Wynne Gray, writing in The New Zealand Herald, believes that the Air New Zealand Cup is a vital development tool.
"A few years ago, the branding for New Zealand's premier domestic rugby competition was based around the True Colours theme. It seemed a good idea, until Auckland unveiled an alternate version of their traditional blue-and-white hoops. So much for True Colours.
"Auckland have reverted to their original jerseys this year and there is also a revisionist feel about the national championship.
"There was certainly a new fervour percolating around the opening round of this year's series last weekend, while on the other side of the world the All Blacks were going through their struggles.
"While much of the test scene has an artificial edge about it these days, there is enough of a raw attraction about the national championship to pull in admirers."
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