Challenge Taranaki, Otago for promotion?
Mark Ozich $5.50
Coach: TAB odds: Look out for: Gareth Evans.
He made his All Blacks debut in last November’s Tokyo test against Japan after a strong season with Hawke’s Bay, but the Hurricanes back rower struggled with injuries in Super Rugby as a calf injury sidelined him for three months. In Brad Weber’s absence, his leadership will be vital for a young Magpies team.
Manawatu¯ Last year: Coach: TAB odds: Look out for: Otere Black.
Sixth Peter Russell $10
The Blues first five-eighth will want to string together a significant run of games after suffering knee and hand injuries since the start of the 2018 Super Rugby season.
He returned from that serious knee injury last year towards the end of Manawatu¯ ’s faltering campaign and the Turbos need him to fire after he started at No 10 in New Zealand Ma¯ ori’s two games against Fiji last month.
Northland Last year:
(semifinalists)
Derren Witcombe $10
Coach: TAB odds: Look out Robinson.
The barnstorming Blues loose forward was a revelation in Super Rugby and his form thrust him into contention for the All Blacks, but he wasn’t considered because of a knee injury. The big red head will be eyeing a return to action through his beloved Taniwha.
Otago Last year: for:
Second (runnersup)
Ben Herring $4.50
Fourth
Tom Coach: TAB odds: Look out for: Josh Ioane.
The Highlanders playmaker was selected as the third No 10 for the All Blacks behind incumbents Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo’unga.
He was excellent in Otago’s run to the final last year and he will likely play further games for the blue and golds ahead of a potential call-up for the World Cup in Japan in September.
Southland Last year: Coach: TAB odds: Look out for: Marty Mckenzie.
Seventh Dave Hewett $51
Southland desperately need as much Super Rugby talent on the field as possible if the Stags are to win their first game since 2016.
The elder Mckenzie brother, a first five-eighth or fullback who has played for the Chiefs and Crusaders since 2015, is back with his home province for the first time since 2013 after a four-year spell with Taranaki.
Taranaki Last year:
Seventh (relegated from Premiership)
Willie Rickards $2.40
Coach: TAB odds: Look out Naholo. for: Waisake
The departing Highlanders winger was not considered by the All Blacks after an injury-hit Super Rugby season. His prospects of playing at a second World Cup seem bleak unless those above him in the pecking order go down injured, so he will want to perform well ahead of joining London Irish in England later this year.