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There is something about the NPC that gets the heart of the
true rugby man pumping. There is nothing quite like listening to
Bull Allen waxing lyrically about a mudbath between West Coast and
Horowhenua.
With the Blacks on Aussie-whipping duty division one will be full
of upsets for a while and divisions two and three are always a
lottery so this preview is probably a waste of time (come back
Errol !!), but anyway...
OTAGO vs NTH HARBOUR
Otago is probably the most disrupted side in the comp without
their ABs, but fortunately they have the North Shore pussies first
up. At home and with the Mains man back in charge I expect the
blue and golds to clean up.
Prediction: Otago
AUCKLAND vs SOUTHLAND
Auckland don't have too many All Blacks these days and so have had
a fairly steady build up. Southland will be looking at games
against the weaker sides at home to avoid relegation.
Prediction: Auckland
TARANAKI vs NORTHLAND
Northland have suffered the usual defections to the big smoke
and face the perpetually under-rated Naki at the bull-ring. I'll
go with the home advantage here.
Prediction: Taranaki
WAIKATO vs COUNTIES-MANUKAU
Looking at pre-season form C-M looks like a favourite for the
drop. Waikato will be THE team to beat in the early rounds and at
home will cruise this one.
Prediction: Waikato
WELLINGTON vs BAY OF PLENTY
Sorry Errol. Wellington may be understrength and the most
unpredictable team in the first division, but the new boys will
struggle in this one. Might be worth an upset tip for the
adventurous tipster.
Prediction: Wellington
THAMES VALLEY vs KING COUNTRY
No bloody idea. When in doubt - go home.
Prediction: Thames Valley
HAWKES BAY vs EAST COAST
Welcome to the big time fellas. At least they don't have too far
to hitch for their first game. The Bay will win the rugby but the
Coast will win the after-match.
Prediction: Hawkes Bay
MID CANTERBURY vs MARLBOROUGH
Does anyone support Mid-Canterbury - even the people who live
there? Marlborough, on the other hand produces the finest things
in life (and they've held the shield).
Prediction: Marlborough
WANGANUI vs MANAWATU
Manawatu are but a pale of their former selves. The deformed
offspring of the incestuous Vikings. Wanganui surprised last
year and will be tough at home.
Prediction: Wanganui
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