Bill Smith and Dan Fisher lead the Southland competition closely followed by Shane Youngman and Reece Rogers.
The Hunting & Fishing crew certainly need to sharpen up their act. I also note that only two of the tipsters picked Southland to win, shame on you. But you’ve allowed Otago back into the fight after this round and heading into tonight’s game between Auckland and Manawatu, it’s all square and, by the way, all 16 tipsters have picked the "Jafas".
It was nearly too close to call in the Manawatu v Northland game and so it proved with the "Green & Whites" posting their first "w" by a point.
Auckland has too much class out wide for Hawke’s Bay with the forgotten man Tuivasa-Scheck leading the way. Taranaki got knocked over for the first time by BOP in a close encounter.
In a surprisingly good game, the Stags provided the crowd but Otago provided the win. Southland and Harbour are now the only winless teams in the comp.
Tasman were made to work by an unlucky Harbour but got it done in front of their adoring fans.
Wellington are the only unbeaten side now after upsetting Canterbury at home – what a shame!
Waikato showed their all-round skills, especially in the second half, when accounting for Counties.
I’m predicting this round’s games from Fiji so I may get a couple wrong.
Hawke’s Bay should bounce back and take care of Northland at Okara Park. BOP might just be good enough at home to defeat the Otago lads but it will be oh so close.
Heavyweights Canterbury and Taranaki square off in Christchurch so surely the "Red & Blacks" don’t drop two straight?
Counties head to the capital for a shield challenge against Wellington but unfortunately won’t capture the "log".
Auckland venture south to take on the Stags and with that backline could run riot.
Manawatu will be fired up after their first win but they are in "storm" week so will succumb to Tasman away.
In next Wednesday night’s encounter, Otago will be in "storm" week and take on North Harbour.
It’s too close to call — Otago to sneak a win or draw.
Bula Vinaka from Fiji.
- By Paul Dwyer
