Counties-Manukau has finished round four of rugby's provincial championship with an upset 33-21 win over Taranaki in Pukekohe.
Bay of Plenty remain unbeaten after their win over Waikato in Mt Maunganui.
Canterbury are two points back on 14, following their narrrow home win over Tasman, with Southland, Wellington and Manawatu on 13.
Tasman are on 10, one ahead of Northland with Otago on eight, Hawkes Bay and Auckland on seven, Taranaki, North Harbour and Counties-Manukau on six and Wakato bottom on five.
Canterbury challenge Wellington for the Ranfurly Shield next weekend.
