A place in the rugby sun still exists for those in the provinces who put in the hard work to force their way in front of selectors from Super 14 franchises and Hawke's Bay lock Bryn Evans is typical of that.
As part of the Hawke's Bay side which provided a sharp reminder of that union's powerhouse history and its ability to produce players of genuine worth, Evans, like several of his team-mates, finds himself on a franchise roster as the result of a memorable Air New Zealand Cup campaign.
While the World Cup dominated much of rugby thinking and expectation last year, the effort of Hawke's Bay in producing such a consistent provincial campaign caught the imagination, not least of home fans who flocked to rugby to show that winning does make a difference.
Evans, a former New Zealand Schoolboys' representative who now has a Bachelor of Recreation and Sport to his name, might have considered that life in the provinces would preclude him from having the chance in the truly professional ranks.
That didn't stop him dreaming and when his provincial coaches took him and a few others aside before their provincial campaign last year to remind them of what could be achieved, he rose to the challenge.
As a result he is now part of the Blues side preparing for the 2008 Super 14 and thoroughly enjoying the experience.
"They [the Hawke's Bay coaches] said to us: 'Look, there are some possibilities if you perform well. You're going to have a chance'.
"I think just being told that gave the guys a bit of a focus to start with," he said.
Evans said it had always been his goal to have a crack at Super 14 but he didn't let that thinking get in the way of his Air New Zealand Cup play.
"Effectively, winning at that level grew the boys' confidence and I think everyone started to believe in each other a lot more. They just backed their own abilities so that when you wanted to have a go then you had a go.
"The coaches said all year, that to do well you have to focus on your own job first. Most of the boys did that and it allowed other guys to express themselves and really shine," he said.
Evans was happy to win a spot among any of the franchises but he said being drafted for Auckland had been great.
"The boys have been very helpful and welcoming, especially to the new guys, so the move has been fantastic. I'm just looking forward to having a crack if I get the chance to play," he said.
The obvious difference from what he has been used to at a lower level in the game is the increased workload.
That was one of the first points made by the Blues coaching personnel.
"The coaches said the big thing was the step up, and I just had to look to manage that change.
"Recovery is the big thing because if you don't recover, you can't train well," he said.
"I think I've handled it quite nicely - it's the kind of ultimate thing to train rugby all day."
While there is also development in the higher ranks, there was also a need to continue building his own game and that is high on his priorities.
"As a tight forward just doing my core roles as I can is important.
"The set pieces are obviously really important so if I get the opportunity, my goal will be to win the ball where I can and just look to play a tight game and do my job so the backs can have a bit of fun," he said.