The 2024 National Provincial Championship (NPC) starts this weekend, with seven games played across New Zealand and Taranaki the defending champions.
The big city sides of Auckland, Wellington and Canterbury will be determined to end the Naki's run and stamp their authority on the competition.
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Overall since the inception of the NPC in its various forms, Auckland have won the title 17 times and Canterbury 15.
Taranaki vs Counties Manukau, Yarrows Stadium, New Plymouth, Friday 5.35pm.
Counties Manukau have a number of Super Rugby players starting in their side, plus one ex-All Black in Hoskins Sotutu but the depth of the Naki team looks strong from the front row to fullback and reserves.
It's a decent front row for the home team, with all three players having more than 60 caps for their province.
Auckland vs Wellington, Eden Park, Auckland, Friday 7.35pm
Wellington are a real contender with a couple of ex internationals in the squad in Brad Shields and Julian Savea, plus Matt Proctor on the bench and the side also has a heap of Super Rugby experience.
Not to be outdone, the Auckland team is led by ex AB Akira Ioane and has Angus Ta'avoa in the reserves, plus a lot of experience across the park.
Along with Ioane, Adrian Choat and Anton Segner will battle Shields, Du'Plessis Kirifi and Peter Lakai in a Super Rugby-like clash.
Canterbury vs Northland, Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, Saturday 2.05pm
Canterbury at home to open, which is a tough task for the Northlanders, who lack the big names compared to the hosts.
The Cantabs have plenty of experience, including ex All Blacks Cullen Grace and Braydon Ennor, Māori All Black Billy Harmon and Mitchell Drummond, who will play his 100th NPC match.
The Taniwha have their experience on the bench, with inside backs Dan Hawkins on 80 games and Sam Nock 78 games coming into the clash.
Southland vs Otago, Rugby Park, Invercargill, Saturday 2.05pm
Prepare for some solid old-fashioned rugby and possibly a bit of accidental rucking if any player finds themselves on the wrong side.
The NPC’s best rivalry, known as ‘Stag Day’ by Southland’s rowdy fans, there is always an extra bit of spice in the Southern Derby.
Josh Bekhuis will be a key player for the Stags in his 126th NPC match and is alongside experienced Crusaders lock Mitchell Dunshea in his first game for Southland.
Waikato vs Bay of Plenty, FMG Stadium, Hamilton, Saturday 4.35pm
Northing like a Chiefs clash to start the season.
Both teams look even across the field and both have game breakers in the backs who can open up a game.
BOP have recent All Blacks wing Emoni Narawa, while Waikato have named Bailyn Sullivan at centre, Josh Moorby at fullback and Quinn Tupaea at second-five.
North Harbour va Hawke’s Bay, North Harbour Stadium, Albany, Sunday 2.05pm
It is handy for any side when you can call up a couple of ex All Blacks to your side in the NPC as Bryn Hall starts at halfback and prop Karl Tu'inukuafe is on the bench for North Harbour.
Harbour also have current Maori All Blacks in Cameron Suafoa and Shaun Stevenson in the side, along with Sione Mafileo in the front row with more than 70 appearances for the province.
Not to be outdone, Hawke's Bay also have their own highly regarded players in Tom Parsons, Lincoln McClutchie, plus former All Black Folou Fakatava and Welshman Mat Protheroe, who seems to be thriving for the Ranfurly Shield holders.
Manawatu vs Tasman, Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North, Sunday 4.35pm
Tasman have called up fringe All Blacks Finlay Christie and David Havili to your starting lineup and have Quinten Strange as captain, with more than 70 games to his belt.
Meanwhile, an absolute veteran for the Mako, Quinten MacDonald is on the bench in his 119th game.
The Turbos have their own big names in captain Brayden Iose at No 8, Super Rugby player Jordi Viljoen at halfback and Brett Cameron at first-five.
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