The blockbuster opening weekend saw Otago thrash Southland on Stag Day, and Canterbury beat Auckland with the final roll of the dice in Christchurch.
Now the Log o’ Wood is on the line for the first time this season – Canterbury has the chance to avenge the previous season’s loss to Otago where they relinquished the Shield.
Find all the key match information and team lists below.
North Harbour v Counties Manukau
Thursday 6 August
7.10pm, North Harbour Stadium
Referee: Angus Mabey.
Taranaki v Waikato
Friday 7 August
7.10pm, Stadium Taranaki
Referee: Stu Curran.
Auckland v Wellington
Saturday 8 August
2.05pm, Western Springs Stadium
Referee: Todd Petrie.
Bay Of Plenty v Northland
Saturday 8 August
5.05pm, Rotorua International Stadium
Referee: Marcus Playle.
Hawke’s Bay v Tasman
Saturday 8 August
7.10pm, McLean Park
Referee: Mike Winter.
Otago v Canterbury
Sunday 9 August
2.05pm, Forsyth Barr Stadium
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe.
Manawatū v Southland
Sunday 9 August
5.05pm, Central Energy Trust Arena
Referee: Ben Woolerton.