The Blues had the most changes as the five New Zealand Super 14 franchises unveiled their 2010 rugby squads during this month.
There are nine changes to the 28-man Blues squad who underperformed in the 2009 tournament, with most changes coming in the their problem area of inside backs and loose forwards. As widely expected, Canterbury fly-half Stephen Brett is the most prominent one to move under the draft system, leaving the Crusaders, who have Daniel Carter back.
Brett joins a new-look Blues backline which includes former Hurricanes Alby Mathewson and Daniel Kirkpatrick and returning All Black Luke McAlister. A surprise loser from the Blues is scrum-half Taniela Moa, perhaps the highest profile player to miss a contract altogether. Other well known names discarded next year include formr Chiefs lock Toby Lynn and three drafted Highlanders of this year Centre Johnny Leota, No 8 George Naoupu and lock Ross Kennedy.
The Blues have altered their loose forwards, introducing Wellington flanker Serge Lilo from the draft, Aucklander Peter Saili and North Harbour pair Viliami Ma’afu and Tom Chamberlain.
There are eight changes to South Island franchises, the Crusaders and Highlanders, while the Hurricanes and last year’s finalists the Chiefs have made seven each.
Scrum-half Junior Poluleuligaga of Bay of Plenty and Counties-Manukau fullback Tim Nanai-Williams are newcomers to the Chiefs backline but most of their changes are up front, including two new locks in Waikato’s Romana Graham and Bay of Plenty’s Callum Retallick. Openside flanker Luke Braid is in for Lilo while Taranaki No 8 Jarrad Hoeata also earns a draft berth.
Three Cantabrians take root at the Hurricanes flanker Michael Paterson, lock James Broadhurst and scrum-half Tyson Keats, with the latter pair both unexpected acquisitions. Exciting backs Aaron Cruden and Andre Taylor are included along with a third Manawatu newcomer, flanker Nick Crosswell.
The Crusaders have secured Aucklander Daniel Bowden as Carter’s backup while two exciting backs from the Hurricanes region Zac Guildford and Robert Frueancome to their back division. Former All Blacks lock Chris Jack returns, while hooker Ti’i Paul, prop Peter Borlase and lock Sam Whitelock also boost the pack.
Exciting fly-half Robbie Robinson is introduced as one of 11 Southlanders in the Highlanders squad, with playmaker Michael Hobbs and transplanted Cantabrian James Paterson new among the backs. Five new forwards include talented Crusader Nasi Manu and Southland standouts Joe Tuineau and John Hardie. Front-rowers Bronson Murray and Jason Macdonald were with the Crusaders this year.
New Zealand Rugby Union general manager professional rugby Neil Sorensen said: (quote) The abundance of quality talent has made this a very challenging process. However, it is great that the franchises have worked solidly through this process in a deliberate and professional manner. It is always tough to leave out quality players, but the reality is there are just so many good players out there. We are delighted with the even spread of this talent across the regions and anticipate strong performances in 2010 for all five squads. (end quote)