Thursday October 07
Hawke's Bay v Northland

Friday October 08
Waikato v Otago

Saturday October 09
Taranaki v Manawatu
Counties Manukau v Auckland
Southland v Canterbury

Sunday October 10
North Harbour v Wellington
Tasman v Bay of Plenty

News:
-Quite a few All Blacks return for their provinces this week, most notably Mils Muliana (Waikato) and Jerome Kaino (Auckland).
-Piri Weepu, Conrad Smith and Corey Jane all could return for Wellington, if Piri does play he look set to wear the 10 jersey.
-Sam Whitelock will play for Canterbury but brother George is in doubt. Cory Flynn is expected to start.

Hendo's Must Watch Match:
The Stags face their toughest challenge in holding on to the shield this weekend, when they meet Canterbury, the team they took the shield off late last season. All of the Stags shield defenses this season have been low scoring narrow games and I think we can expect much the same from this match. GO THE STAGS!

Andre Bell said definitely that Weepu wouldn't play 10 - which is weird considering Mathewson's been one of the few decent players for the Lions - who suck btw...

Yea you're right...interesting because I read an article saying he's been training at Five-Eight, will probably see a shuffle early in the second half.

Here is the 22 for Canterbury

Canterbury: Sean Maitland, Tu Umaga-Marshall, Robbie Fruean, Sonny Bill Williams, Telusa Veainu, Colin Slade, Andy Ellis (captain), Nasi Manu, Matt Todd, Sam Whitelock, Isaac Ross, Luke Romano, Peter Borlase, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett.

Reserves: Steve Fualau, Andrew Olorenshaw, Ash Parker, Brendon O'Connor, Willi Heinz, Stephen Brett, Ryan Crotty.

Tough task for the Stags, they have the power in the forwards but that backline could cause them some big issues. They've just go to keep it tight and they'll win it.

Yeah I saw Whitelock was playing loose - interesting

If Southland can hold this then they're set - they've got nothing to fear from Wellington. I honestly think Canterbury will take it though - Southland are running out of oomph while the Cantabs are pumping along well.

Yeah I read that article about Weepu training at 10, but they were loudly assuring everyone that he'd play at 9...

Nobody commented that Canterbury's taken the Shield back off Southland...?