All Blacks hooker Andrew Hore will play a big role in the team leadership group.

Returning All Blacks wing Sitiveni Sivivatu is fit and raring to go.

The ITM format changes next season into a seven-team Premiership and a seven-team Championship.

Northland held off a desperate Bay of Plenty to win a see-sawing national provincial championship rugby match.

Canterbury first five Colin Slade is doing his best to concentrate on the positives after missing selection for the All Blacks.

The usual suspects seem likely to play out the ITM Cup semifinals following 12 weeks of action.

Former All Black Richard Loe picks his 30 players that should go on the All Blacks' end of year tour.

Mark Anscombe is careful to avoid accusations of nepotism when it comes to son Gareth, writes Michael Brown.

For a city that's had its fill of seismic activity, the people of Christchurch showed an admirable appetite for some more yesterday.

Canterbury got their latest Ranfurly Shield reign off to a winning start, beating Counties Manukau 39-21.

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.

It was bitter-sweet as Southlanders farewelled the Ranfurly Shield to Canterbury last night.