NPC Preview: Hawke's Bay Shield defence against Tasman, Battle of the Bridge headline week five

The All Blacks’ grudge match with the Springboks isn’t the only rugby on the menu this weekend. Along with the Farah Palmer Cup, the NPC continues, starting with Friday’s clash between the Bay of Plenty Steamers and Manawatu.

On Friday’s edition of SENZ Mornings, veteran rugby broadcaster Nigel Yalden joined Ian Smith to preview the midway round of the NPC in 2024.

Auckland v North Harbour | Saturday 2:05pm, Eden Park
"If the blue and white hoops need something to get them out of this funk they are currently in, maybe it's the 'Battle of the Bridge'.

"You could argue they have one of the best loose forward trios in the country in Akira Ioane, Adrian Choat and Anton Segner and you wonder where it's all going wrong. They’ve really got to strip it back and just do their basics much better.
"Harbour will be absolutely filthy on themselves for letting that game slip against Counties Manukau… that will sting them a little bit.

"There could be a bit of niggle and spite because it will be two very desperate teams."

Wellington v Southland | Saturday 2:05pm, Jerry Collins Stadium
"Southland are sitting outside the eight at the moment. They have a big challenge having to head to the capital to face a really good Wellington side.

"Wellington is very much in that top tier and as tough and robust and combative as the Stags are, I think you'll see the Lions winning and winning well."

Otago v Canterbury | Saturday 4:35pm, Forsyth Barr Stadium
"Otago have played four games decided by single digits. Two wins at home, two losses on the road.

"I think this is really going to be the defining week for Otago, Storm Week for them. Canterbury at home, Wellington at home as well before they have to go on the road and face Counties Manukau.

"Canterbury is a fascinating one for me. It has been a challenging start for them… they're just about at the point where this is a must-win for them."

Hawke's Bay v Tasman | Saturday 7:05pm, McLean Park
"On paper, two unbeaten teams, No.1 v No.3 - the Shield is just a bit of an added bonus and it’s that emotional element that I think could really elevate this game another level.

"Tasman have never tasted that Ranfurly Shield. There's motivation left, right and centre.

"It's too tough to call for me and in that situation, I always lean towards the home team, but this one has absolute barnburner written all over it… it could be one of the games of the season.

Taranaki v Waikato | Sunday 2:05pm, Yarrow Stadium
"I just like Taranaki's mentality and the way they've been able to get that victory over Otago speaks a lot to that and their style of play. I think they'll be favoured at home.

"I like the way Waikato have come through. Good win over Auckland and followed that up with an impressive performance against Northland on Wednesday night. If they could go 3-0 through Storm Week that'd be a significant boost for them."

Counties Manukau v Northland | Sunday 4:35pm, Navigation Homes Stadium
"Counties will be so buoyed by what they were able to do at Albany last week. That will be a massive morale-booster. They'll be full of confidence.

"Northland will be thinking 'we are a good team; we should be able to beat these guys'.

"This is my sleeper game of the weekend actually. I can see that being a really good game. Both teams play really physical rugby but both teams play really good attacking rugby.

"It could be a really beaut game."

Listen to the full interview below: