NPC talking points: Hawke's Bay closing in on a third summer with the Shield

Hawke's Bay are two wins away from winning the Ranfurly Shield for a third straight summer. They are one win away after beating Wellington in Napier on Saturday night. Canterbury's 14-game tenure from 2004-2006 is second-longest this century. Tasman can only take it from them on September 30. Wellington are on a four-match winning streak. It's their fourth challenge since 2006 and second in eight years.

Canterbury and Waikato are on a collision course for the NPC final. Canterbury are 10 points ahead of second-placed Auckland. Waika's only defeat was against Taranaki. They have games against Otago, Wellington and Bay of Plenty to play.

Southland and Manawatū are struggling this season. Southland's defence has been poor, leaking 284 points in seven games. Manawaatu has leaked344 points, second worst behind Southlands.

Hawke's Bay are closing in on a third summer with the Shield. Taranaki play Counties Manukau on Wednesday at Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth.