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A year that began with a locking injury crisis ended in a locking merry-go-round as the Super 14 franchises wheeled and dealt lineout jumpers ahead of next year's competition.
Only the Hurricanes were content with the tall timber growing in their catchment area. Elsewhere it was a case
of the grass being greener as the franchises dipped into the draft, the transfer market or even the NRL to bolster their stocks.
Having already snared Blues lock Ali Williams, the Crusaders' decision to recall an ageing Brad Thorn while jettisoning the promising Kevin O'Neil - who transferred to Waikato - looked the most curious. The Crusaders also passed on local prospect Isaac Ross, who was picked up by the Highlanders and instead re-drafted Wellington fringe All Black Ross Filipo.
Thorn's return doubtless had plenty to do with the prevailing belief among coaches that bulk is better when it comes to Super 14. That was the reason Blues coach David Nucifora gave for plucking strapping Hawkes Bay lock Bryn Evans out of the draft ahead of the beanpole Jay Williams, who missed out on a contract all together. As well as snaring Ross, the Highlanders picked up Manawatu lock Hayden Triggs and recalled Otago captain Tom Donnelly after a season in the wilderness.
All Black lock James Ryan was unavailable due to a long-term injury.
A total of 17 players were drafted in by four franchises, with only the Hurricanes choosing players exclusively from within their catchment. The Crusaders have only picked Filipo.
The Blues have two - Evans and much-travelled Hawkes Bay captain Danny Lee, who will provide an experienced alternative to rookie halfback Taniela Moa.
The Chiefs and the Highlanders leaned most heavily on the draft, recruiting six and eight players respectively. The most notable was Otago utility back Callum Bruce, who was snared by the Chiefs after the Highlanders failed to name him in their initial 24-man protected squad.
Of those to miss out altogether, Williams, Auckland utility Lachie Munro and Southland's goal-kicking first five-eighths Blair Stewart would appear among the most unlucky.
Hawkes Bay's impressive Air New Zealand Cup season saw them become the big movers in terms of playing numbers. Having failed to promote a single player into the upper echelon this season, they will next year supply six players to three franchises.
The Hurricanes picked up 18-year-old flyer Zac Guildford, hooker Hikawera Elliott and flanker Michael Johnson but passed on rugged prop Clint Newland, who heads to the Highlanders.
Canterbury (26) will supply the most players, followed by Wellington (23) and Auckland (19).
Of the 140 players, 28 will be participating in the competition for the first time. A reserve pool of wider training group players will be finalised over the next few weeks.
