27 new players and 28 players have moved on (or been left out). Rudi Wulf (Blues) and Tamati Ellison (Highlanders) are back.

The exclusion of North Harbour’s Matt Luamanu was the only real surprise for me. The big number 8 had made significant strides after moving north from Wellington. He is difficult to stop and has improved his fitness. It is surprising to imagine that there is no place for him at the next level.

Also to miss out in that position were Bay of Plenty captain Colin Bourke and Canterbury’s Ash Parker.

Alex Bradley (Chiefs); Elliot Dixon (Highlanders) and Nick Crosswell (Highlanders) are a bit lucky to be considered ahead of Luamanu, Bourke and Parker.

Declan O’Donnell (Waikato, NZ Sevens) is a bolter in the Chiefs. There are more experienced outsides in the region like sevens team mate Tim Mikkleson and Henry Speight.

Perhaps O’Donnell’s age was to his advantage. Getting a young guy into the full-time professional environs of Super Rugby can only be a good thing.