Rugby: Air NZ Cup squads

Collated squads for the Air NZ Cup provincial rugby competition (*denotes new coach):

AUCKLAND
Champions: 1982, 84-85, 87-90, 93-96, 99, 2002-03, 05, 07.
Last season: 11th
Coach: Mark Anscombe*

Tevita Mailau, Pauliasi Manu, Charlie Faumuina, Paea Fa'anunu, Francis Smith, Tom McCartney, Kurtis Haiu, Jay Williams, Andrew Van der Heijden, Dean Budd, Chris Lowrey, Peter Saili, Onosa'i Auva'a, Hamish Paterson, Taniela Moa, Grayson Hart, Ash Moeke, Daniel Bowden, Benson Stanley, Winston Stanley, Jamie Helleur, Teddy Stanaway, Thomas Timani, Dave Thomas, Atieli Pakalani, Paul Williams

Prospects: Like their headquarters at Eden Park, Auckland is in rebuild mode after a disastrous 2008 season under Shane Howarth. All Black-free squad with lock Kurtis Haiu the most capped with 49 appearances. Daniel Bowden back home from Otago to guide a backline bolstered by the return of Benson Stanley from a long-term hamstring injury.

Potential finish: 5th

BAY OF PLENTY
Champions: 1976
Last season: Beaten quarterfinalists, 6th

Coach: Greg Smith* James McGougan, Joe Savage, Josh Hohneck, Ted Tauroa, John Pareanga, Marcel Cummings-Toone, Culum Retallick, John Moore, Josh Olsen, Josh Katene, Colin Bourke, Luke Braid, Matt Vant Leven, Solomon King, Tanerau Latimer, Zach Hohneck, Andre Ellison, Junior Poluleuligaga, Josh Hall, Mike Delany, Nick McCashin, Cory Aporo, Nigel Hunt, Phil Burleigh, Zar Lawrence, Lance MacDonald, Jason Hona, Clinton Toopi, Wayne Hughson, Ben Smith.

Prospects: Punched above weight last term. Solid front row bookended by up-and-coming Chiefs props James McGougan and Joe Savage and an impressive loose trio that could see opensides Tanerau Latimer and Luke Braid both play depending on the former's All Black commitments. Mike Delany adds savvy at first five-eighth; former Kiwi rugby league international Clinton Toopi an unknown quantity on the wing.

Potential finish: 9th

CANTERBURY
Champions: 1977, 83, 97, 2001, 04, 08.
Last season: Champions
Coach: Rob Penney

Andrew Olorenshaw, Rodney Ah You, Peter Borlase, Wyatt Crockett, Corey Flynn, Ti'i Paulo, Will Catherwood, Luke Romano, James Broadhurst, Sam Whitelock, Matt Todd, Michael Paterson, George Whitelock, Ash Parker, Nasi Manu, Willie Heinz, Tyson Keats, Andy Ellis, Dan Carter, Colin Slade, Stephen Brett, Tim Bateman, Ryan Crotty, Adam Whitelock, Casey Laulala, Chris Small, Sean Maitland, Tu Umaga-Marshall, James Paterson, Sam Monaghan.

Prospects: Lacking the usual batch of first choice All Blacks but should be able to cover absentees. George Whitelock an able deputy for All Blacks captain Richie McCaw while the remainder of the pack has a solid look about it. Corey Flynn and Andy Ellis back from injury to press for end of year tour selection though the rehabilitation of Dan Carter will be the primary focus. Colin Slade or Stephen Brett poised to take over from Carter when required.

Potential finish: Finalists, champions

COUNTIES-MANUKAU
Champions: 1979
Last season: 13th
Coach: Milton Haig

Cody Martin, Courtney McKay, Sikeli Nabou, Sherwin Stowers, Matt Holloway, Augustine Pulu, DJ Forbes, Siale Piutau, Waka Setitaia, Josh Hall, Ahsee Tuala, Fritz Lee, Jamie Metcalf, Lelia Masaga, Mark Selwyn, Samisoni Fisilau, Tim Nanai Williams, Siua Halanukonuka, Ilisa Maasi, Jason Roach, Rees Logan, Viliami Fihaki, David Raikuna, Graham Dewes, Jamie Chipman, Seremaia Tagicakibau, Kojak Faioso, Notise Tauafao, Simon Lemalu, Tasesa Lavea.

Prospects: Playing for premier division inclusion in 2010 though on field success may not be enough. Recruited Canterbury B rep Josh Hall to vie for the No 10 jersey with Tasesa Lavea. Rookie All Black Lelia Masaga a definite threat out wide if the pack can conjure up enough quality ball.

