NPC power rankings: Playoffs race heats up but Canterbury to enjoy home comforts
The last two rounds of NPC promises to be a fascinating jostle for quarterfinal spots. Canterbury have already ensured themselves some home comforts. New Zealand Rugby's move to have all teams playing for the one trophy again is clearly the right one.
Canterbury is currently No. 1 in NPC power rankings. Canterbury has already secured a finals berth and top spot in the Evens Conference. They will want to improve on their 44-39 win over Counties Manukau in Pukekohe.
WAIKATO (6-1-0) are no longer the only unbeaten team in the competition, after their 27-20 defeat to Otago in Dunedin. Canterbury (54-24) were the previous No. 2 team.
Wellington are the new holders of the Log o’ Wood after their 19-12 victory over Hawke”s Bay in Napier. Canterbury are third in the NPC power rankings.
The Steamers are currently ranked 4th in NPC power rankings. They are well-placed with a game in hand on their rivals Southland.
Hawkish Bay's hold on the Ranfurly Shield is over. Canterbury are still in the playoffs race.
The holders are feeling the pressure.
AUCKLAND (5-3) put their recent losses behind them with a 30-27 win at home against Tasman. Canterbury's next game is at Christchurch on Friday.
North Harbour are currently ranked 7th in NPC. North Harbour average 41 points per game. They beat Northland 48-21 in Whangārei. Tevita Li is the competition's leading try scorer. Shaun Stevenson scored a hat-trick. Canterbury are ranked 8th.
Norfolk have dropped consecutive games for the first time this season. Canterbury are still in the top eight. Northland are down to 8th place.
OTAGO (4-4) fell to 9th place in NPC power rankings. OTago won against Waikato but they need to beat Canterbury in the last round to be a chance at the quarterfinals.
Cam Roigard's team beat Canterbury close. Counties mukau are still in the race for the playoffs.
Mako are inconsistent, but they did show some encouraging signs in their narrow loss at Eden Park. They could still be in the playoffs if they can beat Northland this weekend.
Taranaki beat Manawatū 34-24 on Friday night. They are 2-5 and need to win three games in 9 days to get back into the top 12.
Manawat are now at the bottom of the table. Turbos are off the top for the first time this season.
Southland have fallen to 14th place in NPC power rankings. Canterbury are still in the hunt for a playoff spot.
