The big story  this week is BoP going down 19-22 at home to play-off rivals Hawke's Bay. The slip-up allowed Tasman to vault over them into fourth place. Wellington did themselves a favour with a comprehensive 43-15 victory over Manawatu and Canterbury maintained a consistent winning streak by overcoming bottom place Counties Manukau to retain the top spot.

New Zealand rugby fans and players will be invited to express their sympathy and support for victims of the devastating Pacific Islands earthquake and tsunami at New Zealand’s domestic rugby matches this weekend.

The Air NZ cup competition goes past the halfway mark with the usual suspects leading the pack, but with the refreshing addition of Bay of Plenty and Southland in particular, both of whom are playing some great rugby. The impending clash between the Steamers and Southland is increasingly looking like one to relish.

Canterbury continue to set the pace in the Air New Zealand Cup round robin stage after week 8. Their four tries to one win over Taranaki emphasising their position as the number one provincial team. Meanwhile, Auckland have slipped up, going down narrowly  by 16-14 at North Harbour and are starting to look off the pace. Southland showed good form to beat Counties Manukau by 14 points to 6 and stay in the hunt just above Bay of Plenty and Hawkes Bay.

All Blacks team for Investec Tri Nations Wellington Test ~

All Blacks Coach Graham Henry and his Assistant Coaches Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith have named the All Blacks team to play the final Investec Tri Nations Test against Australia at Westpac Stadium, Wellington, on Saturday 19 September.