Potential finish: 13th

HAWKE'S BAY
Last season: Beaten semifinalists, 3rd
Coach: Peter Russell

Josh Keys, Jody Allen, Clint Newland, Sona Taumalolo, Ash Dixon, Hikawera Elliot, Michael Johnson, Ross Kennedy, Matt Egan, Hugh Reed, Adam Bradey, Karl Lowe, George Naoupu, Thomas Waldrom, Pama Petia, Chris Eaton, Dane Shelford, Matt Berquist, Andrew Horrell, Aayden Clarke, Sam Giddens, Richard Buckman, Jason Shoemark, Nick Thomson, Mark Jackman, Zac Guildford, Jason Kupa, Israel Dagg.

Prospects: The success story of the promoted provinces in 2006, Hawke's Bay can expect to feature prominently under the astute guidance of Peter Russell. Thomas Waldrom keen to prove selectors wrong after missing rep selection despite an impressive Super 14 with the Crusaders. Forms an impressive loose forward trio with Karl Lowe and George Naoupu.

Potential finish: 4th

MANAWATU
Champions: 1980
Last season: 14th
Coach: Dave Rennie

Grant Polson, Talau Hala, David Te Moana, Ma'afu Fia, Sean O'Connor, Rob Foreman, James Goode, Reece Robinson, Lisiate Fa'aoso, Michael Fitzgerald, Nick Crosswell, Hamish Gosling, Josh Bradnock, Doug Tietjens, Bertus Mulder, Brent Thompson, Aaron Smith, Aaron Good, Aaron Cruden, Isaac Thompson, Francis Bryant, Johnny Leota, Tavita Taufui, Andre Taylor, Lote Raikabula, Tomasi Cama, Kurt Baker, Casey Stone.

Prospects: The ultimate battlers, engaging in what could be their last season in the top flight. Lacking in quality - though not heart. Much depends on whizzkid five-eighth Aaron Cruden. Manawatu have not produced All Blacks of late, though the star of the under-20 world championship-winning side is on Graham Henry's check sheet. Launched last season by stunning Canterbury away, need a similar start to keep chins up.

Potential finish: 14th

NORTHLAND
Last season: 9th
Coach: Bryce Woodward*

Steve Baker, Rhyan Caine, Derek Carpenter, Matt Clutterbuck, Justin Collins, Nick Collins, Justin Davies, Tim Dow, Cameron Eyre, Damien Fakafanua, Sione Fonua, Eroni Gadolo, Brook Gilmore, Dan Goodwin, Roy Griffin, Karl Haitana, Luke Hamilton, Cameron Jowitt, Joel McKenty, Lachie Munro, Bronson Murray, Pat O'Connor, Jared Payne, Rene Ranger, Mikaele Tuu'u, Matt Wallis, Tony Woodman, Jon Elrick.

Prospects: Durable flanker Justin Collins just keeps on keeping on though first-five David Holwell has finally been put out to pasture on his farm. Auckland discard Lachie Munro cast as the new general to guide a backline featuring developing wing Rene Ranger. Inauspicious start when Okara Park surface was deemed unplayable for the opening home game. Premier division survival uncertain.

Potential finish: 12th

NORTH HARBOUR
Last season: 12th
Co-coaches: Craig Dowd/Jeff Wilson**

James Afoa, Mike Reid, Ben Afeaki, James Parsons, Michael Mayhew, Anthony Boric, Filo Paulo, James King, Chris Smith, Malakai Ravulo, Tom Chamberlain, Richard Mayhew, Robbie Colhoun, Vili Ma'afu, Chris Smylie, Matt France, Mike Harris, Ben Botica, Andrew Mailei, Anthony Tuitavake, George Pisi, Nafi Tuitavake, Josh York, Rudi Wulf, Jack McPhee, Ken Pisi.

Prospects: Non-achievers like their neighbours across the bridge in 2008, North Harbour have turned to a couple of former All Blacks legends to right the ship. A batch of fringe All Blacks should aid the cause.

Potential finish: 11th

OTAGO
Champions: 1991, 98
Last season: 10th

Peter Mirrielees, Jason Macdonald, Keith Cameron, Ben Nolan, Sam Hibbard, Pieter van de Merwe, Hayden Triggs, Charlie O'Connell, Seko Qaraniqio, Adam Hill, Hoani Matenga, Paul Grant, Adam Thomson, Steven Setephano, Eben Joubert, James Kenny, Johnny Legg, Glenn Dickson, Chris Noakes, Brett Mather, Andrew Parata, Lucky Mulipola, Fetu Vainikolo, Ben Smith, Karne Hesketh, Ryan Shortland, Michael Witt, Luke Herden, Sam Young.

Prospects: Otago need a successful start to the season more than most knowing round one glory in Wellington ends their Ranfurly Shield torment. Erase that blight on their history and everything else will be forgotten. Daniel Bowden's return north gives Chris Noakes the opportunity to shine at pivot. Former NZ Warrior Michael Witt is also a candidate though the Australian is probably more of a utility option off the bench. Adam Thomson, recovering from a broken hand, will be a useful addition at the breakdown when fit.

