Last year's grand finalists, Gladstone and Carterton, provide the perfect example of the struggles most Wairarapa-Bush premier division teams have had in sourcing a full complement of players for the 2012 club season, which kicks off on Saturday.
Defending champions Gladstone have had to find replacements for at least eight of their Tui Cup-winning combination and Carterton is even worse off, with just six of last year's side likely to be turning out again.
So dire has been their situation that Gladstone will be going into their opening game without the benefit of a warm-up match and Carterton will be seeking dispensation to allow a handful of under-18 players to take the field for them on a regular basis.
Among those who will be missing from the Gladstone side this season are experienced forwards Joe Nuku, Corey Reid, John Stevenson, Lance Harris and Tim Fleming and pacy outside backs Michael Vuicikau and Joseva Vavalu.
Whether livewire halfback Inia Katia will return is still a matter of conjecture and durable front rower Bevan Morland has a knee injury, which will probably sideline him for at least another month.
Gladstone do have some interesting new faces though ... English utility back Guy Wood, speedy winger Cameron Heydon from Manawatu, midfielder Harry Wigley from Christchurch, lock Brad Swindlehurst from Gisborne, and Fijian Jim Temo, usually a utility back but likely to start the season as a loose forward.
Coach Steve Thompson, who himself will be off the active scene for some weeks after a hip operation, remains typically upbeat about Gladstone's chances of making a positive statement.
"Obviously, it's going to take awhile before we really hit our straps but I'm confident we'll keep improving as the season goes on. I wouldn't be counting us out yet," he said.
Carterton coach Steve Hurley has been around the club scene for a good while now and says his current squad would be the youngest premier division squad he has ever had under his command.
"We're pretty raw, especially in the backs, so the first few games will be pretty much a learning curve for us," he said. "Overall though, I still think we will be competitive, at least that's the aim." Halfback Jason Scott is, in fact, the only back from last year's squad likely to be wearing the Carterton colours again in 2012, with old faces such as Justin Lett, Lance Stevenson and Jono Hurley no longer available, along with promising Cody Whittaker, who has transferred to Martinborough. Three old war horses in Tomasi Kedrabuka, Mike Wakefield and Paddy Cassidy will be missing up front.
Of the newcomers to the Carterton line-up, hooker-prop Jamie Folan from England has already hinted at having the sort of potential which could make him a contender for representative selection. He will be part of a pack also likely to include seasoned campaigners such as Dylan Higgison, Blair Heming and John McFadzean.