NPC Preview - Its a Player Merry-go-round

As I am yet to receive the excellent Rugby News NPC season preview edition I direct you to the Auckland Herald's brief season preview & an even briefer version from the Sunday Star Times.
 
What is notable to me is the amount of movement by what I would call established players between provinces.  A few examples;

• Kahn Fotuali'i - Tasman to Hawkes Bay
• David Smith  -Wellington to Taranaki
• Tyson Keats - Canterbury to Taranaki
• Steven Setephano - Otago to Waikato

 
In fact Taranaki seem to have been very aggressive in their player acquisitions.  Click here for full squad lists (as well as the draw).
 
With younger NZ players continuing to leave these shores it is interesting to see the return of quite a few players as well;  Tana Umaga, Daniel Braid, Brent Ward, Shannon Paku, Luke Andrews, Grant Webb & the well documented SBW to name a few.
 
A couple of the more interesting player movements - Luke Rooney (ex NSW & Aussie leaguie) from Toulon to Hawkes Bay & then Paul Perez from Taranaki to Toulon (via deportation).
 
Next year will see another reincarnation of the NPC in to some ridiculous 7 team format so teams will really be scrapping it out for those middle of the table spots.
 
Overall I think you will see more of the same;
 

• Canterbury & Wellington to make the top 4
• Auckland to challenge for top four but remain inconsistent
• A few of the rural powerhouses - Southland, Taranaki & Hawkes Bay - to exceed expectations
• Waikato & Otago to disappoint
• North Harbour to retain their chip on their shoulder
• Bay of Plenty to be inconsistent
• Tasman, Manawatu, North Auckland & Counties to struggle