The four New Zealand Super 15 sides north of the Waitaki have had plenty of comings and goings since last year. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn considers their chances.It really is time for the Blues to stand up and be counted, for the franchise to step forward and show it has the best rugby side in the land.
Drawing from a population of more than a third of the country, the Blues have been floundering for too long.
They have not won a title since 2003, and while they made it as far as the semifinals last year, they had a shocker in losing heavily to the Reds.
With all the talent they have on board, the Blues should be able to go at least one better this season.
They have a forward pack which contains plenty of seasoned All Blacks, a couple of key additions in the backline in Piri Weepu and Ma'a Nonu, and men like Rene Ranger and Rudi Wulf who have plenty to prove.
Jerome Kaino has moved to No 8, and if the All Black flanker continues where he left off last season, the Blues should not find it any problem to get on the front foot.
Ranger and Nonu together should make an interesting combination, and the side will not miss the services of flaky players such as Stephen Brett and Luke McAlister.
The only worries may be over Weepu's fitness and whether players such as Ali Williams, Tony Woodcock and Keven Mealamu have enough fuel in the tank to go the whole season.
Down in Chiefs country, new coach Dave Rennie has plenty of talent on his books.
His backline is full of enterprise and game breakers but there are questions whether there is anyone around to do the hard graft. Will the Flash Harrys front when the heavens open in Hamilton, as they invariably do?
The sideshow of Sonny Bill Williams will at least get some people interested and Williams needs to prove himself, as one thing he does not lack is critics.
The Chiefs started the season poorly last year and must not do that again.
The pressure will go on first five-eighth Aaron Cruden, who looks good in the open games but can struggle when the matches become more tactical.
In Wellington, Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett is facing sink or swim time.
If his team shows some courage, scores a few wins and improves then there may be reluctant acceptance of the former Cantabrian.
But if the team loses, plays poorly and the divisions start emerging, then Hammett may get a one-way ticket home.
It is hard to see the Hurricanes doing well. They have a lot of youth, particularly in the front row, and will rely heavily on Cory Jane, Conrad Smith and Victor Vito.
In Christchurch, the Crusaders should once again be seen at the business end of the season.
How they replace Brad Thorn is a question not easily answered.
They have plenty of talent out the back and centre Robbie Fruean needs a big year after going off the boil in the later stages of last season.
Once Dan Carter and Richie McCaw come back, it is hard to see the Crusaders not being in playoffs action.
How the New Zealand teams shape up
BLUES
Backs: Gareth Anscombe, Michael Hobbs, Alby Mathewson, George Moala, Lachie Munro, Ma'a Nonu, Rene Ranger, Benson Stanley, Sherwin Stowers, Isaia Toeava, Piri Weepu, Rudi Wulf.
Forwards: Anthony Boric, Daniel Braid, Luke Braid, Charlie Faumuina, Jerome Kaino, Chris Lowrey, Tevita Mailau, Pauliasi Manu, Keven Mealamu, Brad Mika, Liaki Moli, Filo Paulo, Peter Saili, Angus Ta'avao, Ali Williams, Tony Woodcock.
Coach: Pat Lam (fourth year).
Captain: Keven Mealamu.
Key players: Halfback-first five-eighth Piri Weepu, loose forward Jerome Kaino, prop Charlie Faumuina.
One to watch: Inside back Michael Hobbs looked a million dollars starting the season for the Highlanders a couple of years ago.
Coming back from a career-threatening back injury, he needs to show he has still got the goods at this level.
Last year: Beaten semifinalist.
Prediction: Champion.
CHIEFS
Backs: Aaron Cruden, Andrew Horrell, Richard Kahui, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Brendon Leonard, Lelia Masaga, Tim Nanai-Williams, Maritino Nemani, Declan O'Donnell, Robbie Robinson, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Sonny Bill Williams, Jackson Willison.
Forwards: Ben Afeaki, Alex Bradley, Sam Cane, Craig Clarke, Shane Cleaver, Hika Elliot, Mike Fitzgerald, Romana Graham, Tanera Latimer, Fritz Lee, Liam Messam, Brodie Retallick, Mahonri Schwalger, Toby Smith, Ben Tameifuna, Alisona Taumalolo, Kane Thompson, Scott Waldrom.
Coach: Dave Rennie (replaces Ian Foster).
Captains: Craig Clarke, Liam Messam.
Key players: First five-eighth Aaron Cruden, loose forward Fritz Lee, hooker Hika Elliot.
One to watch: Everyone will be interested in a certain midfield back and his entourage, but more exciting could be sevens winger Declan O'Donnell.
Last year: 10th.
Prediction: Seventh.
HURRICANES
Backs: Beauden Barrett, Tim Bateman, Richard Buckman, Chris Eaton, Jayden Hayward, Cory Jane, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Alapati Leiua, Charlie Ngatai, TJ Perenara, Tusi Pisi, Julian Savea, Conrad Smith, Chris Smylie, Andre Taylor.
Forwards: Michael Bent, James Broadhurst, Dane Coles, Jason Eaton, Reggie Goddes, David Hall, Jack Lam, Faifili Levave, Karl Lowe, Motu Matu'u, Ben May, Tristan Moran, Mark Reddish, Brad Shields, Jeremy Thrush, Jeffery Toomaaga-Allen, Victor Vito.
Coach: Mark Hammett (second year).
Captain: Conrad Smith.
Key players: Fullback Cory Jane, No 8 Victor Vito, hooker Dane Coles.
One to watch: Beauden Barrett has the chance to be the next big thing but it is a big step up to this level after directing operations for Taranaki.
Last year: Ninth.
Prediction: 11th.
CRUSADERS
Backs: Tyler Bleyendaal, Dan Carter, Ryan Crotty, Israel Dagg, Andy Ellis, Robbie Fruean, Zac Guildford, Willi Heinz, Sean Maitland, Tom Marshall, Patrick Osborne, Tom Taylor, Adam Whitelock.
Forwards: Nick Barrett, Wyatt Crockett, Tom Donnelly, Corey Flynn, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Ross Kennedy, Quentin MacDonald, Richie McCaw, Kieran Read, Luke Romano, Matt Todd, Joe Wheeler, George Whitelock, Luke Whitelock, Sam Whitelock.
Coach: Todd Blackadder (fourth year).
Captain: Richie McCaw.
Key players: No 8 Kieran Read, prop Owen Franks, centre Robbie Fruean.
One to watch: With Dan Carter out injured for the start of the season, much will rest on first five-eighth Tyler Bleyendaal. Whether he is up to the task is still up for debate.
Last year: Beaten finalist.
Prediction: Third.