Rugby: Auckland secure home semi
Auckland have secured a home ITM Cup Premiership semifinal, but they did it against staunch neighbours Counties.
Auckland have secured a home ITM Cup Premiership semifinal, but they did it against staunch neighbours Counties.
Hurricanes bragging rights made for a fast, loose and ultimately entertaining spectacle as Manawatu edged Wellington.
Canterbury warmed up for next weekend's playoffs by showing just why they finished on top of the ITM Cup Premiership.
A hat-trick to Waikato halfback Brad Weber carried Waikato to a stunning Ranfurly Shield win in Napier, halting Hawke's Bay's tenure at 11 successful defences.
Northland's porous defence shipped eight more tries against Otago and slumped to a ninth straight defeat.
Northland are in the midst of an awful ITM Cup season - but is it the worst of all time?
Wellington shrugged off two yellow cards and a rugged Steamers outfit to seal a home Championship semifinal.
Canterbury clinched home advantage for the ITM Cup playoffs after an outstanding attacking display against Tasman.
Counties Manukau have dispatched their Chiefs cousins with some skilful footy in conditions that patently did not suit their style of play.
North Harbour's tilt for the semifinals is over while Otago have all but qualified for the top four.
A dramatic draw last night left Hawke's Bay in the box seat to earn promotion to the ITM Cup Premiership.
Taranaki drew on all their resources to engineer an upset of the previously unbeaten Canterbury at AMI Stadium.
The Wellington Lions arrested a two-match slide in summery conditions at Waikato Stadium.
The relegation scrap in the ITM Cup Premiership took another turn after last-placed Manawatu earned an important victory over North Harbour.
Skipper Jamie Mackintosh was sent off as Otago ran in eight tries to smash Southland in the ITM Cup.
Counties moved up to fifth on the ITM Cup Premiership ladder with an upset bonus point win over Tasman.
The Bay of Plenty Steamers did enough to remain in the Championship semifinals calculations in this dreary encounter in Whangarei.
The return of loose forward Chris Vui is the big plus for North Harbour as they plan for their fourth and final crossover match tomorrow night.
Hawke's Bay have made an 11th successful defence of the Ranfurly Shield after a gritty second half saw them to a 17-12 win over Auckland.
Relive all the action from tonight's Ranfurly Shield challenge as Hawke's Bay retained the Log O' Wood again Ranfurly Shield.
A combination of their own resolve and a curious decision from the officials saw Canterbury remain unbeaten.