Earlier in the year, I suggested that it would be the usual suspects fighting for the right to represent the first division in the inter-divisional cook-off, by virtue of winning the wooden spoon. So let’s find out who could play rugby and who was left stirring the custard.

Bay of Plenty.

It was no surprise to this fan that this was going to be an exciting year for BoP rugby, but what they achieved was beyond the average supporters’ expectations. Deciding to throw away the recipe books this year in favour of rugby boots, Vern Cotter and his team not only went undefeated at home, but finished just outside the semifinals. From wooden spoon caretakers to a respectable fifth, BoP achieved some great results this year and in doing so have won the hearts of their own supporters and the respect of the general rugby public. Historically BoP has struggled to have a competitive tight five, but this was not the case this year and consequently provided a platform for the rest of the team to prove they could cut it. The loose forward trio turned over ball regularly and Nili Latu literally threw himself into everything. Of course this also allowed Jackson and the Bay backline room to move and score some of the more memorable tries in the NPC. Davison, Lutui, Castle, Upton, Ormond, Latu, Macmillan, Senio, Jackson and McQuoid all had great seasons, while the steady influence of Kaui at the back worked well, with his dangerous wings in Tahana and Stewart. The only question yet to be asked, is whether the Chiefs selection committee will see this the same way?

Southland

You wont see any of these guys in the kitchen either. The other surprise team of the NPC was the Stags. Based around a solid and talented forward pack and a fanatical home crowd, the men from the Deep South threw off their aprons this year and managed to topple the likes of Canterbury and Waikato. Unfortunately for them though they were usurped of a higher position by a rampaging BoP team, while still managing a credible 6th. (Any rumours that the Mafia had anything to do with Southlands loss were just that; rumours!) Once again the stand outs were Rutledge, Dermody, Jackson, Hale T Pole, Herring, Cowan and Bai. They will certainly miss Herring next season as he transfers to Wellington, but there is enough experience there to suggest that they like the BoP could threaten again next year.

North Harbour

The surprise contenders in the cook off last year, North Harbour, returned to the kitchen this year with the angry chef Flavell getting a lot of time off the paddock for throwing his pots around. To be fair if a pot was thrown, Flavell got the blame whether it was him or not. Returning from injury Ron Cribb added some much need strength to their forward pack and Chad Alcock their South African import made a remarkable difference to the team. The problem was, someone forgot to write his name on the menu in time and playing a week early got his team penalized four points, which cost them any chance of making the semis. Woodcock, Rawlinson, Cribb, Newby, Alcock, Evans and Tuitivake were Harbour’s best, but they will rue their horror start to the season, which started with a rugby lesson at Western Bay Finance Stadium.

Taranaki

Year in and out the Taranaki fans like to remind the other non S12 franchise based teams, that they can compete with the top teams, so it was quite heartening to say the least to see that Ferdinand was only good enough for a spit roast this year. Their team is based around a very good forward back that surprisingly burnt itself out by round three and coupled with the fact that their backs were decidedly average all year, finished a woeful 9th. Losing Chris Masoe early didn’t help, while Taranaki stalwart Lilley will probably not be wanted by anyone after a year he will want to forget. Brent Thompson, Richard Bryant, Paul Tito, Neil Crowley and Shane Austin were Taranaki’s best, although only two wins shows the consistency of their performances, like their uniform… custard!

Northland

The winterless north is famous for Kerikeri oranges and incredible scenery, what fantastic location to hold New Zealands premier cuisine school. No one plays rugby up here anymore apparently, well maybe in the form of touch, but sadly for the Cambridge Blues that’s about all. Northlands season went from bad to worse, from a terrible pre season to losing every game in the NPC. Like all non S12 based teams, they lost a few key players and depth is hard to replace at this level for teams who can’t "buy" a decent replacement. Glenn Taylor looked like he should have retired last season, while Norm Berryman looked more at home with the post match munchies, than on the field. One of their more promising acquisitions Jake Parangatai got injured early and James Arlidge couldn’t direct the game like he did for them two seasons ago. They still have one more game to play and the second division teams will be thinking, they won’t have a better chance to bridge the gap between top of the second and bottom of the first with Northland’s self belief, so low. Still if they remain in the first division they will come back firing next year, as strangely enough being the wooden spoon holder is great motivation for a team.

But until then, enjoy your trip to Napier for the inter-divisional cook-off!