Provincial rugby season set for kick-off

Canterbury have won 10 NPC titles, including the last five straight. Photo / Getty Images

The ITM Cup gets under way when Counties Manukau host Wellington in Pukekohe on Thursday night. It has been shaken up numerous times in the past few years but it will retain the same format again this season with Premiership and Championship divisions with seven teams in each. Counties were promoted to the Premiership this season, while Hawkes Bay have dropped down to the Championship.

Each team will play every one in their division, plus four crossover matches, with the top four from each competition moving in to the semifinals.

Auckland

Established: 1883.
Ranfurly Shield tenures: 16.
NPC titles: 16; Last title in 2007.
Last year's finish: Beaten Premiership finalists.
Coach: Wayne Pivac.
Key figure: After being axed by the All Blacks, halfback Piri Weepu will bring boatloads of experience to the Auckland outfit. Weepu only played once for his adopted province last season but will be gainfully employed in this year's ITM Cup.
Rising star: Prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi is about as big as they come on a rugby field at 1.95m and 129kg. Opposing front-rowers should be wary of his size and power.
Prospects: Anything less than the semifinals of the Premiership this year would be a disappointment.
Squad: Vince Aso, Luke Braid, Sean Brookman, Joe Edwards, So'otala Fa'aso'o, Malakai Fekitoa, Simon Hickey, Tom McCartney, Pauliasi Manu, George Moala, Liaki Moli, Wayne Ngaluafe, Hadleigh Parkes (c), Junior Poluleuligaga, Sean Polwart, Sam Prattley, Peter Saili, Tenina Sauileoge, Saleaula Silipa, Gafatasi Su'a, Angus Ta'avao, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Nathan Vella, Lolagi Visinia, Piri Weepu, Jack Whetton.

Bay of Plenty

Established: 1911.
Ranfurly Shield tenures: One.
NPC titles: One; 1976.
Last year's finish: Sixth in the Premiership.
Coach: Kevin Schuler.
Key figure: Openside flanker Tanerau Latimer is possibly New Zealand rugby's fittest man and gets through a power of work every time he sets foot on the field.
Rising star: Right wing Kimami Sitauti was part of the Melbourne Rebels squad this year and has plenty of pace.
Prospects: Staying in the Premiership will be an achievement.
Squad: Carl Axtens, Johan Bardoul, Sam Beard, Kieran Black, Tim Bond, Sam Cane, Kalem Chan Boon, Matt Clutterbuck, Dan Deveraux, Nic Evemy, Samisoni Fisilau, Josh Hall, Kane Hames, Nathan Harris, Maru Henry, Josh Hohneck, Steve Honey, Mike Kainga, Tanerau Latimer, Kenny Lynn, Brett Mather, Keepa Mewett, Tino Nemani, Elijah Nicholas, Chris Noakes, Brodie Retallick, Culum Retallick, Willie Ripia, Joe Royal, Solomona Sakalia, Kimami Sitauti, Josh Sole, Pingi Ta'alapitaga, Joe Tupe.

Canterbury

Established: 1879.
Ranfurly Shield tenures: 14.
NPC titles: 10; defending champions.
Last year's finish: Premiership winners.
Coach: Scott Robertson.
Key figure: George Whitelock. The one-test All Black gets through big minutes and never shirks grunt work.
Rising star: Big lock Joel Everson has an impressive frame and at 2.04m should be a menace in the lineouts this year.
Prospects: For the past five years Canterbury have ruled provincial rugby and their fan base wouldn't be happy with anything less than a title.
Squad: Dominic Bird, Tyler Bleyendaal, Jed Brown, Dan Carter, Wyatt Crockett, Ryan Crotty, Marcel Cummings-Toone, Mitchell Drummond, Andy Ellis, Joel Everson, Paea Fa'anunu, Corey Flynn, Owen Franks, Robbie Fruean, Ben Funnell, Mitch Graham, Willi Heinz, Luke Katene, Milford Keresoma, Nepo Laulala, Nasi Manu, Richie McCaw, Johnny McNicholl, Joe Moody, Patrick Osborne, Kieran Read, Luke Romano, Colin Slade, Matt Symons, Jordan Taufua, Codie Taylor, Tom Taylor, Matt Todd, Belgium Tuatagaloa, Adam Whitelock, George Whitelock (c), Luke Whitelock, Sam Whitelock.

