It’s a similar tale in both conferences where five doesn’t go into four. In the Odds conference, Counties Manukau and Southland are out of contention leaving one of either Hawke’s Bay or Otago to claim the final playoff spot. Both teams are locked in fourth equal spot on 26 points and face tricky opposition in the final round.
Hawke’s Bay play Tasman on Friday night while Otago have an even tougher ask against high-flying Canterbury under the roof in Dunedin.
In the Evens conference, Taranaki and Manawatū are out of contention and Canterbury is uncatchable at the top on 41 points. That leaves five points blanketing North Harbour, Auckland, Tasman and Northland in positions 2-5.
Northland will be eyeing a bonus point win over winless Manawatū on Sunday to secure a rare play offs berth for the Taniwha. They will still need one of either Tasman or Auckland to trip up for that to happen though.
Taranaki loom as potential spoilers in their clash against Auckland at Eden Park on Saturday while Tasman have it against them on Friday night against Hawke’s Bay at McLean Park.
It all shapes for an exciting final round of the Bunnings NPC.
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.
Hawke’s Bay v Tasman
Friday 30 September
7.05pm, McLean Park, Napier
Southland v North Harbour
Saturday 1 October
2.05pm, Invercargill Rugby Park
Auckland v Taranaki
Saturday 1 October
4.35pm, Eden Park, Auckland
Otago v Canterbury
Saturday 1 October
7.05pm, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Counties Manukau v Wellington
Sunday 2 October
2.05pm, Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe
Northland v Manawatū
Sunday 2 October
2.05pm, Kaikohe RFC
Waikato v Bay of Plenty
Sunday 2 October
4.35pm, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton