The Magpies are perfect so far, and mustered a 35-24 victory over then third-placed Otago in the previous round, showing they can mix it with the very best this season.
Elsewhere, Auckland and Counties Manukau play for the LV (Dan) Bryant Trophy; fourth plays fifth in Dunedin as the Mako travel south; and Northland look for a second Shield defence match, against Waikato.
Find all the key match information and team lists below.
Manawatū v Taranaki
Thursday 10 September
7.10pm, Central Energy Trust Arena
Referee: Angus Mabey
Otago v Tasman
Friday 11 September
7.10pm, Forsyth Barr Stadium
Referee: Paul Williams
Auckland v Counties Manukau
Saturday 12 September
2.05pm, Eden Park
Referee: Mike Winter
Northland v Waikato
Saturday 12 September
5.05pm, Semenoff Stadium
Referee: Fraser Hannon
Canterbury v Wellington
Saturday 12 September
7.10pm, One NZ Stadium
Referee: Maggie Cogger-Orr
Hawke’s Bay v North Harbour
Sunday 13 September
2.05pm, McLean Park
Referee: Marcus Playle
Southland v Bay of Plenty
Sunday 13 September
5.05pm, Invercargill Rugby Park
Referee: James Doleman