Rugby

There are a couple of ding- dong games as the Mitre 10 Cup gets under way. In today’s late game, a replay of last year’s final, Auckland travel to play Canterbury, who won the 2015 decider 25- 23 after beating their northern rivals 27- 21 at Eden Park in the round- robin. Canterbury have included three Fijians in their squad, which will only add to the intrigue. In the second of three games today, Wellington are in Napier to square off against Hawke’s Bay, who won last year’s Championship to earn promotion to the Premiership. The Magpies headed Wellington by three points on the table and then edged them 26- 25 in a thrilling final. Their earlier clash was locked 22- 22 in a round eight of nine battle at the Tin. All teams play all other teams in their competition, as well as four crossover games. The top four in each division play semifinals. The Auckland 1st XV decider is at Eden Park this afternoon. Despite a late hiccup, Mt Albert Grammar have dominated and meet Sacred Heart in the final. MAGS won their earlier clash 34- 11.