Premiership
Who: Wellington v Canterbury.
Where: Wellington.
When: Tomorrow, 7.35pm.
Wellington's key man: Ardie Savea may be an apprentice at national level but in the ITM Cup he is very much a main man. A tiger in the loose who can break a game open.
Canterbury's key man: Andy Ellis is something of a forgotten man in New Zealand rugby but is the catalyst for the red and blacks, sparking many of their attacks. His ability to select the right option is worth many points for Canterbury.
Why Wellington will win: The Lions are at home and, apart from a hiccup against Hawkes Bay, have won all their games. The side has a quality tight five, good loose forwards and exciting backs. Plus Wellington has not won a title for 13 years. That is a long, long wait.
Why Canterbury will win: Canterbury has won the past five titles. So it knows how to win. It has a wealth of experience and talent right throughout the team. On the bench are big lock Dominic Bird and first five-eighth Colin Slade, who can come off the pine and have a big impact on the field.
Who will win: Tough one to call. Wellington is at home but Canterbury has won the big ones away from Christchurch before. There is not going to be a lot in it but Wellington, on the back of a superb effort of its loose forwards, to just get home. 25-21.
Championship
Who: Tasman v Hawkes Bay.
Where: Nelson.
When: Tonight, 7.35pm.
Tasman's key man: He is seemingly from the back of beyond but first five-eighth Marty Banks sure can play. Can land goals from all angles and has a running game to boot. Good enough to pick up a contract with the Hurricanes next year.
Hawkes Bay's key man: A Bay boy at heart, halfback Alby Mathewson is back in the Magpies line-up and runs much of the game for the side. A good runner, who can sniff out a chance.
Why Tasman will win: The home side has been playing very well in recent weeks and has won its last six games. Has the ability to turn any chance into a five-pointer and has a quality goalkicker in Banks.
Why Hawkes Bay will win: Though struggling somewhat with injuries, Hawkes Bay has some X-factor players who can turn big games. The likes of Zac Guildford, Karl Lowe and Ihaia West can break a match open in a second or two.
Who will win: It is hard to go past Tasman, which has been improving all season and put Southland to the sword in last weekend's semifinal. Plus Hawkes Bay played only five days ago in a taxing semifinal against Otago. Tasman is at home and has yet to lose in Nelson this year.
