Brendon Diamanti and Trent Boult are the new faces in the Black Caps squad named for the upcoming Chappell-Hadlee series in Australia.

Diamanti has been on the New Zealand scene for some time now, and has been rewarded for some good form in this summer's competition. With Jacob Oram still unavailable Diamanti will bolster the Black Caps all-rounder stocks, although there are rumours that Oram may play some part in the series if he overcomes his injury and can prove his fitness is up to scratch. Here's hoping he can - he's such a valuable asset to the Black Caps, and the balance of the team.

Boult makes his way into the squad after a fantastic start to his career in New Zealand. At only 19 years old, Boult joins his Northern Districts teammate Tim Southee as a new generation of Black Caps, and it's clear the selectors are looking to the future with such selections.

Boult's figures in this summer's State Shield are impressive, taking thirteen wickets at an average of 23.84 - not bad for a 19 year old.

Ian O'Brian and Peter Fulton join the squad after missing the ODI series against the West Indies, and other than that it's the same squad.

Brendon McCullum has had an early taste of Australia after being included in the New South Wales T20 team for their final. McCullum was granted a release from his duties with Otago to play in the final. Andrew Symonds has called McCullum's inclusion in the NSW team, as "un-Australian" (and the rest...), but maybe he should be worrying more about his own form.

If the Black Caps are to stand a chance against Australia, McCullum will need to be on top of his game, despite the fact that Australia's form hasn't been red hot as of late.

All we need now is for South Africa to soften them up a bit more before the Chappell-Hadlee series begins next month!

Lastly, we come to the Blues - a side that can either blow all the other teams out of the water, or go down like a sinking ship.

So often the Blues start off with a hiss and a roar, only to start slipping towards the back end of the season.

Like the Crusaders the Blues have lost some big names, like Nick Evans, Daniel Braid and Troy Flavell - all of whom have been important factors in the side's success. Life without these three will certainly test the Blues, but they have definitely brought in the right players to replace them.

Ali Williams makes his return to Auckland after a year with the Crusaders, where he will no doubt have learned some valuable things from Robbie Deans. Hopefully his return to the big smoke won't affect his rugby, although he's always been a better player at Test level than he has at the lower levels.

Braid has been replaced by Josh Blackie, who returns to New Zealand from Japan. The former Highlander is certainly capable of filling Braid's shoes, although he may struggle to adapt to the intensity of the game for a few weeks. Aside from that, he will be a valuable asset to the Blues.

Jimmy Goppeth is also new to the Blues, and has a tough task ahead of him guiding the Blues around the field. He is the type of player who is either outstanding or really terrible, and this may be a weak spot for the Blues - especially when you consider his backup is Tasesa Lavea.

Pat Lam is the new coach of the Blues, and this will be good for the predominantly Pacific squad. He certainly knows how to get the best out of the Pacific boys, which is something previous Blues coaches have failed to do. In fact the only other coach who could do this for the Blues was Graham Henry.

The Blues are capable of winning the Super 14, but like the Hurricanes they will need to play consistently throughout the entire competition. Anything short of a top four finish for the Blues will be considered a failure.

No pressure, lads.

Here's their full squad:

Tony Woodcock (North Harbour) , John Afoa (Auckland), Charlie Faumuina (Auckland), Tevita Mailau (Auckland) , Keven Mealamu (Auckland), Tom McCartney (Auckland), Ali Williams (Auckland), Anthony Boric (North Harbour), Jay Williams (Auckland), Kurtis Haiu (Auckland), Justin Collins (Northland), Josh Blackie (Auckland), Onosai Auva'a (Auckland), Jerome Kaino (Auckland), Chris Lowery (Auckland), Taniela Moa (Auckland), Chris Smylie (North Harbour), Tasesa Lavea (Auckland), Jimmy Gopperth (North Harbour), Michael Hobbs (Wellington, draft), Benson Stanley (Auckland), Jamie Helleur (Auckland), Anthony Tuitavake (North Harbour), Joe Rokocoko (Auckland), Rudi Wulf (North Harbour), Rene Ranger (Northland), Paul Williams (Auckland), Isaia Toeava (Auckland).

