15. Peter Betham
(Tasman)
The Australian has come over after a less than impressive effort in New South Wales. But is big and strong enough to make an impact.
14. Lolagi Visini
(Auckland)
Every team has to have one - a massive winger who has lightning speed but can also make the odd blooper. Visini has already made an impact in the sevens game.
13. Francis Saili
(North Harbour)
In the train wreck which was the Blues season, Saili was a small light in the field of gloom. Can run the ball up well and has some distribution skills.
(Manawatu)
This New Zealand colt has the ability to play anywhere in the backline. May run the cutter for the Turbos.
11. Dan Caprice
(Northland)
Swaps the ugly orange of the England sevens strip for the Cambridge blue of the Taniwha. As expected of a sevens player, has some real wheels but may be a questionable tackler.
10. Tony Fenner
(Auckland)
The pin-up boy for the woes of Otago rugby over the past couple of years, the Englishman has moved to the City of Sails. We may now see why he was given plenty of cash down here yet never got near the blue and gold strip.
9. Nemia Kentale
(Southland)
Turned up in the Highlanders wider training squad but seldom seen when it got a bit colder. Solid pass, though may not love that Invercargill southwesterly.
8. Carl Axtens
(Bay of Plenty)
Played in the same school side as Sam Cane and was said to be better. Has been hampered by a knee injury but looking for a big year.
7. Ardie Savea
(Wellington)
Brother of All Black Julian, he already looks the goods through his skills in the sevens game, and has the frame to be a bruiser on defence.
6. Ronald Raaymakers
(Counties-Manukau)
Has been simmering away on the bench for the Steelers but now needs to make an impact.
5. Dominic Bird
(Canterbury)
Coming in at 2.06m, this big bird can run as quick as an ostrich and can get his head in a ruck like a weka sniffing a worm.
4. Blade Thomson
(Taranaki)
Great first name, that. Plenty of endeavour but has some strong competition in getting a starting spot for the amber and blacks.
3. Fraser Armstrong
(Waikato)
Another product from Hamilton Boys' High School who has plenty of bulk and bucketsful of potential.
2. Shota Horie
(Otago)
The Japanese international is a bundle of energy and fight. Has come out here to test himself in the cauldron of first-class rugby. And he knows the coach.
1. Peter Borlase
(Hawkes Bay)
Started in Canterbury, then went to Ireland and now in the Bay. And still no-one knows anything about him.
