The 2008 Air New Zealand Cup kicks off tonight, and although the current format has had it's fair share of criticism, there's no question that New Zealand rugby needs the competition if our depth is to remain.

The Air New Zealand Cup is a great launching pad for young stars trying to make a career out of rugby, and up for grabs is a Super 14 contract for all those who standout above the rest.

So, we thought we'd take a look at how the teams are shaping up.

Auckland
Last year: CHAMPIONS
Our Prediction: Beaten Finalist
Players to watch: Daniel Braid and David Smith

Bay of Plenty
Last year: 13th
Our Prediction: 10th
Players to watch: Tanerau Latimer and Zar Lawrence

Canterbury
Last year: Beaten Semifinalist
Our Prediction: Third
Players to watch: Stephen Brett and Paul Williams

Counties-Manukau
Last year: Last place
Our Prediction: 13th
Players to watch: Lelia Masaga and DJ Forbes

Hawkes Bay
Last year: Beaten Semifinalist
Our Prediction: 7th
Players to watch: Hika Elliot and Zac Guilford

Manawatu
Last year: 12th
Our Prediction: Last place
Players to watch: Johnny Leota and Hayden Triggs

North Harbour
Last year: 9th
Our Prediction: 8th
Players to watch: Jimmy Gopperth and George Pisi

Northland
Last year: 10th
Our Prediction: 11th
Players to watch: David Holwell and Fetu'u Vainkolu

Otago
Last year: 7th
Our Prediction: 6th
Players to watch: Tom Donnelly and Steven Setaphano

Southland
Last year: 6th
Our Prediction: 5th
Players to watch: Hoani MacDonald and Jaime MacKintosh

Taranaki
Last year: 8th
Our Prediction: 9th
Players to watch: Jason Eaton and Willie Ripia

Tasman
Last year: 11th
Our Prediction: 12th
Players to watch: Ben Franks and Kade Poki

Waikato
Last year: 5th
Our Prediction: 4th
Players to watch: Liam Messam and Callum Bruce

Wellington
Last year: Beaten Finalist
Our Prediction: CHAMPIONS
Platers to watch: Tamati Ellison and Victor Vito