We now move our attention to the Waikato Chiefs - another side that has failed to make a serious impact on the Super 14/12. For some reason, they've always struggled to step up from the provincial level to the Super 14 level, and when you consider the players they have at their disposal it's extremely hard to see why.

Unfortunately for Chiefs fans it's hard to see them making an impact on the Super 14 in 2009, because they've lost some influential players from their 2008 squad. Jonno Gibbs and Tom Willis have both been great servants of Waikato rugby, and will leave a pretty big hole in the squad.

Hika Elliot has been drafted to the Chiefs to replace Willis, and whilst he's a great player and a very excellent lineout thrower, he lacks that vital experience that comes with years of rugby. We think bringing in Elliot was a good move, but it will take time for him to build up that experience that Willis brought to the squad.

Their front row is also a little inexperienced when compared to the other four franchises, and this could take a toll on the team as the competition moves into the latter rounds. They will all need to step up in order to lay a good platform for their backs to operate.

Speaking of backs - that's something that they don't need to worry about at all. They are packed with very good impact players - players who can pull something out of the bag at will. The likes of Mils Muliaina, Sivivatu and Richard Kahui bring that important experience factor, while Lelia Masaga and Sosene Anesi bring the flair that the Chiefs love to play with.

In the halves you've got Brendon Leonard and Stephen Donald, who are two players who continue to grow, and will lead the Chiefs around the field. If they can stay fit, they will certainly help the Chiefs chances.

Unfortunately, we don't think their forward pack will be up to the task, as there is a definite lack of experience - and you need more that just raw talent to survive in the Super 14.

They will certainly surprise a few sides along the way, but in terms of making a charge at the trophy - we don't think they'll have the steam.

Here's their full squad:

Arizona Taumalolo (Waikato), Ben May (Waikato), James McGougan (Bay of Plenty), Joe Savage (Bay of Plenty),Hika Elliot (Hawkes Bay, draft), Aled de Malmanche (Waikato), Kevin O'Neill (Waikato),Toby Lynn (Waikato), Craig Clarke (Taranaki, draft), Mark Burman (Waikato), Liam Messam (Waikato), Tanerau Latimer (Bay of Plenty), Serge Lilo (Wellington, draft), Sione Lauaki (Waikato), Colin Bourke (Bay of Plenty), Brendon Leonard (Waikato), Toby Morland (Otago, draft), Stephen Donald (Waikato), Michael Delany (Bay of Plenty), Callum Bruce (Waikato), Jackson Willison (Waikato), Richard Kahui (Waikato), Sitiveni Sivivatu (Waikato), Lelia Masaga (Counties Manukau), Sosene Anesi (Waikato), James Wilson (Southland, draft), Malili Muliaina (Waikato), Dwayne Sweeney (Waikato).

Time now to take a look at the North Island franchises, starting with the Wellington Hurricanes - who really have been the biggest under-achievers of recent years.

For at team packed with so many of the game's best, they certainly have not produced the results expected of them. They've come oh-so-close in recent years, only to slip up at the last hurdle.

They will once again go into the competition with high expectations placed upon them, and for good reason. They have one of the most exciting backlines, a very good loose forward trio, and some very useful backup players waiting in the wings.

With this said, there should be no reason why they can't make a good challenge at the title. The only thing stopping them is themselves...

For some reason they always seem to break down at crucial moments, which in the Super 14 you just can't do. It's a close competition, and there's always someone ready to overtake you.

The biggest hurdle for the Hurricanes will be going into the competition without an experienced first-five. Daniel Kirkpatrick looks like he has the goods, but he is very young, and has not played in the Super 14 before. Willie Ripia got some quality game time earlier in the year, but he too is relatively new and untested. This may see Piri Weepu spend a bit of time at first-five, as he did in the Air New Zealand Cup - which certainly isn't a bad thing considering how well he played. The only problem with this is the simple fact that Weepu is a much better halfback then he is a first-five...

