Last year's grand finalists, Gladstone and Carterton, provide the perfect example of the struggles most Wairarapa-Bush premier division teams have had in sourcing a full complement of players for the 2012 club season, which kicks off on Saturday.
Defending champions Gladstone have had to find replacements for at least eight of their Tui Cup-winning combination and Carterton is even worse off, with just six of last year's side likely to be turning out again.
So dire has been their situation that Gladstone will be going into their opening game without the benefit of a warm-up match and Carterton will be seeking dispensation to allow a handful of under-18 players to take the field for them on a regular basis.
Among those who will be missing from the Gladstone side this season are experienced forwards Joe Nuku, Corey Reid, John Stevenson, Lance Harris and Tim Fleming and pacy outside backs Michael Vuicikau and Joseva Vavalu.
Whether livewire halfback Inia Katia will return is still a matter of conjecture and durable front rower Bevan Morland has a knee injury, which will probably sideline him for at least another month.