Mitre 10 Cup: team by team
PREMIERSHIP
Canterbury
Coach: Joe Maddock (new).
Last year: Champion.
Key player: Lock Luke Romano — dumped from All Blacks and still a quality player.
Southern connection: Former Highlander Phil Burleigh is back from Edinburgh and may get a run.
Prediction: Finalist but a tad weaker than previous years.
Tasman
Coach: Leon MacDonald.
Last year: Finalist.
Key player: Fullback David Havili — the new captain will have plenty to prove and has plenty class about him.
Southern connection: Highlanders assistant coach Clarke Dermody is helping out in the forwards.
Prediction: With more than a team of Super Rugby players may be the one to beat. Champion.
Taranaki
Coach: Willie Rickards (new).
Last year: Semifinals.
Key player: Stephen Perofeta — the pivot has the class for this level.
Southern connection: Tei Walden back home after years of study and play in the south.
Prediction: Deep pockets should have the side in the running. Semifinals.
North Harbour
Coach: Tom Coventry.
Last year: Semfinals.
Key player: Bryn Gatland — new Highlanders first fiveeighth will be important for the Harbour boys.
Southern connection: Former University loose forwards Sione Teu and Dillon Hunt will team up in Harbour colours.
Prediction: May struggle this time around. Out of the running.
CountiesManukau
Coach: Darryl Suasua. Last year: Fifth.
Key player: Prop Nepo Laulala — will want to launch a comeback from injury.
Southern connection: Highlander Tevita Nabura will line up and must improve his discipline.
Prediction: Not likely. A lack of star power.
Auckland
Coach: Alama Ieremia (new).
Last year: Sixth.
Key player: Akira Ioane — has dominated this competition and that will not change.
Southern connection: Halfback Jono Ruru will swap blue and gold for blue and white.
Prediction: Will not be as bad as last year but still not good enough.
Wellington
Coach: Chris Gibbes.
Last year: Promoted.
Key player: Jackson GardenBachop — improved last year and needs to do that again.
Southern connection: Trent Renata continues in firstclass rugby. Hmmm.
Prediction: Plenty of depth. Semifinalist.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Waikato
Coach: Jono Gibbes (new).
Last year: Relegated (seventh).
Key player: Luke Jacobson — rugged forward who has ability.
Southern connection: Fletcher Smith heads north with much to play for.
Prediction: Semifinalist.
Bay of Plenty
Coach: Clayton McMillan.
Last year: Finalist (ninth).
Key player: First fiveeighth Mike Delany — quality at this level.
Southern connection: Ross Geldenhuys, Hugh Blake, Hoani Matenga, Delany, Fa’asui Fuatai, have all played in Otago.
Prediction: Lost a lot of forward strength.
Otago
Coach: Ben Herring (new). Last year: Semifinalist (10th). Key player: Centre Matt Faddes — plenty to play for and can play well.
Prediction: Much could depend on injuries. Strong in some areas, semifinalist
Northland
Coach: Dereen Whitecombe
Last year: Semifinalist (11th)
Key player: Kara Pryor — with big brother Dan in Japan the onus is on him to lead well.
Southern connection: former AlhambraUnion fullback Noah Cooper has made the Northland squad.
Prediction: Some class players, other too long in the tooth.
Manawatu
Coach: Jeremy Cotter.
Last year: Fifth in championship (12th).
Key player: Ngani Laumape — teaming up with Rob Thompson means Manawatu will be potent in midfield.
Southern connection: Thompson returns home along with other Highlanders.
Prediction: Dangerous but needs everyone fit. Promoted.
Hawke’s Bay
Coach: Mark Ozich (new).
Last year: Sixth in championship (13th).
Key player: Tiaan Falcon — taking over from Ihaia West.
Southern connection: Brad Weber and Gareth Evans will be looking to get back on track after injuries ruined last year.
Prediction: Bounce back, finalist
Southland
Coach: Dave Hewett (new).
Last year: Seventh in championship (14th).
Key player: Halfback Jay Renton — a player of promise who has a nice kicking game.
Prediction: Will fight hard but no Super Rugby players does not help.