Waikato are unbeaten and have a six-point advantage over second placed Hawke’s Bay in the Odds Conference. Despite dropping a game to Taranaki in round three, Canterbury has an even bigger stranglehold on the Evens Conference. They are ten points ahead of second-placed Auckland and have all but wrapped up top spot in that conference.
The other big question is whether Hawke’s Bay can continue their fantastic Ranfurly Shield reign. They face a stiff challenge from Wellington on Saturday. The Lions haven’t held the ‘log o wood’ since 2009 and will be eager to take it back to the capital for the summer.
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.
Taranaki v Manawatū
Friday 16 September
7.05pm, Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
Counties Manukau v Canterbury
Saturday 17 September
2.05pm, Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe
Auckland v Tasman
Saturday 17 September
4.35pm, Eden Park, Auckland
Hawke’s Bay v Wellington (Ranfurly Shield)
Saturday 17 September
7.05pm, McLean Park, Napier
Bay of Plenty v Southland
Sunday 18 September
2.05pm, Tauranga Domain
Otago v Waikato
Sunday 18 September
2.05pm, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Northland v North Harbour
Sunday 18 September
4.35pm, Semenoff Stadium, Whangarei