Nickname: Taniwha

2020 finish: Third in Championship (losing finalists)

Coach: George Konia

Captain: Jordan Olsen

GAINS: Liam Hallam-eames (Auckland), rivez reihana (waikato), Kaliopasi uluilakepa (wellington)

LOSSES: Paddy-jo Atkins (unavailable), wiseguy Faiane (Auckland), Jack goodhue (injury), Kane Jacobson (retired), Harrison Levien (retired), Matt Matich (unavailable), Temo Mayanavanua (France), Kalolo Tuiloma (Counties Manukau), Saimoni Uluinakauvadra (injured), Matt Wright (retired)

GO-TO PLAYER: Scott Gregory Versatile, strong as an ox, mercurial, prone to error.

These all applied to scott gregory, who has eight tries in his 32 northland games. but after a breakout super rugby season with the Highlanders, where he added consistency to match his thrust, the 22-yearold seems to be cast as a no 12.

“I think the plan before super rugby was to transition scott into 12, and he just reinforced how good he was,” says team manager brad Te Haara. “The coaching staff weren’t sure last year if 15 was his best position, but he’s just proved that 12 is the one.”

BREAKTHROUGH PLAYER: Allan Craig All things being equal, teenaged lock Allan Craig won’t start much for the Taniwha, but he is very much the future.

A northland boy who has come home after cracking the nz schools out of st Kentigern College First XV, Craig will do his time on the pine soaking up the lessons from the likes of Josh goodhue on how to be a pro. but he should see enough action to show us his wares.

OUR PREDICTION: Fourth in Championship we were very wrong last season, so approach this prediction with caution.

but we think there is enough continuity and growing depth for the Taniwha to reduce their points differential (-40 in 2020) to again crack the playoffs. They will hope that their main men stay fit and that Tom robinson does not (quietly) win the call-up for higher honours. but no team will take them lightly, and watch out if the stars (or the sun) align.