Seta Tamanivalu (Chiefs)
If there was one player who caught your attention from this year's ITM Cup, it was probably this guy.
Even Steve Hansen is keeping a close eye on him. Big, fast and strong, Taranaki centre Seta Tamanivalu was as good a find as anyone in this year's competition. He is a player capable of creating something from nothing, breaking tackles and hitting the line hard in a way similar to Malakai Fekitoa. After being unable to lure back Richard Kahui, Tamanivalu may yet find himself in a starting role for the Chiefs outside Sonny Bill Williams - imagine a centre of this quality running on to SBW's offloads. Keep an eye on this boy for sure.
Dan Pryor (Highlanders)
Dan Pryor has been impressing for Northland for the past few years and is probably overdue a shot at Super Rugby. After a false start in 2012, where he was given just one appearance with the Blues, he finally has that chance - good thing it is the Highlanders who have given it to him. A strong looseforward, probably best suited to blindside flanker, Pryor can play different styles. He works hard on defence and is physical in making his tackles, so can hack it in close, but also carries the ball well and is athletic enough to be effective when ranging. With the No. 6 jersey still up for grabs, Pryor will stake his claim after good seasons last year from Gareth Evans and Elliot Dixon.
Michael Leitch (Chiefs)
At the last Rugby World Cup, Japan had a handful of impressive performers and Michael Leitch was arguably the best. The Kiwi-born openside flanker captained his adopted nation and led from the front. Another false-starter, breaking his leg after being named in the 2013 Chiefs wider training squad, it will be interesting to see how he transfers into the more competitive Super 15. Defensively he impressed, tackling regularly and proving strong at the breakdown to effect turnovers. On attack he links well and looks athletic running in the open. He will likely find himself behind Sam Cane in the pecking order, but will likely get a few runs, as it would not be foolish to think the All Blacks' workloads will be managed next year.
Nehe Milner-Skudder (Hurricanes)
After being a wider training squad member in 2014, Nehe Milner-Skudder moves into a fulltime role with the Hurricanes next year. He obviously made a good impression earlier in the year, but it was his electric form at fullback for Manawatu this year which would have sealed the deal. It would not be a surprise to see him get a few starts either, as his pace and ability to find gaps in the defence make him an ideal replacement for Andre Taylor. He comes from good rugby-stock as well, being a relation of former All Blacks George Skudder and Buff Skudder.
Maama Vaipulu (Chiefs)
Maama Vaipulu would have had a right to feel a bit unlucky after not receiving a Super Rugby contract after an outstanding 2013 campaign with Counties-Manukau. He was too good to pass up twice though, for the Chiefs anyway. An openside flanker in the Sean O'Brien mould, Vaipulu is a big, strong, bustling player who is also capable of playing the other looseforward positions. Indeed he may find himself used more at No. 8 with two other quality openside's already in the squad. Look for his strong ball-carries and outstanding go-forward, which he complements with speed around the field and ability at the breakdown.
Ross Geldenhuys (Highlanders)
A reminder to everyone that it is never too late to resurrect a career, Ross Geldenhuys joins the Highlanders at 31. The experienced prop toiled away for a decade on the South African provincial scene, but a shift to New Zealand has worked wonders for his rugby career, even if it was not the original intention of the move. With Tasman, Geldenhuys showed himself to be a strong ball runner, regularly popping up and making good meters, while he certainly did not hurt their scrum. With the departure of Chris King, the No. 3 jersey is very much up for grabs at the Highlanders, giving Geldenhuys every chance of getting some game time.
Damian Mckenzie (Chiefs)
An exciting prospect, Damian McKenzie has had an impressive 2014, having moved north after completing his schooling at Christ's College last year. He was one of the stars of the New Zealand Under 20 team as an Under 19 player and carried on that form in the ITM Cup with Waikato. Capable of playing both first five-eighth and fullback, he is a slippery customer, possessing the speed, skill, agility and balance which makes him so tough to contain on attack. While he can spark a backline in close, he is probably even better at fullback where he can run with more space. On top of this, he can take a high ball. He may still be a year or two off, as it was clear earlier this year that he was used to playing in a team where he was relied upon to be the main creator. Once he adjusts to playing with other players at his level he will be a star himself. He may have to wait to make an impact at Super Rugby level though, with a log-jam in the outside backs and Aaron Cruden ahead of him at No. 10.
