Rugby returns to New Plymouth’s Yarrow Stadium for the first time since 2019 on Saturday when Taranaki hosts Waikato in a crucial cross conference clash. The Bulls are sitting in the bottom half of the Evens conference and will be desperate to find a win against a Waikato side that has looked impressive in the Odds conference.
Elsewhere, Southland will be after their first win of the season when they host Wellington in Invercargill on Saturday afternoon. The Stags have looked good in all their games so far in 2022 and will be eager to get in the winner’s circle and keep their playoff ambitions alive.
Excitement is assured when Northland host Auckland in the ‘Battle of the North’ on Saturday. The Taniwha are coming off the back of an impressive 32-19 win over Southland last week and will be looking to upset their city slicker neighbours.
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.
Manawatū v Tasman
Friday 2 September
7.05pm, Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North
Northland v Auckland
Saturday 3 September
2.05pm, Semenoff Stadium, Whangarei
Taranaki v Waikato
Saturday 3 September
2.05pm, Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
Southland v Wellington
Saturday 3 September
4.35pm, Invercargill Rugby Park
Canterbury v Hawke’s Bay
Sunday 4 September
2.05pm, Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch
Otago v Bay of Plenty
Sunday 4 September
2.05pm, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
North Harbour v Counties Manukau
Sunday 4 September
4.35pm, North Harbour Stadium