Counties Manukau

Established: 1955.
Ranfurly Shield tenures: None.
NPC titles: One; 1979.
Last year's finish: Championship winners; promoted to Premiership.
Coach: Tana Umaga
Key figure: Hooker Hikawera Elliot wanted to stay within the Chiefs catchment area after he broke ties with Hawkes Bay and the former All Black landed in Counties. With Mahonri Schwalger out with injury, Elliot will be an important figure in the Steelers' forward pack.
Rising star: Giant wing Frank Halai hasn't played a lot of 15-a-side rugby but showed great promise with the Blues this year.
Prospects: Under Tana Umaga Counties Manukau played an exciting brand of rugby last year but the Premiership semifinals may be a bridge too far for them this year.
Squad: Sam Aiono, Bundee Aki, Ki Anufe, Adam Cathcart, Hikawera Elliot, Jarrod Firth, Kane Hancy, Frank Halai, Baden Kerr, Fritz Lee, Rey Lee-Lo, Tyrone Lefau, Simon Lemalu, Sikeli Nabou, Tim Nanai-Williams, August Pulu, Tony Pulu, Ronald Raaymakers, Mahonri Schwalger, Mark Selwyn, Sherwin Stowers, Suliasi Taufalele, Matt Talaese, Ahsee Tuala, Jimmy Tupou, Ryan Wilson, Maama Vaipulu.

North Harbour

Established: 1985.
Ranfurly Shield tenures: One.
NPC Titles: None.
Last year's finish: Seventh in the Championship.
Coach: Liam Barry.
Key figure: Exciting midfielder Francis Saili will likely train with the All Blacks but get released to play for Harbour when not required by the national side. After an impressive campaign for the Blues this year he will want to build on that in the Cup.
Rising star: Halfback Bryn Hall enjoyed his first season with the Blues this year. The former New Zealand under-20s co-captain made his Harbour debut last season and is a useful goalkicker.
Prospects: Making the playoffs in the Championship would be a dream result for Harbour.
Squad: Ben Afeaki, Pita Ah Ki, Cory Aporo, Jon Elrick, Vili Fihaki, Irwin Finau, Bryn Hall, Brenton Helleur, Zac Judge, Tevita Li, Michael Little, Sione Mafileo, Jordan Manihera, Brandon Nanson, Ray Niuia, Josh Olsen, James Parsons, Greg Pleasants-Tate, David Raikuna, Malakai Ravulo, Codey Rei, Frances Saili, Tua Saseve, James Semple, Chris Smith, Leigh Thompson, Nafi Tuitavake, Jona Tuitoga, Scott Uren, Alex Woonton.

Hawkes Bay

Established: 1884.
Ranfurly Shield tenures: Three.
NPC Titles: None.
Last year's finish: Seventh in the Premiership; relegated to Championship.
Coach: Craig Philpott.
Key figure: Veteran loose forward Karl Lowe, closing in on 100 games for the province, always seems to save his best for when he pulls on the black and white hoops.
Rising star: Flanker Brendon O'Connor missed last year's ITM Cup through injury but after relocating to Hawkes Bay the Blues tearaway will be keen to leave his mark on the domestic landscape.
Prospects: The Magpies will threaten the Championship crown and anything less than making the semifinals would be a huge shock.
Squad: Mark Abbott, Michael Allardice, Jody Allen, Mark Atkins, Adrian Barone, Trent Boswell-Wakefield, Adam Bradey, Richard Buckman, Mike Coman, Israel Dagg, Chris Eaton, Brendon Edmonds, Ben Franks, Zac Guildford, Andrew Horrell, Willie Ioane, Gillies Kaka, Max Lahiff, Tony Lamborn, Penikolo Latu, Regis Lespinas, Karl Lowe, Jesse MacDonald, Alby Mathewson, Bronson Neera, Brendon O'Connor, Tom Parsons, Ged Robinson, Johan Schoonbee, Trinity Spooner-Neera, Mikey Vuicakau, Telusa Veainu, Ihaia West.

Manawatu

Established: 1886.
Ranfurly Shield tenures: One (plus one as Manawhenua).
NPC Titles: One; 1980.
Last year's finish: Sixth in the Championship.
Coach: Jason O'Halloran.
Key figure: Nick Crosswell is a hard-hitting flanker who is always at the heart of the action for the Turbos.
Rising star: First-five Jade Te Rure should get a decent opportunity to try and make the No10 jersey his own with Aaron Cruden on All Black duty. The New Zealand under-20s pivot is an exciting runner.
Prospects: Finding their way to the Championship semifinals would be a nice surprise.
Squad: Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, Jared Brock, Hubert Buydens, Tomasi Cama, Nick Crosswell, Aaron Cruden, Jason Emery, Chris Eves, Ma'afu Fia, Michael Fitzgerald, Rob Foreman, Nathan George, Callum Gibbins, Hamish Gosling, Nick Grogan, Damian Horgan, Antonio Kirikiri, Lewis Marshall, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Hamish Northcott, James Oliver, Willie Paia'aua, Aaron Smith, Nick Stirzaker, Dan Squire, Fraser Stone, Tevita Taufu'i, Jade Te Rure, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Newton Tudreu, Papa Wharewera.

