24 times they've tried and 24 times they've failed. But Counties Manukau are still confident they can win the Ranfurly Shield tomorrow.

Medical tests and intuition will be crucial selection components before the All Black touring squad is announced on Sunday.

Several underdone All Blacks may play for their provinces in the final round of the ITM Cup before they link up with their teammates in Hong Kong.

North Harbour's leaky defence provided Wellington with a feast of second-half ball as they ran out 52-23 winners in a national provincial championship rugby match at Albany today.

Tim Shadbolt retained the mayoralty but another reign ended in Invercargill tonight.

Auckland kept alive their semifinals aspirations with a 37-13 win over ITM Cup rugby rivals Counties-Manukau at Pukekohe.

Two tries in the closing seven minutes secured Taranaki a 30-16 bonus try win over Manawatu.

The All Black selectors seem hell-bent on taking as many World Cup prospects as they can to Europe - but who is the best choice to back-up number seven ?

Gareth Anscombe, teenage son of Auckland coach Mark Anscombe, will be under the spotlight tonight when he puts on the no.10 jersey.

The Wellington rugby side is confident it will have All Black Ma'a Nonu back to play for them on Saturday week.

For the second time in three weeks the Ranfurly Shield will be contested between the top two teams in the ITM Cup.

Taranaki handed Southland their first loss of the ITM Cup season last night with a convincing performance in New Plymouth.

Northland were the architects of their own downfall in suffering to the hands of Waikato on Saturday night.