A league of their own?
O’reilly, Tolu Fahamokioa, Alex Fidow, Joel Hintz, Xavier Numia, Jeff Toomaga-allen, Tietie Tuimauga, James Blackwell, Sam Lousi, Will Mangos, Isaia Walker-leawere, Teariki Ben-nicholas, Vaea Fifita, Greg Foe, Mateaki Kafatolu, Du’plessis Kirifi, Ardie Savea, Galu Taufale, Thomas Waldrom.
Backs: Kemara Hauitiparapara, TJ Perenara, Carlos Price, Sheridan Rangihuna, Jackson Garden-bachop, Pakai Turia, TJ Va’a, Wes Goosen, Matt Proctor, Billy Proctor, Thomas Umaga-jensen, Peter Umaga-jensen, Losi Filipo, Ben Lam, Trent Renata, Malo Tuitama.
Coach: Chris Gibbes (second season)
TAB odds: $4.50
Look out for: Dane Coles. Having not played for nine months due to knee and calf injuries, the 31-year-old has been included in the All Blacks’ Rugby Championship squad but is set to get back into the swing of things on the provincial scene in coming weeks.
TASMAN
Last year: Runners-up
Forwards: Vernon Fredericks, Andrew Makalio, Ray Niuia, Ryan Coxon, Wyatt Crockett, Kane Hames, Tyrel Lomax, Tim Perry, Blair Prinsep, Isaac Salmon, Alex Ainley, Pari Pari Parkinson, Quinten Strange, Ethan Blackadder, Jed Brown, Shannon Frizell, Sione Havili, Liam Squire, Jordan Taufua.
Backs: Finlay Christie, Billy Guyton, Mitchell Hunt, Tim O’malley, Levi Aumua, Alex Nankivell, Rupena Parkinson, David Havili, Solomon Alaimalo, Leicester Faingaanuku, Tima Faingaanuku, Will Jordan.
Coach: Leon Macdonald (third season).
TAB odds: $6.50
Look out for: Kane Hames. The Chiefs loosehead prop spent the entire Super Rugby season on the sidelines due to an ongoing concussion issue, but could be in line to return at some stage during the domestic campaign. After winning a debut for the All Blacks in 2016 and adding eight caps last year, the 29-year-old will be keen to show he still has what it takes to return to the international frame.
CANTERBURY
Last year: Winners
Forwards: Greg Pleasants-tate, Codie Taylor, Nathan Vella, Sef Fa’agase, Owen Franks, Alex Hodgman, Oliver Jager, Chris King, Daniel Lienert-brown, Joe Moody, Siate Tokolahi, Hamish Dalzell, Luke Romano, Sam Whitelock, Tom Christie, Whetu Douglas, Mitchell Dunshea, Billy Harmon, Reed Prinsep, Tom Sanders, Luke Whitelock.
Backs: Mitchell Drummond, Ereatara Enari, Brett Cameron, Richie Mo’unga, Sam Beard, Phil Burleigh, Ryan Crotty, George Bridge, Braydon Ennor, Caleb Makene, Josh Mckay, Ngane Punivai.
Coach: Joe Maddock (first season).
TAB odds: $2
Look out for: Sef Fa’agase. The 27-year-old Auckland-born prop, who can play both sides of the scrum, has been in Super Rugby with the Queensland Reds since 2015. But after nine appearances off the bench this season, the man who was part of the Wallabies’ extended training squad for the Rugby Championship last year will be hungry for more game time in a quality competition.