewire halfback Fumiaki Tanaka has won a spot while first five-eighth Hayden Parker is believed to have made the cut.
Hosea Gear is a certainty on one wing but it is wide open on the other flank. Kade Poki is somewhat lucky to be there after an injury-ridden 2012 while Buxton Popoali'i may also make the grade.
Sherwin Stowers always impresses for Counties-Manukau but the Blues do not want him so he could be picked up.
It is probably too early for Otago flyer Tony Ensor but he, along with No 8 Paul Grant, could make the wider training squad which will be named at the end of next month.
The captaincy will also be an interesting dilemma with Jamie Mackintosh no longer certain to start.
Likely candidates could be veteran rake Andrew Hore or centre Tamati Ellison.
Highlanders
Possible 2013 squad
Andrew Hore, Liam Coltman, Brayden Mitchell, Tony Woodcock, Jamie Mackintosh, Chris King, Ma'afu Fia, Brad Thorn, Josh Bekhuis, Jarrad Hoeata, John Hardie, Tim Boys, Doug Tietjens, Joe Wheeler, Nasi Manu, Jake Paringatai, Aaron Smith, Fumiaki Tanaka, Colin Slade, Lima Sopoaga, Hayden Parker, Shaun Treeby, Ma'a Nonu, Tamati Ellison, Jason Emery, Hosea Gear, Buxton Popoali'i, Sherwin Stowers, Kade Poki, Ben Smith.