Northland

Established: 1920 (as North Auckland).
Ranfurly Shield tenures: Four.
NPC titles: None.
Last year's finish: Fifth in the Championship.
Coach: Derren Witcombe.
Key figure: Rene Ranger turned down the chance to play for the All Blacks in a bid to captain Northland and spend more time with his family before he moves to France. A dangerous utility, Ranger's backline presence will be key to the Taniwha fortunes.
Rising star: Former Fijian international Rupeni Caucaunibuca's star has risen and fallen in the past decade so it will be interesting to see if he can tune up the band one more time for a final rise.
Prospects: Northland will be shooting for the top four in the Championship and getting there would see their campaign given a big tick.
Squad: Robbie Abel, Derek Carpenter, Rupeni Caucaunibuca, Justin Davies, Warren Dunn, Latiume Fosita, Roy Griffin, Dan Hawkins, Willgriff John, Mateo Malupo, Whiria Meltzer, David Morgan, Matt Moulds, Tom Murday, Bronson Murray, Jake Paringatai, Owen Pihema, Dan Pryor, Jack Ram, Rene Ranger (c), Ben Seymour, Mac Sykes, Viliami Tahitu'a, Tane Takulua, Jone Tori, Scott Vessey, Will Whetton, Bryce Williams, Matt Wright, Ross Wright.

Otago

Established: 1881.
Ranfurly Shield tenures: Four.
NPC Titles: Two; Last title in 1998.
Last year's finish: Beaten Championship finalists.
Coach: Tony Brown.
Key figure: Japanese international halfback Fumiaki Tanaka isn't the biggest bloke on the field but he plays the game at an electric pace.
Rising star: Hooker Liam Coltman was talked about as an All Black bolter this year.
Prospects: After being knocked over at the final hurdle last year, Otago will have an eye on the Championship final again this season.
Squad: Lee Allan, Sam Anderson-Heather, Hugh Blake, Peter Breen, Michael Collins, Liam Coltman, Tom Donnelly, Tony Ensor, Gareth Evans, Matt Faddes, Tom Franklin, Fa'asiu Fuatai, Paul Grant (c), TJ Ioane, Scott Manson, Craig Millar, Kieran Moffat, Charlie O'Connell, Hayden Parker, Buxton Popoali'i, Josh Renton, Willis Scott, Aki Seuili, Ben Smith, Jayden Spence, Fumiaki Tanaka, Ezra Taylor, Tama Tuitirangi, Teihorangi Walden.

Southland

Established: 1887.
Ranfurly Shield tenures: Seven.
NPC titles: None.
Last year's finish: Beaten Championship semifinalists.
Coach: David Henderson.
Key figure: Jamie Mackintosh may have had an off year with the Highlanders but the former All Black always finds a bit extra when he plays in the maroon of Southland.
Rising star: Halfback Tayler Adams made his Southland debut as an 18-year-old last year as the Cowan brothers left for greener pastures. With another year of development behind him, Adams should be an eye-catching prospect this season.
Prospects: Finding their way back to the Championship playoffs will be Southland's main objective and they have the personnel to make it happen.
Squad: Tayler Adams, Nicholas Barrett, Joshua Bekhuis, Tim Boys, Tim Cornforth, Naulia Dawai, Elliott Dixon, Scott Eade, Michael Fatialofa, David Hall, Willis Halaholo, John Hardie, Keanu Kahukura, Nemia Kenatale, Juan Koen, Jamie Mackintosh, Marty McKenzie, Bryan Milne, Tukiterangi Raimona, Robbie Robinson, Craig Smith, Hale T-Pole, Talemaitoga Tuapati, Cardiff Vaega, Gareth Williams-Spiers.

