With centre Richard Kahui joining the All Blacks casualty list the provincial rugby championship is becoming increasingly important in getting injured players match fit before the World Cup.
Kahui injured a hamstring in training and will miss the season opening Test against Fiji in Dunedin next Friday and probably the home Tri Nations Tests.
Other casualities such as Israel Dagg, Isaia Toeava and prop Tony Woodwock are expected to be available for the away leg of the Tri-Nations after playing for their provinces later in the competiton.
The All Black assistant coach Wayne Smith says they found the ITM Cup was outstanding for them last year.
Smith says the coaches got some players from there who were in form and the end of year tour was really good, while Thursday's ITM Cup opener - Otago's six tries to four home win over North Harbour - was a "hell of a good game".
