Air NZ Cup: Super Saturday preview 

Source: PhotosportAndrew of Mailei of Harbour

Manawatu v North Harbour, 2:35pm in Palmerston North

Last clash: North Harbour beat Manawatu 20-17 in Palmerston North (Rd 5, 2008)
TAB: Manawatu $1.88, North Harbour $1.88

The battle for 12th on the Air NZ Cup ladder is sure to be a rousing occasion in Palmerston North where the "Bucket Heads" will be out in force in what could be their last stand. Manawatu may have dropped their last eight matches but there is every indication that they will farewell the top flight in winning style. Last week they proved once again they won't roll over easily at FMG Stadium, and if it wasn't for a couple of defensive mishaps they would have toppled Bay of Plenty. Manawatu welcome back first five-eight Aaron Cruden into a settled line-up and face a Harbour side that lose two rather big influences in Anthony Boric and Tony Woodcock to the All Blacks.

Key: North Harbour has improved at the backend of the season and is more than capable of playing party poopers - but do they have the motivation?
Tip: Manawatu

Manawatu: Casey Stone, Andre Taylor, Tomasi Cama, Johnny Leota, Aaron James, Aaron Cruden, Aaron Smith, Brent Thompson, Callum Gibbins, Nick Crosswell, James Goode, Reece Robinson, David Te Moana, Rob Foreman, Grant Polson.
Res: Sean O'Connor/Bryn Templeman, Ma'afu Fia, Micheal Fitzgerald, Hamish Gosling/Doug Tietjens, Isaac Thompson, Tevita Taufui, Lote Raikabula

North Harbour: Jack McPhee, Ken Pisi, George Pisi, Andrew Mailei, Rudi Wulf, Mike Harris, Chris Smylie, Vili Ma'afu, Scott Uren, Tom Chamberlain, Filo Paulo, James King, Michael Reid (captain), Mike Mayhew, James Afoa.
Res: Joe Royal, James Afoa, Adrian Smith, Chris Smith, Nalu Tuigamala, Ben Botica, Nafi Tuitavake.

Otago v Counties Manakau, in Dunedin at 5:35pm

Last clash: Otago beat Counties 22-8 at Mt Smart (Rd 4, 2008)
TAB: Otago $1.07, Counties Manakau $7.25

Another dead rubber will play out in Dunedin on Saturday afternoon, but with both sides having nothing to lose this could be an entertaining clash. Otago have shown hints of their potential over the last month and, indeed, their two victories over Bay of Plenty and Tasman prove that this is another season of scant returns. The only good news for the Carisbook faithful is that the Log o' Wood is now just 217 km down State Highway 1 and that they ended up with three All Blacks on the end of year tour squad. Counties on the other hand have no such consolation and are rooted firmly to the bottom of the competition ladder and only a win here with a bonus point could see them possibly overtake Northland. They have a largely settled squad and after performing gallantly for 60 minutes against Auckland last weekend they will surely be determined to sign off from the top-tier on a winning note.

Key: Otago have struggled to score tries at times this season, but against the weakest defence in the Air New Zealand Cup they shouldn't have a problem.
Tip: Otago

Otago: 1 - Ben Nolan, 2 - Peter Mirrielees, 3 - Kees Meeuws, 4 - Hayden Triggs, 5 - Seko Kalou, 6 - Eben Joubert, 7 - Alando Soakai (captain), 8 - Paul Grant, 9 - Sean Romans, 10 - Grant Dickson, 11 - Ryan Shortland, 12 - Aaron Bancroft, 13 - Brett Mather, 14 - Karne Hesketh, 15 - Charlie Hore.
Res: 16 - Jason MacDonald, 17 - Sam Hibbard, 18 - Charlie O'Connell, 19 - Steven Setephano, 20 - James Kenny, 21 - Michael Witt, 22 - Andrew Parata.

Counties: Tim Nanai-Williams, Ahsee Tuala, Siale Piutau, Dean Cummins, Sherwin Stowers, Tasesa Lavea (captain), Samisoni Fisilau, Waka Setitaia, DJ Forbes, Fritz Lee, Rees Logan, Alepini, Tuaefe Palelei, Ilaisa Maasi, Simon Lemalu.
Res: Matt Holloway, Kojak Faioso, Jamie Chipman, Ryota Asano, Notise Tauafao, Josh Hall, David Raikuna

Waikato v Auckland, 7:35pm in Hamilton

Last clash: Waikato beat Auckland 34-13 in Hamilton (Rd 5, 2008)
TAB: Waikato $1.60, Auckland $2.25

Until Southland threw a spanner in the works and snatched the Ranfurly Shield, this was looking like a true winner takes all contest. While the Stags' heroics have effectively ruled Auckland out of the equation, they still have a chance, irrespective of results on Friday night. If Hawke's Bay win with a bonus point over Northland, Waikato can draw level with their own bonus point victory and qualify ahead of the Magpies on the head-to-head rule. And it's not a complete lost cause for Auckland: If either Wellington or Hawke's Bay fall they could yet sneak in. But whatever the scenario, this traditional grudge match should be a clash to savour as both sides will put the foot to the pedal in search of a bonus point. In terms of personnel, both Waikato and Auckland give up a smattering of All Blacks but the home side will probably be the most affected. Stephen Donald, Brendon Leonard and Liam Messam have all been pivotal figures in recent weeks and they now have a tinge of naivety in these key positions. Auckland don't lose much with the powerful Peter Sali replacing Jerome Kaino and Charlie Faumuina in for John Afoa, while Daniel Bowden could yet re-emerge form the bench.

Key: What's at stake? Come Saturday morning Auckland will know if they're out of the running and if they are, Waikato will be thanking their luck stars.
Tip: Waikato

Waikato: Sosene Anesi, Tim Mikkelson, Jackson Willison, Callum Bruce (captain), Dwayne Sweeney, Trent Renata, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Alex Bradley, Jack Lam, Kent Fife, Kevin O'Neill, Toby Lynn, Nathan White, Aled de Malmanche, Hikairo Forbes.
Res: Vern Kamo, Latu Talakai, Romana Graham, Jordan Smiler, David Bason, Save Tokula, Henry Speight.

Auckland: Paul Williams, Joe Rokocoko, Benson Stanley (captain), Jamie Helleur, Atieli Pakalani, Ash Moeke, Taniela Moa or Auvasa Faleali'i, Chris Lowrey, Onosa'I Auva'a, Peter Saili, Andrew van der Heijden, Kurtis Haiu, Charlie Faumuina, Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau,
Res: Pat Leafa, Pauliasi Manu, Jay Williams, Hamish Paterson, Moa or Faleali'i, Gareth Arlidge or Daniel Bowden, Chay Raui.