Wellington lost to Manawatu today, 30-19. Wellington will have a very good side, Northland have done well over the off season with some good pick ups. Southland will build on last season ad watch out for Robbie Robinson, the kid is absolute quality.
BOP losing Latimer is a big loss but have Luke Braid who was last years U19 player of the year so still solid loose trio with King and Bourke. Good outside backs aswell, Clinton Toopi has made the switch to rugby and from all accounts has made an impact in Club Rugby.
Hawkes Bay haven't really lost anyone, add Thomas Waldrom to the pack and its a very good side.
Top 5 last year were Wellington, Canterbury, Hawkes Bay, BOP, Southland... to me those 5 plus Northland and you can't write off Auckland or Waikato.
In all honesty it is going to be a very good NPC season, Carter playing a week or 2 of it for Canterbury could be key... you can guarantee he will play against Wellington when they challenge for the shield.
With the All Blacks getting picked to go away before the final the team that copes with that best will win it. Wellington look like they will have the most depth for me but still lack a first five and are chokers.
Basically this has taken me a long time to say I have absolutely no idea what is going to happen.
What I can comment on though is the Jubilee Cup, heading into a massive last 2 weeks of competition! Petone v Oriental-Rongotai at Petone tomorrow followed by Petone - Norths next weekend at Porirua shape as absolute humdingers! Club Rugby, like Club Football is great quality stuff.