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.

Southland's Ranfurly Shield run has been a 'beacon of hope' for a battered province. Will the dream run end tonight?

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.

Former All Black teammates Tana Umaga and Luke McAlister will square off tomorrow in a provincial contest with international repercussions.

Sonny Bill Williams returns to the Canterbury starting 15 but not at second five in Saturday's match against Otago.

Auckland are looking to play a more expansive game in their ITM Cup matchup against Hawke's Bay tomorrow night.

All Black wing Joe Rokocoko has returned from leave early and wants to be involved in Auckland's next game.