Rugby: Magpies look in with a shot

Northland

The Taniwha have lost propping anchor Bronson Murray and halfback Luke Hamilton, but free-running Jack McPhee has moved north from North Harbour and experienced Marty Veale has joined too. They should give a decent account of themselves, although perhaps falling short of finalists.
Hawke's Bay

Some familiar faces won't be around this time, such as Jason Shoemark and centurion forwards Clint Newland and Michael Johnson, and there'll be no Zac Guildford or Israel Dagg either, although Dagg may play a few early games, fitness permitting. Slipped to eighth last year, but have enough decent players that they should be challenging for promotion.
Manawatu

Second to last in 2010, they haven't made any notable signings, and have lost useful back Hadleigh Parkes to Auckland. Much will depend on Aaron Cruden's ability to steer them and get points. They have a core of seasoned players, so they won't be a pushover, and if they get on an early roll they may be worth watching at the business end.
Tasman

One of those unions who should benefit from the shorter season, which won't unduly expose a lack of depth, injuries permitting. Big forward Mark Bright returns, which is good news. They have others, such as hooker Quentin MacDonald, lock Joe Wheeler and backs such as Andrew Goodman and Robbie Malneek, who know their way around the park. Watch out for fullback Tom Marshall, who had a fine campaign for the Crusaders.
Otago

Otago in the second tier? Believe it. But Thursday night's game against North Harbour gave an early indication of how their season may go. They have veterans Tony Brown and Ben Atiga in the backs, Kees Meeuws up front, and have acquired Buxton Popali'i and Daniel Ramsey from Wellington, and Sam Giddens from Hawkes Bay. They should be finalists. At least.
North Harbour

Former Magpies technical adviser Liam Barry had a tough start to his head coaching role with North Harbour when beaten 46-29 by Otago in Dunedin on Saturday night. With former All Black Luke McAlister unlikely to front before heading to France it's likely to be another tough season for Harbour. Expect New Zealand Sevens player Solomon King and tighthead prop Ben Afeaki to be the kingpins in the pack.
Former All Blacks wing Rudi Wulf, fullback Cody Rei and winger David Raikuna are exciting backs.
Counties-Manukau

Once again there's no shortage of excitement machines on the Steelers roster. Blues flyer Sherwin Stowers, fullback Tim Nanai-Williams and Ahsee Tuala are all capable of drawing big crowds. They will be relying on the likes of Chiefs loosie Fritz Lee, Samoan lock Taiasina Tuifua and prop Simon Lemalu for a regular supply of quality ball. Promising first five-eighth Baden Kerr returns after missing most of last season with injury. APN News & Media