Witcombe released from hospital

Hooker Derren Wicombe was stretchered from the field after suffering a neck injury. Ross Land / Getty Images

Auckland hooker Derren Witcombe has been released from Christchurch hospital this morning, after being cleared of a suspected broken neck.

Witcombe was carried off the field during the first half of last night's 27-12 Ranfurly Shield loss to Canterbury in Christchurch, but initial scans have revealed there is no break.

He will return to Auckland today, and will have an MRI scan tomorrow morning.

Meanwhile, Auckland coach Pat Lam is giving credit where credit is due after last night's defeat.

He said Canterbury deserved the win after playing outstanding rugby and scoring four great tries.

Canterbury finish top of the NPC table, while Auckland will also host a semifinal after finishing second.

Otago are third despite losing 25-13 to Waikato in Hamilton, but North Harbour could go above the southerners with victory over Southland in Invercargill this afternoon.

Harbour are desperate for a win against Southland, to keep momentum up for next week's semi-final. Whatever the result, they are already through to next Saturday's semifinal.

Coach Allan Pollock said losing to Southland would really upset their progress.

He said the last thing they want to do is come out of today's game having taken a backward step, after weeks of improvement.

But Allan Pollock admits the task won't be an easy one, with Southland a team worthy of respect.

- NEWSTALK ZB