News

Sudden death rugby starts a game early for the Counties Energy Heat as they face a do-or-die game against the defending Farah Palmer Cup champions Waikato on Saturday at Navigation Homes Stadium.

With six teams still in the running for four spots heading into the final weekend it all comes down to their final game of the round robin.

The Counties Energy Heat almost certainly need to beat Waikato to advance to the semi-finals.

Currently sitting fifth on the table with 10 points, the Counties Energy Heat are almost certain to jump into the top four with a win on Saturday.

Third placed Auckland (13 points) hosts fourth-placed Wellington (11 points) on Saturday afternoon. A Counties Energy Heat win should see them jump ahead of the loser (assuming bonus points are not a factor).

That would leave JP Faamausili’s side needing top ranked Canterbury to beat Bay of Plenty (also on 10 points) to advance.

If the Heat lose, they could still advance by picking up two bonus points. Likewise, a draw for the Heat would leave them in the same situation.

The Counties Energy v Waikato match kicks off at 12.05pm with the Hauraki Plains College and Tuakau College/Onewhero Area School boy’s final following at 2pm.

Current standings
Canterbury 25
Waikato 19
Auckland 13
Wellington 11
Counties Manukau 10
Bay of Plenty 10
Manawatu 7

This weekend’s fixtures
Sat: Auckland v Wellington, Counties Manukau v Waikato.
Sun: Bay of Plenty v Canterbury