Traditional rivalries will be prominent in next year's ITM Cup after sides selected their 'crossover' opponents today.

It's not only the players needing a break from footy - supporters also need a rest.

The ABs assistant coach says Sonny Bill Williams is different to any player he's ever seen.

Photos from sporting events around New Zealand and the world this weekend, from rugby to rowing to racing and more.

waikato's Alex Bradley is a man with a rigorous work ethic.

Sean Maitland has been a shrewd investment for Canterbury.

Former All Black greats Craig Dowd and Jeff Wilson have been sacked as North Harbour coaches with still one year left on their contracts.

Canterbury will chase a third straight title while Auckland will ponder the repeat cruelties of the national sport.

Canterbury and Waikato will meet in a provincial championship rugby final for the first time.

Auckland found out the hard way that Waikato are an 85-minute team back in August when they went down 21-18 at Eden Park.

Waikato scored a converted try with the last play of the match to beat Auckland 38-37.

Canterbury outgunned Wellington 57-41 in their ITM Cup semifinal clash at AMI Stadium.

Canterbury coach Rob Penney has made one change to his side for Friday's ITM Cup semifinal against Wellington.

Hawke's Bay substitute back Gillies Kaka scored a try four minutes from time to deny Counties-Manukau a well-deserved win 31-28 victory.