Winning runs, losing streaks

With no All Blacks test this week, code-hungry fans will have to get their fix from the Mitre 10 Cup and/or the Farah Palmer Cup.

The Ranfurly Shield isn’t on the line this week, but there’s still plenty of talking points ahead of the third round of the NPC, including the fact All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has cleared seven of his squad to have a run.

1. Who benefits most from the break in the Rugby Championship?

The rich get richer in Tasman’s case, considering two of the seven released All Blacks – Tim Perry and Shannon Frizell – are available for the Mako when they play North Harbour on Saturday.

Given they wheeled out 11 Super players against Southland last week, it goes without saying that the availability of Frizell and Perry means coach Leon MacDonald is spoilt for choice as Tasman chase a 3-0 start.

It’s been a long time between drinks for Otago hooker Liam Coltman, who is set to front for the blue and golds for the first time in almost two years, when they visit Manawatu¯ .

Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Taranaki), Ardie Savea (Wellington), Luke Whitelock (Canterbury) and Nehe Milner-Skudder (Manawatu¯ ) will also play.

Reigning champions Canterbury v giantkilling Bay of Plenty will be a goodie, but let’s go with the top-of-the-table clash between Tasman and North Harbour in Auckland.

North Harbour aren’t stacked like the fancied Mako, but aren’t short of quality with players such as halfback Bryn Hall and wing Tevita Li, and have a solid set piece and sound defensive structure.

The clash also sees Tasman head coach MacDonald go up against Tom Coventry, who he will team up with at the Blues next season.