Most New Zealand rugby fans are rejoicing at this time. They're rejoicing that that monstrosity of professional rugby called Super Rugby is over for another year and also that the greatest provincial competition in world rugby is about to start.
Yes, the ITM Cup kicks off just about two weeks after the conclusion of Super Rugby and it's a time when provincial pride boils to the surface. None of this regional stuff - it's province against province and the quality of the rugby seems to be up there now.
This season sees Counties Manukau swap places with Hawkes Bay in the Premiership and mighty Canterbury keen to make it a record 6 titles in a row - a streak that hasn't been seen in this country since Auckland's domination in the late 80s and early 90s. Current Ranfurly Shield holders, Waikato will also be out fighting to keep the shield - with plenty of Super Rugby champion Chiefs players in the squad, they've got a really good chance of keeping the shield for the season and attempting to create their first dynasty since the late 90s.
Even with two clear divisions, there is still plenty of opportunity for provinces to take on each other even if they are in different divisions - courtesy of the draw, teams can choose who they want to face in the regular season.
Gone are the scheduled midweek rounds - although midweek footie still remains but as part of an actual round. The unions were very much against them as it forced them to have enlarged squads to cope with the short turnarounds.
So, bring it on. Yes we won't quite see the record crowds that we saw in the 80s but there should be quite a few die hard fans to watch New Zealand rugby right at its core.
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| Can Canterbury make it 6 in a row? |
Premiership champions - Auckland - Expect a change. Canterbury were wallopped 61-7 by Tasman of all teams in pre-season and while that result isn't necessarily something to scream about, the Red and Blacks' depth isn't quite there and they may be in the middle of a transition stage. On the other hand, with Blues spots up for grabs, Auckland's young rugby players may be determined to show they deserve a Super Rugby contract - especially with the likes of recent All Blacks Francis Sai'ili and Piri Weepu in the squad.
Relegated from Premiership - Bay of Plenty - survival in a 7-team league is always hard to achieve particularly against the big 4 city unions and rising Taranaki and Counties sides. I think BOP might very well just go down as I think Counties are on the up - they featured prominently in the recent Super Rugby final for the Chiefs and Umaga looks to have created a very competitive and talented team.
Championship champions - Otago - Tony Brown is one of New Zealand rugby's rising coaching talents and he took an Otago side that was close to not competing last season to promotion. Expect the Blue and Gold to push hard and ensure top flight provincial rugby is played at Forsyth Barr Stadium for at least one full season.
Premiership table (from 1st to 7th) - Auckland, Canterbury, Wellington, Waikato, Taranaki, Counties Manukau, Bay of Plenty
Championship Table - Otago, Tasman, Southland, Hawkes Bay, Northland, Manawatu, North Harbour
Ranfurly Shield - Waikato face Northland, Otago, Auckland, Wellington and Taranaki at home in that order . Waikato to keep Shield.
Premiership Table: Auckland, Canterbury, Wellington, Waikato, Counties Manukau, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki
ReplyDeleteChamionship Table: Hawkes Bay, Otago, Tasman, Manawatu, Northland, North Harbour, Southland
Ranfurly Shield: Waikato to lose it to Otago, who then lose it to Auckland in last game of the season.