Air NZ Cup preview: Waikato set to confirm a top six spot

Hawke's Bay v Waikato
Napier, 2.35pm

The lowdown: Although always expected, Waikato can clinch a place among the top six with a win against Hawke's Bay today. On 14 points, the Mooloo men have struggled in the two weeks since their stunning 36-22 defeat of the Cantabs.

Hawke's Bay should have picked up consecutive wins against Northland last weekend but had to settle for a draw when Hayden Taylor scored a dubious try for the Cambridge Blues eight minutes after the final hooter had sounded. For a side expected to battle it out with Manawatu for the wooden spoon, the Magpies have at least gained credibility. They still have a shot at the top six but the repechage is more realistic.

Look out for: Sione Lauaki. The bulldozer is back from a pesky chest injury and last week delighted in clearing away countless south Aucklanders. The end-of-year tour surely beckons.

What we think: It is 25 years since Waikato lost to Hawke's Bay (22-17 in Hamilton). That's not likely to change today.

Form: Hawke's Bay - D, bye, W, L, L; Waikato - W, L, W, W, bye.

Hawke's Bay - Israel Dagg, Ryan Glover, Nathan Mauger, Dan Waenga, Lote Raikabula, Aayden Clarke, Danny Lee, Wirihana Raihania, Tafai Ioasa, Michael Johnson, Bryn Evans, Lua Lokatui (c), Tom Symes, Danny Logan, Clint Newland. Reserves: Karl Lowe, David Briggs, Tivaini Fomai, Peniasi Tokakece, Anthony Bradshaw, Matt Berquist, Justin Wilson.

Waikato - Sosene Anesi, Roger Randle, Richard Kahui, David Hill, Roy Kinikinilau, William Ripia, Brendon Leonard, Sione Lauaki, Liam Messam, Steven Setephano, Jono Gibbes (c), Mark Burman, Nathan White, Tom Willis, Craig West. Reserves: Scott Linklater, Sam Biddles, Kent Fife, Steven Bates, Malcolm Barnes, Dwayne Sweeney, Zion Nordstrom.