Their outside backs will be something to watch, with Cory Jane, Hosea Gear, David Smith and Zac Guilford all showing their skills throughout the Air New Zealand Cup. Then, when you add Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Tamati Ellison into the mix, you've got one heck of a backline at your disposal.

Their forwards will be strong, and will benefit from the experience of their All Blacks like Andrew Hore and Rodney So'oialo, who will most likely captain the team once again. There are two newcomers to watch - Victor Vito, who showed glimpses of what he's capable of in the Air New Zealand Cup, but has also showed his inexperience at times, is an exciting prospect. And Dane Coles, who had a wonderful Air New Zealand Cup campaign, and has certainly put his name on the All Black selector's minds for the years ahead.

Any team boasting this lineup would be confident of lifting the trophy at the end of the year, and the Hurricanes will certainly be so. However, they will need to overcome the mental aspect of the game if they are to have any success in 2009. It's plagued them for so many years now, and if they can't shake it with this squad, they may never make it over that final hurdle...

Here's their full squad:

John Schwalger (Wellington), Neemia Tialata (Wellington), Jacob Ellison (Wellington), Tim Fairbrother (Wellington), Andrew Hore (Taranaki) , Dane Coles (Wellington), Jason Eaton (Taranaki), Jeremy Thrush (Wellington), Bryn Evans (Hawkes Bay), Api Naikatini (Wellington), Faifili Levave (Wellington), Scott Waldrom (Taranaki), Karl Lowe (Hawkes Bay), Victor Vito (Wellington), Rodney So'oialo (Wellington), Josh Bradnock (Manawatu), Alby Mathewson (Wellington), Piri Weepu (Wellington), Willie Ripia (Taranaki), Dan Kirkpatrick (Wellington), Ma'a Nonu (Wellington), Conrad Smith (Wellington), Jason Kawau (Southland, draft), Tamati Ellison (Wellington), Hosea Gear (Wellington), David Smith (Wellington), Zac Guildford (Hawkes Bay), Cory Jane (Wellington).

Over the course of the next five days, we will be reviewing the five New Zealand Super 14 franchises for the upcoming 2009 season. Last Friday the squads were announced, and we will be looking at who's in, and who didn't make the cut.

We're starting off with the Otago Highlanders, who have been struggling for the past few seasons - mainly due to the fact that they haven't been able to keep the same squad together for any long period of time.

We said earlier in the year that if the Highlanders were to stand any chance of improving on their poor 2008 season they needed to keep the same squad together in order for them to grow as a team.

Well, the great news for Otago fans is that they've finally been able to do that (minus one or two players), and all the draft players from last year have returned to the deep south.

We certainly don't think they'll go on to win the title (although Israel will be hoping they can...), but by keeping the bulk of 2008's squad they can certainly improve, and will be able to surprise a few sides.

They will be most improved in the back line, where they have secured the services of some good talent. Most importantly, Fetu'u Vainikolo has returned to Otago, which gives them some flair out wide and a genuine try-scoring machine. Added to the mix are Jason Shoemark and Jayden Hayward, both of whom have been outstanding in the Air New Zealand Cup. Israel Dagg is also coming south, and will replace Paul Williams, who is returning to the Blues. That's four exciting players, and should be the answer to Otago's lack of try-scoring talent in recent years.

Their forwards will continue to be a handful for the other sides in the competition. Although they're not full of 'superstars', they're very good at the set pieces, and will be led well from the likes of Jaime Mackintosh, Adam Thomson and Tom Donnelly. The loss of Craig Newby is pretty big, as is the loss of Hoani MacDonald, but they have enough talent to move on.

