Which ITM Cup team should an outsider support?

I've not seen the draw but do we get a shot at the Shield this year?

Yeah true, he never played opens for Buller but did play age group. Can't believe he has retired, makes me feel old!

He was born in Westport but went to boarding school in Christchurch and never actually played for Buller. He first played for Canterbury in 1999. I'm supporting Canterbury in the ITM Cup and Buller in the Heartland Championship.

I managed to catch a few of the games last year, and the quality was outstanding, every year there are half a dozen or so new stars come out of this comp. Last year threw up guys like Dominic Bird, Gillies Kaka, and Jonny McNicol. Some names to watch courtesy of Yahoo, Bryn Hall: A NZ U-20s halfback who made his debut last season, and had a taste of Super 15 this season, this could his breakout year. Hayden Cripps. A young first five who made his debut last season, expect him to make strides this year. Waisake Naholo. Held in extremely high regard by Sir John Kirwan (and he would know a winger when he sees one), this could be his year. Matt Proctor. The young outside back debuted last season with plenty of promise. On top of these guys you have a raft of fringe AB's wanting to make the end of year tour or the RC squad if injuries occur Also some young bloke called - Cory Jane should make his long-awaited return this season.

I wish, he played for Buller.

Well you (West Coast) had Ben Blair.

another good one for HB Alby Mathewson will turn out for his home region, Hawke's Bay, for the first time during this season's ITM Cup. The scrum-half, who was born and raised in Hastings, has represented Wellington and Auckland in the past but will return to his roots this year. The former All Black spends much of his time in Australia at the moment where he turns out for Super Rugby franchise the Force.

and from Taranaki, 'Ferdinand The Bull' to the tune of the Robin Hood theme I take no responsibility for these lyrics! The roar of Ferdinand the Bull is the real thing. Back in 1953, a huge Hereford was tracked down at an abattoir in New PlymouthThe bull, nicknamed Ferdinand, was one of the biggest ever to be slaughtered at the yard. But parts of it live on. Both the head and the roar were used in the creation of the Taranaki rugby mascot. Ferdie took a bit of coaxing to release his raging roar. "They were prodding him in the yard," Mr Julian says. The sound of the angry beast was captured by Taranaki radio station 2XP. Ferdinand the Bull You've heard about Mt Egmont, and our rivers, parks and lakes You've heard about our high producing land But what has brought us glamour and distinction in its wake? The Shield - and a bull called Ferdinand. Chorus Ferdinand, Ferdinand, with your fifteen men Play the game, guard our name, ruck and bowl again Let victory's gleam shine on our team In this land, you are grand, Ferdinand. He held the mighty Springboks and he fought the British Isles, The Frenchmen felt his power on Rugby Park He holds the Shield Ranfurly and he's out to tell the world That this old bull is not out for a lark. Chorus Ferdinand, Ferdinand, with your fifteen men Play the game, guard our name, ruck and bowl again Let victory's gleam shine on our team In this land, you are grand, Ferdinand.

Wanganui on the history channel - For many years as a very young lad there was an Anzac Day ritual, dad off to RSA for the morning, I had to wait till he got home for my birthday presents, then off to the annual Taranaki-Wanganui game (always played at Rugby Park, New Plymouth). Five weeks later on Queen's Birthday weekend Monday off to Wanganui in the old Holden for the return match, it was played early (maybe 10.30am kick-off?) so then everyone could head to the Wanganui horse races, drive home talking about the rugby and how much money they had lost.

Wanganui for the Heartland division. East Coast are always good to watch too, their clashes with neighbours Poverty Bay are classic provincial rugby derbies. The Lions, Stags or the 'Naki in the ITM.

Thats much better than the Jafa's AUUUUCK-LAAAANNND repeated ad infinitum.

But only if it is a GREEN bucket! The 'Bucketheads' aka Turbo-fans claim they make excellent wet weather head gear.

Not a bad thing at all. I still remember vintage Manawatu forward pack with Axel Cowboy and co. Good choice Jiggles

Gotta go the BOPs, we don't have some of the big 7's names that we used to but it's a region with plenty of heart. Schuler is a quality coach and should get some strong performances out of the Retallick brothers, Latimer and Cane when he is there also looking forward to see if Ripia can move on from the last year of trouble and play the wonderful attacking rugby that he is capable of, kia kaha bro. Best memory was winning the RS in 03 and it's the region where I get my name, Kai Coast and Rugby, from.

To answer the question - Otago. No contest .Their colours are blue and gold and they used to have a sponsor whose logo looked similar to that of Reschs Real Bitter (which was bitter but not as bitter as the name emphasised). I can't wait till it starts but I have to work however and have generally have other commitments when its on ( like actually participating in sport.) That means I will probably watch only 30 minutes of a replay of a game when its raining and I'm home sick one Tuesday. It will be a good 30 minutes though but not as good as watching Boland play Currie Cup for 20 minutes on a wet Thursday.

Has to be the Magpies (Hawks Bay) Best team song ever COME ON THE BAY Sun lights up the morning, another perfect day Underneath the sunshine and the big sky of the Bay No matter what we're doing, no matter what we play Get us all together and we'll say Yes we'll say... Come on the Bay, Come on the Bay Black white - ALL RIGHT! Come on the Bay ( X 2) We've got the team together, we're ready for the fight We'll give it all we've got to give, we know we'll get it right Living and a-loving and a-growing together, we're one big family Get us all together and you'll see Yes you'll see.. Come on the Bay, Come on the Bay Black white - ALL RIGHT! Come on the Bay ( X 2) We're ready for the kickoff, we're ready to run We're ready for the crack of the starter's gun We're ready for the whistle, we're ready to score We're going for goal, we're ready to roar, ready to roar… Come on the Bay, Come on the Bay Black white - ALL RIGHT! Come on the Bay ( X 2) Black white - ALL RIGHT! Come on the Bay

A little at sea? We made the final!

Counties all the way this season!!! Go UmAnga!!! Next coach for the canes!!!

Get on the Bay (the real bay by the way) Black white....alright! Seriously as long as you dont back teams like Canterbury or Auckland you're ok, if you do you look like one of those bandwagoners wearing LA laker hats or Manchester utd jerseys.

Same same.