KEY POINTS:
Glory years: None
2006 finish: 13th (W2 L7)
Best result: Beat Northland 56-15 in the repechage.
Worst result: Lost 46-6 to Auckland in round 2.
Dearly departed: Greg Feek, Ben Gollings, Cory Holdaway, James King, Lucky Mulipola.
Holidaying in France: Chris Jack.
New kids on the block: Kade Poki, Caleb Ralph, Lualua Vailoaloa, Sakaria Taulafo, Sione Holani, Blair Cook, Afeleke Pelenise, Ben Franks, Peter Nixon.
Shooting star: When Rico Gear was told he would get to play at Lansdowne Park this year he probably thought the All Blacks had a match scheduled in Ireland. Sorry old son, it's Lansdowne Park, Blenheim, for you.
Old stagers: Having only been in existence for a season, the Makos don't have a lot in the way of appearance records. At 30, hooker Mark Stewart is a bit of an old codge and he did play in eight games last year.
Coaches count: "There's only one Dennis Brown, one Dennis Brown." Actually, there's probably loads, but this one coaches the Makos.
Quirks of the draw: Dream opening sequence with Manawatu and Hawkes Bay visiting the top of the South in between trips to Taranaki and Northland. Gets a little tougher after that with matches against all five Super 14 franchise bases over the final six rounds. Home: Manawatu, Hawkes Bay, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Canterbury Away: Taranaki, Northland, Wellington, Auckland, Otago. Not playing: Southland, Counties-Manukau, North Harbour.
Scouting report
Beat Northland (25-22) but lost to Southland (18-33) pre-season. Should be boosted by Chris Jack's presence in the early rounds - and by his presents when he returns from his European holiday. Major losses include England sevens player Ben Gollings and prop Greg Feek. No need to panic, though, as Caleb Ralph is on board.
Prospects
Could hang around early but are sure to struggle against the big boys in a nightmare final stretch. Would probably have viewed last year as a success, when they touched up a couple of sides (Manawatu 43-0 and Northland 56-15) - who seemingly went to Blenheim more prepared for a spot of wine tasting than a rugger match - and invented the coolest nickname in the comp. Played an attractive brand of footy last year when they ranked seventh in attack with 26 tries. Didn't do quite so well on defence, shipping 32 tries to rank 11th equal. Will probably be happy enough to repeat last year if they can gain a first franchise win in Nelson.
Prediction: 13th.
