New Zealand's Super 14 franchises are looking at a record turnover of staff when they are announced at the end of this month.
At least 28 of last year's players have made themselves unavailable for selection in 2006 by signing with overseas clubs. All players had to declare by Friday
whether they would be available for next year's Super 14.
The heavy outflow means a number of star NPC performers will be rewarded with Super 14 contracts next season.
And there will be no more deserving recipient of a Super 14 place than Northland's Tim Dow. The 25-year-old hooker was, for the second year in succession, Northland's outstanding player.
He's no certainty but following the serious neck injury to Auckland's Derren Witcombe and the departure to Wasps of North Harbour's Joe Ward, Dow could make the Blues.
Harbour's Anthony Boric, Bay of Plenty's Mark Sorenson and Taranaki's Jason Eaton are all potential bolters when the squads are announced at the end of this month.
Boric, Sorenson and Eaton are fortunate that quality locks are thin on the ground. Most squads have historically contained four locks, or at least three, plus a versatile loose forward capable of filling in.
When you do the math, those three plus maybe Auckland's Kurtis Haiu and Canterbury's George Naoupu, who looked promising when he turned out earlier in the season, have reason for optimism.
The Blues have Ali Williams, Greg Rawlinson, the possibility of a returning Troy Flavell and Bradley Mika with Angus MacDonald a further option, suggesting there will be no room at the inn there.
But the Chiefs look short of quality. Their talisman, Keith Robinson, will not be considered for selection. "Keith needs more space and time," said Chiefs coach Ian Foster. "He is progressing and is the one driving the programme. He's been through a lot with two bouts of surgery and we just have to be patient."
That will leave Foster with Sean Hohneck and Bernie Upton as his only two genuine locks from last year. Skipper Jono Gibbes operates as the versatile loose forward and, while Kristian Ormsby can also fill that role, Foster would like a third genuine lock.
Sorenson has been consistent all season in a pack that, despite disappointing results, was a competitive unit. He's also playing in the Chiefs franchise area.
Eaton showed a lot of dynamism and aerial skills, as did Boric, who was accommodated in Harbour's back row during the final weeks of the campaign.
Their best chance of football is through the draft, where the Crusaders might be active. They have lost Norm Maxwell and may also find that Ross Filipo stays with the Hurricanes, leaving them with just Chris Jack and Kevin O'Neill.
Canterbury's George Naoupu will come close to a call-up. Naoupu has recently turned 22 and at 1.96m and 108kg has looked just as comfortable at blindside.
Other possible bolters include Southland's prop Jayden Murch, who has scrummaged strongly throughout the Stags' impressive season.
Otago have unearthed an exciting halfback in Chris Smylie and, with Danny Lee having moved to Hawke's Bay and therefore the Hurricanes, Smylie looks certain to get the nod.
So too Canterbury's Andrew Ellis. The 21-year-old halfback has seen off the challenge of Jamie Nutbrown and will be Kevin Senio's understudy.
Harbour wing Vili Waqaseduadua displayed electric speed and strength in contact and will be eyed carefully by those franchises who use the draft instead of protecting their maximum 24.
The equally difficult to pronounce Junior Poluleuligaga has made a significant contribution at halfback for Harbour and the Chiefs may see him, rather than Nutbrown, as their back-up to Byron Kelleher.
Tamati Ellison probably did enough to win a place at the Hurricanes to put pressure on Jimmy Gopperth, while Otago fullback Craig Clare looked promising.
Former Highlander Paul Williams played for Auckland B this season and having enjoyed a brief stint at the Highlanders in 2003, may be a wild card inclusion somewhere.
The last week has seen frantic negotiations with the franchise coaches letting various individuals know where they stand so as players can make informed choices.
There is a desire to avoid duplication of resources so a player like Wellington No 8 Thomas Waldrom can be better utilised. Waldrom will struggle for game time behind Rodney So'oialo at the Hurricanes but could start at the Highlanders as they are losing Paul Miller.
Tony Koonwaiyou is another who is unfortunate to play for a side that has two world-class wings. Every other franchise should be interested in him.
- HERALD ON SUNDAY
New Zealand's Super 14 franchises are looking at a record turnover of staff when they are announced at the end of this month.
At least 28 of last year's players have made themselves unavailable for selection in 2006 by signing with overseas clubs. All players had to declare by Friday
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