Find your key match information and team lists below. NOTE: Teams are added as they are named. All matches are live on Sky Sport NZ.
North Harbour v Auckland
Friday 7 October
7.05pm, North Harbour Stadium, Albany
The quarterfinals kick off with a ‘Battle of the Bridge’ clash between neighbours North Harbour and Auckland. North Harbour have set the competition alight this season with their expansive attacking play. Left wing Tevita Li has been particularly destructive with a competition leading 12 tries, 22 clean breaks and 1106 run metres. He’s partnered by the equally exciting Mark Telea on the right wing and Shaun Stevenson at fullback. Auckland have some firepower of their own on the wing with current All Black Roger Tuivasa-Sheck set to pull on the 14 jersey. The cross town rivals met in round one with Auckland coming back from a second-half deficit to win 36-26 at Eden Park
Wellington v Hawke’s Bay
Saturday 8 October
2.05pm, Sky Stadium, Wellington
Wellington are on a hot streak with seven straight wins in the Bunnings NPC, including a 19-12 win over the Magpies in round seven to secure the Ranfurly Shield. Although the ‘Log o Wood’ won’t be on the line at Sky Stadium, a coveted spot in the semifinal awaits the winner. The Magpies are coming off an impressive 25-17 win over Tasman last weekend and will be calling on their big-game players Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Brad Weber, Lincoln McClutchie and Chase Tiatia to stand tall if they are to knock the Lions out of contention.
Canterbury v Northland
Saturday 8 October
4.35pm, Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch
On paper it is all against Northland. The Taniwha haven’t beaten Canterbury since 1999 - a losing streak which comprises 16 straight losses by an average margin of 21 points. Canterbury racked up 46 competition points in their 10 regular season matches this year to top the Evens Conference, eight more than Wellington who topped the Odds Conference on 38 points. It’s a daunting task for the Taniwha but there is no doubt they will throw everything at Canterbury in what promises to be a highly entertaining knockout clash.
Waikato v Bay of Plenty
Sunday 9 October
2.05pm, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
The ‘Chiefs derby’ between Waikato and Bay of Plenty is set to be a classic if last week’s final round match is anything to go by. With a home quarterfinal at stake, Waikato came back from 14-34 down to win 35-34 and clinch home ground advantage for the knockout clash. The Steamers will be desperate to make amends for their final quarter performance last week and take bragging rights over their Chiefs brothers and a spot in the semifinals. For Waikato, playmaker Damian McKenzie has been dangerous on his return to the side with three tries and two try assists in his last four appearances.