edwin your assertion that because there are larger playing numbers in wgtn and auck there must be 100+ kids trialling for those rep teams is completely false.

i've coached rep teams at that age grade in both centers and i can tell you that the actual numbers of guys aiming to make that team is still just the keen kids... not every kid that plays.

most i ever had trialling was just over 20... i'd expect that to be normally a little less, if player numbers are growing perhaps you might get up to 30 now.

just because 40 kids may be named in the squad, does not mean all 40 are keen enough to trial and put in the effort and commitment to be part of the squad or team.

this is why regions like mid-north can still do so well, and why mid-south could also do the same... their numbers of players, while small, can still provide the same number of KEEN KIDS willing to put the time and effort into playing for their region.

this can only happen with strong organisation and committed, knowledgeable coaching. if the southern zone can manage to get a keen group of kids together in the next few years i expect to see their results lift markedly, as they have strong organisers in their clubs and good coaches in the area.

__________________
it's more polite on the grating than on the subs bench