Lock in Shield, set sights on NPC

teams that can execute at key moments, and then add a spine of steel to their defensive line.

So when Connor Gardenbachop scored mid-way through the second half, having eventually prospered from a neat lineout tactic between Asafo Aumua and Peter Lakai, Waikato looked to be in strife.

That proved to be the case. That try to Garden-bachop proved decisive, giving the home side a 14-point lead, and there was more misery to come when James O’reilly and Regan Love dotted down – the latter right at the death after Waikato’s Jack Lam spilled the ball at the other end of the park.

While on the subject of juggernauts, Canterbury have clearly got their appetite for destruction back following the disappointments of 2021.

Back in the so-called ‘‘good old days’’, just securing a ticket to a Canterbury versus Auckland match was cause for celebration, but times have changed. Modest crowds now rock up to these games, but they still mean plenty to the participants and their loyal supporters.

The 38-20 win over Auckland at

Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch meant Canterbury clocked up their sixth consecutive bonuspoint win and have clamped an iron claw around a playoff spot at home with game left to play, against Otago in Dunedin.

Meanwhile, it probably wasn’t a great shock that Hawke’s Bay suffered a 20-14 defeat to Bay of Plenty in Tauranga.

Post Shield comedowns have never been easy to remedy, and the Magpies were unable to rebound from losing the Log o’ Wood to Wellington a week earlier.

Those who gripe about that statement doing Bay of Plenty a disservice should hold the phone. Because there’s little doubt they deserved this victory; in doing so they ensured their unbeaten streak against the Magpies in Tauranga, which stretches back to 2011, remained intact.

Bay of Plenty, who trailed 14-10 at halftime, took the lead soon after the restart and they did so in admirable fashion; Emoni Narawa made a terrific run through the defence, and Nikora Broughton completed the movement for the try.

The win ensured Bay of Plenty reclaimed the Macrae-shelford Bay Cup and they have also guaranteed themselves a quarterfinals berth.