If championships were won on character and attitude, Hawke's Bay would bolt into the 2007 final. But Auckland has shown that skill, power and control wins the big games and Pat Lam's men are not 11 from 11 this season for nothing.
Read More >

Canterbury and Wellington have a long rivalry and one that in recent seasons has seen three playoff meetings between the sides. There is little to choose between the teams in 2007 and this match appeals as a must-see clash.
Read More >

When under pressure and the whole world is against them, few provinces in New Zealand circle the wagons as effectively as Hawke's Bay and the loss of Danny Lee will only force the Magpies deeper into that siege mentality they respond to so well.
Read More >

Two years ago Canterbury was ambushed by Otago in the semi-final just after a rugged Shield challenge by Auckland; the same scenario presents itself again his season with the added distraction for Canterbury of a string of moderate performances in the last month.
Read More >

Taranaki was the last team to take its place in the top eight and, as a prize, gets to play the new Ranfurly Shield holder and the competition's form team.
Read More >

The true measure of Southland's progress in 2007 may be gained on Friday after the Stags have faced one of the competition's real heavyweights for the first time since round four.
Read More >