ITM Cup rugby - first round
The major incentive for teams in this season's ITM Cup is to finish in the top seven and play in the Premier division next season while the second seven sides will play in division one.
Thursday night, of course, saw the opening game of the seasn and tonight (Friday) the defending champions Canterbury begin their title defense against Hawkes Bay. This doesn't appear easy with Canterbury fielding a number of new players and Hawkes Bay having proven over the past few seasosn that they can foot it with the big boys. For the odds in this game click here.
The first of Saturday's games features Manawatu at home to the Ranfurly Shield holders, Southland. Manawatu, coached by successful NZ Under 20 coach, Dave Rennie, has lost several key players to other unions and won't have the services of their star All Black Aaron Cruden. Southland has already twice defended the Shield this season and they should be a bit too strong here. For those match odds click here.
Next up it's the debut of 37 year old former All Black, Tana Umaga, for Counties - Manukau against Otago. Umaga will help bolster a team that has struggled in recent seasons while Otago will be looking for a strong start for Phil Mooney, the former coach of the Queensland Reds. For those match odds click here.
The final Saturday match will kick off at 6.35pm and it's been neighbours Waikato and Bay of Plenty. This is a traditional game between the two Chiefs unions and Waikato, on paper, looks to have the edge. For the odds click here.
Two matches on Sunday to complete the opening round and the first is the "battle of the bridge" between Auckland and North Harbour. Auckland look to have added some strength and experience to their squad this season and they could be genuine contenders for the crown. Harbour also look to have depth in their squad although for the opening match they do have injury concerns. For those match odds click here.
At 4.35pm perennial finalists Wellington play host to Tasman in the capital city. Wellington has underrgone a number of changes and there's ongoing doubt about whether coach Jamie Joseph will see out the season, but they still look strong across the board. Former All Black Chris Jack is the key man for a Tasman side which might struggle to beat the better teams. For those match odds click here.