David Leggat: Final flourish of the old order

So it's hello and goodbye to our old friend the NPC, at least as we've come to know it.

The 14th and final edition of the current format kicks off tonight, but it would be wrong to shed a tear. It has been, and will continue to be, an essential part of the rugby calendar. The difference is it will be wearing a larger jacket next winter, and, oh yes, for half the unions it will become a professional operation.

There is a fair chunk of the New Zealand rugby-watching public who couldn't really give two rucks for the Super 12. For them, rugby means supporting club, province and country. End of story.

They are the people you've seen rubbing their hands together this week in anticipation of rocking up to Whangarei, Thames, Ruatoria or Wanganui over the next couple of months.

All Blacks will be missing for much of the first division competition, but as Herald columnist and former All Black prop John Drake suggests, that offers the prospect of a fresh face making a sharp impression.

Auckland will occupy pride of place in the first division history books as seven-time winners of the title as it is, but don't reach for the betting slip on the chances of that record being embellished this year.

Waikato, winners of the first championship grand final in 1992, are a good bet. Never bet against Canterbury, and Bay of Plenty are ticking over nicely.

North Harbour? Unlikely. Ditto for Otago.

Taranaki, Southland and Northland? No. Wellington? Should be, but...

There are compelling arguments against next year's 14-team premier division. But it's coming so we move on, and one small positive is it will remove the fear of relegation from several shoulders. And that means there's no reason not to see bright, enterprising rugby to farewell this NPC.

For the likes of Manawatu, Counties Manukau and Hawkes Bay, it is preparation time, getting their house in order for their step up to play with the big boys next year. Nelson Bays and Marlborough will farewell the second division as well, before amalgamating as Tasman for the premier competition.

Players will be eager to impress with an eye on a contract next year. Still, with 14 teams anyone half decent should get some paperwork to sign.

But for most in the second and third divisions for whom it will seem like just another run round a familiar block, and they'll be happy for that.

There will be the annual square-ups between Buller and West Coast, South and Mid Canterbury and Poverty Bay and East Coast, not to mention a certain crosstown dust-up at North Harbour Stadium tomorrow night.

Things will be different in 12 months. So those who enjoy it just the way it is, savour the next few weeks.