Taranaki celebrate after winning the NPC Final - Taranaki v Hawke’s Bay at Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth. Photo: Photosport
Analysis - The showpiece of New Zealand domestic rugby returns this weekend.
After a thrilling 2023 which culminated in a throwback afternoon final between Taranaki and Hawke's Bay, provincial rugby proved to well and truly have a pulse.
The competition is wide open following decades of Auckland and then Canterbury dominance, and several sides pose a genuine threat for a title.
RNZ runs down the prospects of the provinces in 2024.
Northland
2023: Twelfth.
One to watch: Rob Rush. Though he had limited chances for the Blues, Rush remains a highly touted prospect.
A point to prove: Rivez Reihana. After a less than stellar season with the crumbling Crusaders, the young play maker will look to send a reminder of his talents with the Taniwha.
Prediction: Eleventh.
North Harbour
2023: Tenth.
One to watch: Wallace Sititi. After a barnstorming Super Rugby season, Sititi will be a game changer for Harbour when not in black.
A point to prove: Shaun Stevenson. After making his All Blacks debut in 2023, the fleet-footed fullback has so far been forgotten by Scott Robertson.
Prediction: Eighth.
Auckland
2023: Beaten quaterfinalists.
One to watch: Anton Segner. After making the move from the Mako, the German loose forward appears be the heir apparent to Akira Ioane in Auckland.
A point to prove: Harry Plummer. Plenty of calls for Plummer to earn higher honours, conducting a successful Auckland campaign will only increase the volume.
Prediction: Sixth.
Harry Plummer in action for Auckland against Southland in 2022. Photo: Photosport
Counties Manukau
2023: Ninth.
One to watch: Etene Nanai-Seturo. The electric Nanai-Seturo is the latest in a long list of thrilling outside backs to light up Pukekohe.
A point to prove: Hoskins Sotutu. Arguably the unluckiest omission from the All Blacks, Sotutu will be determined to prove Razor wrong.
Prediction: Fifteenth.
Waikato
2023: Beaten quaterfinalists.
One to watch: Aaron Cruden. Can the old maestro still produce some magic for the Moo-loo?
A point to prove: Xavier Roe. With a swathe of brilliant halfbacks on the rise, Roe will want show he's still among them.
Prediction: Ninth.
Bay of Plenty
2023: Beaten quaterfinalists.
One to watch: Cole Forbes. Reinvigorated after returning home from Glasgow, Forbes was blistering for the Blues in 2024.
A point to prove: Emoni Narawa. Another yet to add to his sole test cap, Narawa will look to re-establish his credentials after setbacks through injury.
Prediction: Seventh.
Emoni Narawa of Bay of Plenty at Tauranga Domain in 2021 against Waikato. Photo: Photosport
Hawke's Bay
2023: Runners up.
One to watch: Freedom Vahaakolo. An exciting signing for the Bay from the deep south.
A point to prove: Folau Fakatava. Taking a plunge down the All Black's halfback pecking order, Fakatava may rediscover his mojo with the Magpies.
Prediction: Champions.
Manawatu
2023- 13th.
One to watch: Brett Cameron. Played his one and only test six years ago, the classy Cameron will pull the strings in Palmy.
A point to prove: Brayden Iose. Having formed a formidable loose trio at the Canes, Iose's powerful running game makes him a constant threat for the Turbos.
Prediction: Fourteenth.
Taranaki
2023: Champions.
One to watch: Kini Naholo. The schoolboy sensation will be full of confidence after a blockbusting stint with the Hurricanes.
A point to prove: Ricky Riccitelli. A current Super Rugby and NPC champion, success follows Riccitelli, but he is yet to earn the All Black call-up.
Prediction: Fourth.
Taranaki player Ricky Riccitelli against the Tasman Mako at Trafalgar Park, Nelson. Photo: Photosport
Wellington
2023: Beaten semi finalists.
One to watch: Ruben Love. The gifted Love brings Cullen-esque excitement to the capital.
A point to prove: Peter Lakai. Another strong season for the Lions and Lakai could find himself on the end of year tour.
Prediction: Fifth.
Tasman
2023: Beaten quaterfinalists.
One to watch: Macca Springer. Springer is capable of producing what few can on a footy field.
A point to prove: David Havili. Another who suffered under the collapse of the Crusaders, Havili remains a key cog for the Mako.
Prediction: Second.
Canterbury
2023: Beaten semi-finalists.
One to watch: Dallas McLeod. A damaging ball runner and reliable defender, McLeod embodies Canterbury grit.
A point to prove: Cullen Grace. In what is becoming a log-jam of All Black loosies, Grace will need a big campaign to get back in the conversation.
Prediction: Third.
Cullen Grace of Canterbury is tackled by Tom Florence of Taranaki. Photo: Photosport
Otago
2023: Eleventh.
One to watch: Sam Gilbert. The pick of the Highlander's players this year, Gilbert is crucial to Otago's chances.
A point to prove: Ajay Faleafaga. Will want to stamp his mark and lock down the Highlander's ten jersey for 2025.
Prediction: Tenth.
Southland
2023: 14th (Last).
One to watch: Issac Te Tamaki. The sevens star returns to Southland, adding a potent weapon to the Stag's attack.
A point to prove: Sean Withy. The workhorse flanker shone for the Highlanders, a breach of team protocol being his only blight.
Prediction: Twelfth.
Tom Parsons of Hawkes Bay takes Ranfurly Shield to team after winning it from the Wellington Lions at Sky Stadium on 30 September 2023. Photo: Photosport