A key initial point to note with the NPC is that the games will be effectively handicapped in two different sections - with and without the All Blacks.
For the first three or four rounds, the sides will be sans-ABs as they finish their Tri-Nations commitments. This will obviously hurt some of the "bigger" teams - Canterbury, Wellington, Otago eg, over the early rounds, but of course, the linemakers will have noted in this factor. Once the ABs return, the strengths of the respective teams will be re-evaluated.
I'll start here with a basic overview of the top teams involved, strengths and weaknesses, how they play the game etc. Questions most welcome.
WELLINGTON - defending champs. Surprised most by peaking at the right time last year to capture the crown with road playoff wins over top qualifiers Auckland and Canterbury. Their strengths are the backline stars Christian Cullen, Jonah Lomu and Tana Umaga, ever-improving first five David Holwell in partnership with wily halfback Jason Spice, a vigorous, athletic loose forward mix and mobile, ball-playing locks. They may struggle in the front row this year however and just how much the superstars have to offer will depend on a) their motivation and fitness, and b) how much quality ball they get.
CANTERBURY - title favourites and Ranfurly Shield holders. Their biggest asset is their depth - they are the only side in NZ who can still put out a formidable line-up with at least a dozen All Blacks unavailable. That should see them through the early rounds without too much damage but they do have a host of away matches to begin with. They have few weakenesses - pace out wide through Ben Blair and Marika Vunibaka, the directorship of Andrew Mehrtens and Justin Marshall, the leadership of Todd Blackadder, size in the second row and loose forwards and depths in the propping position.
AUCKLAND - tipped by many to be title contenders this season after being dumped in last season's semis. Many players should be out to make up for a horrendous Super 12 season with the Blues but the form of the bulk of the side earlier this season means there are still serious doubts over the ability and effectiveness of the "A Team". Key performers will be the ABs forgotten man in Carlos Spencer at No10, imported prop Christian Califano and converted fullback Mils Muliaina.
OTAGO - At full strength, definitely a formidable unit - especially at home at Carisbrook, the "House of Pain". But they already have injury worries with planned skipper Kelvin Middleton out indefinitely and they can't afford similar mishaps at this stage. Crucial players are the scrumhalf pairing of Byron Kelleher and Tony Brown, loose forwards Taine Randell, Josh Blackie and Paul Miller and the numerous front row options of AB skipper and hooker Anton Oliver and props Kees Meuuws, Carl Hoeft, Joe McDonnell and Marius Mostert.
WAIKATO - My home team! And a definite title threat this season. All Black commitments are few, - flanker Marty Holah, lock Mark Cooksley and midfield backs Mark Ranby and Keith Lowen only on the fringes of the squad. That should help their NPC camapign a lot. Most of this side flourished during the Chiefs' Super 12 campaign - the question will be can they continue that rise without coach John Mitchell? Watch out also for flying wingers Bruce Reihana and Roger Randle, promising first-five David Hill and inspirational No8 and captain Deon Muir. As in recent years, the big question mark remains over their front row power.
More to come when I get a mo...
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