Potential finish: 10th
SOUTHLAND
Last season: Beaten semifinalists, 4th
Co-coaches: Simon Culhane/David Henderson

Dion Bates, Josh Bekhuis, Tim Boys, Jimmy Cowan, Scott Cowan, David Gannon, David Hall, John Hardie, Glen Horton, Jason Kawau, Chris King, Tony Koonwaiyou, Kendrick Lynn, Jamie Mackintosh, Seminar Manu, Fai Mika, Michael Peterson, Robert Robinson, Sonny Rongotoheriri, Jason Rutledge, Matt Saunders, Hua Tamariki, Pehi Te Whare, Joe Tuineau, Mark Wells, James Wilson.

Prospects: Another functional unit that put better resourced provinces to shame last season by making the semifinals. Jimmy Cowan named despite his All Blacks commitments meaning he will rarely venture home, though brother Scott is no slouch behind the scrum. Lock Hoani MacDonald (Wales) will be missed though giant second rower Joe Tuineau adds size to the engine room after failing to land an NFL contract in the US. Robbie Robinson starred at the under-20 world championships and has a lock on fullback.

Potential finish: 6th

TARANAKI
Last season: Beaten quarterfinalist, 8th
Coach: Adrian Kennedy

Tony Penn, Carl Carmichael, Laurence Corlett, James Hinchco, Timo Tutavaha, Shane Cleaver, Michael Bent, Nemia Soqeta, Craig Clark, Leon Power, Jason Eaton, John Willis, Ben Souness, Chris Walker, Scott Waldrom, Jarrad Hoeata, Samuela Vunisa, Brett Goodin, Baydon Phillips, Kylem O'Donnell, Willie Ripia, Jayden Hayward, Jack Cameron, Nathan Hohaia, Wille Rickards, Shayne Austin, Paul Perez, Ed Jenkins, Asalemo Malo.

Prospects: Jason Eaton's return to the All Blacks will be welcomed in the Naki though his experience will be missed given Andrew Hore is also on test duty. Scott Waldrom will be hoping to pique the selectors' interest again. Another mid-table finish looms.

Potential finish: 7th

TASMAN
Last season: Beaten quarterfinalist, 7th
Co-coaches: Bevan Cadwallader/Kieran Keane*

Hamish Cochrane, Ben Franks, Tristan Moran, Sakaria Taulafo, Quentin MacDonald, Daniel Perrin, Alex Ainley, Anthony Elisala, James Foster, Joseph Wheeler, Mark Bright, Daniel Crichton, Glen Gregory, Daniel Hyatt, Jonathan Poff, Zane Winslade, Shaun Begg, Kahn Fotualii, Matty James, James Marshall, Andrew Goodman, Sione Holani, Ammon Matuauto, Mike Pehi, Kade Poki, Blair Cook, James Kamana, Afeleki Pelenise, Robbie Malneek.

Prospects: Focusing on the field will be the major challenge for Tasman's squad, given the axe is hovering again. Played under threat of extinction last year and prospered by making the quarters and very nearly relieving Wellington of the Log o' Wood. Settled squad with capacity to make the post-season again.

Potential finish: 8th

WAIKATO
Champions: 1992, 2006
Last year: 5th
Coach: Chris Gibbes*

Ole Avei, Vern Kamo, Hikairo Forbes, Ben May, Kieran Ramage, Nathan White, Kent Fife, Romana Graham, Toby Lynn, Kevin O'Neill, Ray Allen, Jack Lam, Sione Lauaki, Liam Messam, Jordan Smiler, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, David Bason, Josh Sutherland, Sam Christie, Trent Renata, Callum Bruce, Roimata Hansell-Pune, Jackson Willison, Tim Mikkelson, Henry Speight, Dwayne Sweeney, Savenaca Tokula, Sosene Anesi.

Prospects: A touch disappointing last season but capable of making amends, though they will want to put their Hawke's Bay hex to rest. Liam Messam shouldn't be lacking motivation after missing the Tri-Nations cut while Sione Lauaki knows what's required to get back in the frame.

Potential finish: 3rd

WELLINGTON
NPC champions: 1978, 81, 86, 2000
Last season: Runners-up
Coach: Jamie Joseph

Dane Coles, Jacob Ellison, Tamati Ellison, Fa'atonu Fili, Robert Fruean, Scott Fuglistaller, Hosea Gear, Michael Hobbs, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Alapati Leiua, Faifili Levave, Serge Lilo, Matt Luamanu, Alby Mathewson, Motu Matu'u, Api Naikatini, Charlie Ngatai, Anthony Perenise, Buxton Popoalii, Damiel Ramsay, Mark Reddish, Ged Robinson, John Schwalger, David Smith, Jeremy Thrush, Shaun Treeby, Victor Vito.

Prospects: So is this their year? Sure, Wellington start with the Ranfurly Shield but securing a first championship since 2000 is the priority. No obviously deficient areas and in Robert Fruean they have a potential backline star in the making.

Potential finish: 2nd

- NZPA