Taranaki

Established: 1889.
Ranfurly Shield tenures: Five.
NPC titles: None.
Last year's finish: Beaten Premiership semifinalists.
Coach: Colin Cooper.
Key figure: Big lock James Broadhurst is finally playing to the potential he looks to have. He's big, strong and a dynamic carrier with ball in hand.
Rising star: Former Gisborne Boys' High School student Beaudein Waaka is an intriguing name on the Taranaki squad list. A schoolboy pivot, Waaka can also play at fullback and is a promising talent.
Prospects: Taranaki have been threatening to do something special for the past few years but haven't found a way to climb the mountain. They will be there at the business end of the competition.
Squad: Kurt Baker, Beauden Barrett, Kane Barrett (c), James Broadhurst, Mitchell Brown, Daniel Brooks, Carl Carmichael, Shane Cleaver, Frazier Climo, Ryan Cocker, Mitchell Crosswell, Jamison Gibson-Park, Berny Hall, Jarrad Hoeata, Chris King, Sione Lea, James Marshall, Rhys Marshall, Rick McKenna, Waisake Naholo, Jackson Ormond, Ope Peleseuma, Chris Smylie, Nemia Soqeta, Seta Tamanivalu, Andre Taylor, Blade Thomson, Doug Tietjens, Isaia Tuifua, Timo Tutavaha, Beaudein Waaka.

Tasman

Established: 2006.
Ranfurly Shield tenures: None.
NPC Titles: None.
Last year's finish: Beaten Championship semifinalists.
Coach: Kieran Keane.
Key figure: Utility back Robbie Malneek has been a constant in Tasman colours in recent seasons.
Rising star: Look for talented 22-year-old pivot Hayden Cripps to steer the Makos around the park this season.
Prospects: Tasman forced their way into the semifinals in the Championship last season and more of the same would be a realistic approach this time around.
Squad: Alex Ainley, Tevita Cavubati, Shane Christie, Hayden Cripps, Kieron Fonotia, Vernon Fredericks, Billy Guyton, Siua Halanukonuka, Bryce Heem, Tevita Koloamatangi, James Lowe, Quentin MacDonald, Robbie Malneek, Tom Marshall, Reuben Northover, Tim Perry, Gary Redmond, Mitchell Scott, Francis Smith, Liam Squire, George Stowers, Mark Swanepoel, Andrew Symons, Mike Wells, Joe Wheeler, Kaide Whitin.

Waikato

Established: 1921.
Ranfurly Shield tenures: Nine; Current holders.
NPC titles: Two; last title in 2006.
Last year's finish: Fifth in the Premiership.
Coach: John Walters.
Key figure: Vice-captain Jackson Willison has been around the traps for a couple of seasons now and should hold things together nicely in Waikato's backline.
Rising star: He's already a well-known quantity but a motivated Ben Tameifuna is a scary prospect. The giant prop showed what he can do at the back end of this year's Super rugby competition.
Prospects: The Ranfurly Shield holders will give this season a pass mark if they can end the year with the Log o' Wood in the trophy cabinet. Premiership-wise they will be on the fringe of a semifinal spot.
Squad: Brian Alainu'uese, Paul Alo-Emile, Fraser Armstrong, Jono Armstrong, Adam Burn, Sam Christie, Dylan Collier, Whetu Douglas, Vance Elliott, Hame Faiva, Romana Graham, Rory Grice, Marnus Hanley, Wharenui Hawera, Zak Hohneck, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Sam Kilgour, Jack Lam, Semisi Masirewa, Liam Messam, Chris Middleton, Tim Mikkelson, Brayden Mitchell, Kylem O'Donnell, Trent Renata, Nick Ross, Toby Smith, Latu Talakai, Ben Tameifuna, Save Tokula, Matt Vant Leven (c), Watene Waenga, Joe Webber, Jackson Willison (vc).

Wellington

Established: 1879.
Ranfurly Shield tenures: 10
NPC titles: Four; last title in 2000.
Last year's finish: Beaten Premiership semifinalists.
Coach: Chris Boyd.
Key figure: Another axed All Black, Victor Vito, will be looking to put some hurt on the ITM Cup this year. Vito will pack down at No 8 for Chris Boyd's side and will be a menacing prospect with ball in hand.
Rising star: Outside back Matt Proctor is due to have a breakout competition after showing his wares last season in his rookie campaign.
Prospects: Wellington have an outrageously talented and experienced forward pack, so should make playoffs. From there it will be down to halfback Frae Wilson and No10 Lima Sopoaga to guide them.
Squad: Tim Bateman, Dane Coles, Ambrose Curtis, Ross Filipo, Afa Fa'atau, Kaipati Gaualofa, Reggie Goodes, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Adam Hill, Joe Hill, Cory Jane, Alapati Leiua, Faifili Levave, Genesis Mamea, Motu Matu'u, Api Naikatini, Charlie Ngatai, Tomasi Palu, Matt Proctor, TJ Perenara, Mark Reddish, Ardie Savea, Julian Savea, John Schwalger, Brad Shields, Eric Sione, Conrad Smith, Eugene Smith, Lima Sopoaga, Jeremy Thrush, Jeffery Too-maga-Allen, Shaun Treeby, Victor Vito, Frae Wilson.