Domestic Rugby
A warm- up for tonight’s internationals as Wellington host North Harbour in the second of the ITM Cup’s Championship semifinals. Harbour booked their place in the semis with a stirring last ditch 27- 27 draw with Tasman and head south to play Wellington after losing to the Capital side 21- 17 in round three also at the Tin. Today’s victor meets the winner of last night’s semi between Otago and Bay of Plenty in the final. The premiership play- offs follow tomorrow. Counties Manukau stormed home with a 33- 21 win over Canterbury but this time meet the Red and Blacks at their place. Taranaki then host Tasman at Yarrow Stadium. Tasman won the earlier encounter 25- 20 in Nelson but missed second place by 3pts — Taranaki’s 7 bonus points to 4 the difference. Across the ditch their National Rugby Championship final today at Tamworth’s Scully Park. Minor premiers NSW Country Eagles play Perth Spirit. In their round- five clash the Eagles prevailed 48- 24 at Concord.