NPC: A look into Round 3
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The NPC enters its third week of non-stop action. This weekends fixtures kick-off with Bay of Plenty travelling to the Navigation Homes Stadium is a stadium in Pukekohe, to take on Counties Manukau. The home side will be looking to secure their first win of this season, having gone down 37-29 againt Taranaki on opening week, before a hearbreaking 25-24 loss to Hawke's Bay last weekend.
Meanwhile, Bay of Plenty will be loking two make two wins in three games, after they also suffered a first round loss on opening week against Auckland, before bouncing back with a narrow 19-15 win against Waikato in the second round.
Log leaders Taranaki sit at the top of the table, two points ahead of second placed Hawke's Bay, with both teams making it 3 wins in as many games. Taranaki travel to Hamilton to take on sixth place Waikato, who will be looking to secure a morale boosting win at home.
Hawke's Bay will welcome current bottom placed Otago at Mclean Park. Otago will have it all to do, after they suffered a 28-5 hammering at home last week, at the hands of current Ranfurly Shield Holders, Wellington and a convincing 27-15 loss to Tasman on opening week.
Ranfurly Shield holders Wellington, currently sit in 6th place with two wins from two, including one over Manawatu on opening week. They will welcome 10th placed Southland for their third fixture of the season as they build towards defending their title.
Other Weekends Fixtures Include:
North Harbour vs Auckland (Onewa Domain, Auckland)
Canterbury vs. Manawutu (Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch)
Northland vs Tasman (Okara Park, Whangarei)