Defending champions Nelson Bays suffered a shock defeat in Wanganui and now face unbeaten Bay of Plenty next Saturday.
The only consolation for Nelson is that they will be at home against the Gordon Tietjens-coached side who include promising players such as Rico Gear and Craig de Goldi.
Fullback Donovan Nepiascored all of his team's points as Wanganui's lionhearts proved they were the kings of Cooks Garden in their 14-10 win.
They dominated the first half to lead 8-0, added a penalty goal and then resisted a strong Nelson comeback in the second half.
Loose forward Kahu Marfell scored Nelson's try 26 minutes into the spell and fullback Mark Milne converted it and added a penalty goal.
Hawkes Bay have 14 points, followed by Bay of Plenty and King Country on 13 and Wanganui and Marlborough on 11. However, Bay of Plenty have a match in hand.
Hawkes Bay, who have a bye next weekend, led all the way in their 32-11 away win over Manawatu.
With a stiff southerly at their backs, Hawkes Bay were ahead 18-0 at halftime, with two tries by Zimbabwean star winger Karl Mudzamba and two penalties and a conversion by fullback Scott Leighton.
In Taupo, King Country outplayed Marlborough 39-33.
King Country seemed to be cruising until centre Hayden Martine was sinbinned. Second five-eighths Jo Fo'olaga was the first to exploit the home team's disadvantage with a try, cutting the halftime deficit to 12-29.
Immediately after the restart, flanker Peter Flynn scored from a scrum to further erode King Country's lead.
"In the first half we had all the ball, kept it in hand and controlled the rucks and mauls - and then they turned around and did it to us," said King Country manager Carl Cressey.
Fullback Kevin Weinberg scored King Country's only try of the second half, giving them valuable breathing space.
Their five tries placed them nicely on the table and they meet Manawatu in an away game next Saturday.
