4 Oct 2010

Still wide open in ITM Cup

6:00 am on 4 October 2010

While the semi-final situation remains wide open, the focus in the national provincial rugby championship now turns to the Ranfurly Shield meeting between the top two sides.

Holders Southland lost top spot in the standings with their loss to Taranaki in round 10, while Canterbury took their place with victory over Otago.

On Sunday Manawatu beat Tasman 20-8 and Counties Manukau beat North Harbour 24-23.

There are still eight teams in semi-final contention. With three rounds remaining Canterbury have 36 points, Southland 34, Taranaki 32, Waikato 31, Auckland and Bay of Plenty 30, Counties Manukau 29 and Wellington 28.

Southland defend the Shield against Canterbury next Saturday, while in one of the other feature matches, Counties Manukau host Auckland.