A big crowd got to watch on for free as Canterbury secured the result they wanted with a 37-30 national provincial championship rugby win over Wellington in Christchurch today.

Bay of Plenty maintained their challenge for a semifinals spot as they beat Otago 40-30 tonight.

If the Mooloo men get their act together in the last five games, anything's possible

Southland have given the people of the embattled province some much-needed cheer with a rousing Ranfurly Shield defence against Auckland

Wellington coach Andre Bell is under no illusions of the task ahead of his team when they take on Canterbury on Saturday.

Keep up to date with all the action in tonight's Ranfurly Shield clash between Southland and Auckland in Invercargill.

The Ranfurly Shield is up grabs but both Southland and Auckland have avoided making it a main focus ahead of Thursday's clash.

Southland Rugby is certain tomorrow night's Ranfurly Shield match will go ahead against Auckland in Invercargill.

While more New Zealanders are interested in the ITM Cup than in the NRL or A-League, a new poll released by UMR Research shows big regional variations.

Auckland have made six changes for their Ranfurly Shield challenge tomorrow, reintroducing several All Blacks.

Auckland's preparing to deal with the possibility of snow in Thursday night's Ranfurly Shield match against Southland.

Adam Thomson's immediate playing future with Otago, the All Blacks and the Commonwealth Games sevens team is in limbo

Southland remain top of the ITM Cup for another week but face a tough contest on Thursday with the Shield on the line.

A burst of three tries in 12 minutes proved the difference as Wellington pipped Hawke's Bay 17-13.

Auckland scored 32 unanswered second half points to down Manawatu 32-6 in their ITM Cup match in Palmerston North tonight.