The only concern with the squad is that rookie winger Karne Hesketh has not been selected. He was undoubtedly their best player in the Air New Zealand Cup, and the top try scorer with seven. Why on earth you'd leave him out is beyond us - apparently it has something to do with his lack of genuine pace, but when you can break tackles like he can who needs pace? He must feel more than slightly aggrieved that he's missed out, while Lucky Mulipola has made it after a poor season.

It's a real shame that one of the other teams didn't pick him up in the draft, because he really is a great player.

For the Highlanders to succeed in 2009 they have to start winning at home, and return to the days where the House of Pain meant just that - no one could beat them. Now-a-days, it's more of a House of Pain for Otago fans. If they can start winning at home, they will be able to make a strong push for the semi-finals, especially as they have always been good playing in South Africa. It's a long road ahead, but they are finally able to grow as a team - and that could mean that success is just around the corner.

Here's the full squad:

Jaime Mackintosh (Southland), Clint Newland (Otago), Chris King (Otago), Anthony Perenise (Wellington, draft), David Hall (Souhtland), Jason Rutledge (Southland), Hayden Triggs (Otago), Tom Donnelly (Otago), Josh Bekhuis (Otago), Ross Kennedy (Otago), Adam Thomson (Otago), Tim Boys (Souhtland), Aland Soakai (Otago), Steven Setephano (Otago), George Naoupo (Hawkes Bay, draft), Jimmy Cowan (Southland), Sean Romans (Otago), Daniel Bowden (Otago), Matt Berquist (Hawkes Bay, draft), Jason Shoemark (Hawkes Bay, draft), Jayden Hayward (Taranaki), Johnny Leota (Otago), Kendrick Lynn (Southland), Brett Mather (Otago), Lucy Mulipola (Otag), Fetu'u Vainikola (Otago), Ben Smith (Otago), Israel Dagg (Hawkes Bay,draft).

If you haven't already heard, Dan Carter will line up against the Wallabies this Saturday in the number 12 jersey - which see's Stephen Donald move into first five for his first start as an All Black.

Carter and Donald combined well together in the last Test against Australia, but that was late in the game when Donald came on as a sub - not from the outset.

This is an interesting move by Graham Henry, who persisted with the dual pivots in last year's World Cup, playing Carter and Luke McAllister together. And, while it wasn't the reason we lost to France, it's clear that the combination of Carter and Ma'a Nonu has been working well - so why change it now?

Carter has played second five before - he actually began his Test career in the 12 jersey - but he is now established as the best first five in the world, and that's where he should be playing every game. Donald is a great player, and won't let the side down by any means, but when you've got the worlds best first five in your team you play him there.

The other strange selection is Greg Somerville, who is on the bench for this weekend's clash (he won't travel with the team to Britain). Somerville announced he was retiring from international rugby after the last Test in Brisbane, but has come to the aid of Henry as John Afoa and Ben Franks are carrying injuries, and are therefore unavailable.

Why isn't Jaime Mackintosh on the bench? He is obviously capable, otherwise they wouldn't have taken him on the tour - so bringing Somerville back for one Test seems like a waste of time, especially as the Test is a dead rubber in terms of the Bledisloe Cup.

It's not like the Aussie front row is anything to fear, either. To be honest, they've struggled to put a strong front row on the field for a few years now, and Mackintosh would have no trouble against them.

Hosea Gear is the only new comer to make his debut this week, and he will pair up with Sivivatu on the wing. Gear has been the best winger in the Air New Zealand Cup, and has deserved to be given his first start for the All Blacks. It's important that he doesn't get over-awed by the occasion, and that he sticks to what he does best - running through the opposition with ease.

Here's the full side:

Tony Woodcock, Andrew Hore, Neemia Tialata, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (c), Rodney So'oialo, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Dan Carter, Conrad Smith, Hosea Gear, Sitivini Sivivatu, Mils Muliaina.

Reserves: Greg Somerville, Kevin Mealamu, Anthony Boric, Adam Thomson, Piri Weepu, Ma'a Nonu, Isaia Toeava.