If ever there was a time for Canterbury to be derailed then surely this year is it.
The red and blacks are out hunting for their seventh straight title, but have lost some players from last season, and many of the key men are tired from a gruelling Super rugby campaign.
But it would not be wise to bet against Canterbury. It has huge depth and other sides appear to be struggling.
The usual contenders will step into the ring but most already appear to be on the canvas and at long odds to knock off Canterbury.
Wellington does have plenty of resources and has the incentive of wanting to give coach Chris Boyd a title before he heads off to coach the Hurricanes.
But the boys from the capital always have the ability to perform at their worst at the crunch time.
Injuries do not help. Prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen and loose forward Ardie Savea are already gone for the season with dings while returning first five-eighth Riki Flutey ripped his hamstring off the bone and is done.
With other departures from last season - backs Tim Bateman and Alapati Leiua and forward Faifili Levave - Wellington lacks experience and needs everyone now to stay on the paddock.
Auckland has plenty of talent and Gareth Anscombe is fit and raring to go before he heads to Wales.
But it has a lack of good, experienced forwards and a tough start taking on Canterbury first match up in Christchurch.
These sides are the big three and appear some way clear of the others in the premiership.
Counties-Manukau made the semifinals of the premiership last year and wants to get back there. It also has to keep hold of the Ranfurly Shield.
That can drain some sides but Tana Umaga is a canny coach who has built up his resources. Counties has added fiery loose forward Jordan Taufua.
Waikato was disappointing last year and has promoted some youth this year. But these players may struggle trying to find enough space at this level, where mistakes are seized upon.
Taranaki needs to concentrate on scoring tries. It scored a measly 14 last season and there would have not been a more undeserved award handed out in New Zealand rugby last year then the one given to the top Taranaki tryscorer. Two players shared it with two tries each.
Promoted side Tasman comes up from the Championship and will have some confidence. But the big question is how some of its players shape up after a gruelling Super rugby season. Marty Banks has picked up a knee injury and is out of the early matches.
Down in the Championship, Hawkes Bay looms as the side to beat. It has picked up the likes of Robbie Fruean and the returning Jason Shoemark and has a solid forward pack.
Otago and Southland will be in the reckoning but much depends on injury and playing to their potential.
Manawatu is much the same, while Bay of Plenty, down from the premiership, has lost some players and will look to some promising forwards.
North Harbour will show some promise, as always, and can only improve while Northland will have plenty of fire but may struggle to find many victories.
