Who will get seats when the music stops?

Whisper it quietly, but the Highlanders are assembling a squad that could have a fair crack at the new-look Super Rugby Pacific competition. Sports editor Hayden Meikle looks at what we know so far.

There was a time when Super Rugby squad announcements were shrouded in intrigue.

When New Zealand Rugby wholly owned the five franchises, it had complete control over when and how news of player signings and movement was announced.

There was a draft, horse trading, randomly weird decisions — it all got a bit chaotic at times, but unless details were leaked, the national union was able to make a big splash by announcing the five teams on the same day.

Now, things are a bit different.

While the New Zealand squads will still formally be announced on November 22, there will be very few surprises as the five teams now operate independently and are announcing player signings as they go.

Nevertheless, we still do not not know all details of the Highlanders squad, and it seems likely there will be a player signing or two go under the radar until the end of the month.

They will name 38 players, and here are some of them.

Outside backs

Solomon Alaimalo, Connor Garden-Bachop, Vilimoni Koroi and Sam Gilbert are locked in, so that’s a good starting point.

Jona Nareki would obviously have been the fifth player — and the first one on the team sheet — in this group, but he will probably miss the season after recovering from ACL surgery.

Tasman sensation Timoci Tavatavanawai would have been a fantastic addition but he has been scooped up by the new Moana Pasifika squad.

That means the Highlanders are in the market for a new outside back or two.

Freedom Vahaakolo played on a short-term contract this season and the winger has again been in good form for Otago.

Could former crowd favourite Waisake Naholo make a dramatic comeback? He is not the player he was, but the Highlanders have shown a willingness to sign seasoned veterans.

Liam Coombes-Fabling leads all scorers in the NPC with seven tries but is lacking size, while Manawatu flyer Ed Fidow could be worth a shout.

Another name to consider is Mosese Dawai, who has been playing well for Waikato. The former New Zealand schools representative was previously named a Highlanders apprentice in 2017.

Midfield backs

The Highlanders are spoiled for choice here.

Fetuli Paea, Scott Gregory, Sio Tomkinson, Thomas Umaga-Jensen and Ngane Punivai offer plenty of pace and power.

Otago midfielders Matt Faddes and Ray Nu’u could be in the frame if cover is needed, while Southland’s Isaac Te Tamaki has ability and can cover wing.

First fives

Mitch Hunt is the main man in the No 10 jersey, and former cult hero Marty Banks is coming back after playing for Southland in the NPC.

Koroi can cover first five, so the Highlanders might consider that enough depth.

If they want a third specialist, there might be an opportunity to carry a young gun like Otago super boot Cam Millar or Bay of Plenty’s Lucas Cashmore, although they appeal more as apprentice players.

Lincoln McClutchie (Moana Pasifika) or Brett Cameron (Japan) would have been handy options if they had not signed elsewhere. Fletcher Smith could be a contender to return to Dunedin.

Halfbacks

Too easy.

The best halfback in the world (Aaron Smith), a rising star back from injury (Folau Fakatava) and an experienced campaigner (Kayne Hammington).

Loose forwards

All Blacks flanker Shannon Frizell will join James Lentjes, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Hugh Renton, Billy Harmon, new/old signing Gareth Evans and youngster Sean Withy in a decent-looking unit.

Harmon will miss the first half of the season as he recovers from injury, however, so more depth is needed.

There is a lot to like about Tom Florence, the Taranaki tyro who has previously provided cover for the Highlanders and Chiefs.

Another option could be Henry Stowers, who played for the Western Force before joining Canterbury.

Closer to home, Otago loosies Christian Lio-Willie and Slade McDowell have their attributes, while promoting Tony Lamborn to the Super ranks would be an immensely popular decision in Southland.

Locks

Pari Pari Parkinson, Bryn Evans, Josh Dickson and Manaaki Selby-Rickit line up in the second row.

With a squad of 38, there might be room for a fifth lock.

Do Hawke’s Bay locks Tom Parsons and Geoff Cridge have Super Rugby contracts next year? What about Justin Sangster from Bay of Plenty? Is it too soon for Otago rookie Fabian Holland?

Props

New All Blacks bookend Ethan de Groot will lead a squadron of heavies that includes Jeff Thwaites, Ayden Johnstone, Josh Hohneck, Jermaine Ainsley and massive newcomer Saula Ma’u.

It would be a surprise if Daniel Lienert-Brown was not retained, so that could be that.

Abraham Pole (Otago) and Chris Apoua (Southland) could be options.

Hookers

New signing Andrew Makalio and veteran Otago No 2 Liam Coltman shape as two very good options here.

It is uncertain whether Ricky Jackson has earned another contract, and Southland’s Flynn Thomas might be unlucky again, so another new face at hooker could be on the cards.

Definitely gone

Josh Ioane (Chiefs), Michael Collins (Wales), Liam Squire (retired), Ash Dixon (Japan), Siate Tokolahi (France), Kazuki Himeno (Japan) and Teariki Ben-Nicholas (France) are off, and it seems unlikely Sione Misiloi and Nehe Milner-Skudder will be back.