Six players to watch in the NPC:
Tevita Taumoepeau (North Harbour). If the Tongan test prop can control and stabilise the scrum, then some of Harbour's concerns will disappear. For too long their scrum has hindered their aspirations. Taumoepeau has been bought to be the remedy.
Mils Muliaina (Auckland). Will switch to
fullback to replace Adrian Cashmore. Played there in lower grades and has the speed, handling, defensive and positional ability to make a success of the change. His pace and timing suggests a potent counter-attacking force.
Jonno Gibbes (Waikato). Has the range of skills to push hard for national selection. Offers a lineout option, is a link man and is used to the defensive requirements needed as blindside flanker. Still only a rookie, but will be a key lieutenant for his skipper.
Kupu Vanisi (Wellington). Was a huge factor in their march to the 2000 title. Missed the Super 12 with a knee injury and his absence hit the Hurricanes. With questions still about the All Black openside flanker, Vanisi has a great chance to impress.
Aaron Mauger (Canterbury). If he starts strongly, he could make life even more difficult for Andrew Mehrtens when he returns from All Black duty. Highly rated by Steve Hansen, Mauger has an allround game.
Paul Miller (Otago). The hulking No 8 missed out on a Super 12 job after some knee surgery. Promising, powerful player, but must make an imprint now or risk being compared to Isitolo Maka and suffering a similar fate.
2001 NPC schedules
