ITM Cup semifinal preview

Marty McKenzie of Taranaki passes the ball during the round three ITM Cup match between Waikato and Taranaki. Photo / Getty Images.

It's the plucky provinces against the big boys in the Premiership playoffs, with Taranaki and Tasman hoping to send the trophy to the smaller unions.

While Taranaki and Tasman ended the season locked on 38 points, it was the men from New Plymouth who sealed home advantage throughout the finals, courtesy of their one-point win over the Makos last month.

Their reward for winning that war comes in the form of a semifinal against Auckland at Yarrow Stadium. Taranaki lost just once at home this season, in the final round against Canterbury, while they dispatched Auckland 35-22 when the city slickers came calling a fortnight ago.

That match was notable for Taranaki's flurry of 13 points in the final 10 minutes, with the previous parity providing Auckland with some hope of reversing the result.

Awaiting one of that pair in the final will be the winner of an all-Crusaders battle between Tasman and Canterbury in Nelson. The Makos have already seen off big brother once this season, smashing Canterbury 38-10 in Christchurch last weekend thanks to five tries from the backs.

The six-time defending champions will hope their experience at this time of the year proves pivotal against a side that have lost twice at home this season.

Meanwhile, in the Championship, just two teams earned a positive points differential this season and, with those same sides hosting semfinals, there is every reason to think Manawatu and Hawkes Bay are destined to meet in the promotion match.

Manawatu topped the table after the 10-round regular season and lost only two games total, at home to Auckland and away against North Harbour. The Turbos are set to take on Southland at FMG Stadium and, having beaten the Stags 41-20 last month, the home side will be firm favourites.

Hawkes Bay will be similarly confident on their home track against Northland, although defending the Ranfurly Shield can no longer be used for motivation. The Magpies suffered four defeats this season -- including a 28-23 loss to the Taniwha in week one -- but all four came away from the friendly confines of McLean Park.

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