10 Great Rivalries in New Zealand Rugby

This weekend witnesses two of New Zealand rugby's most fabled provincial rivalries when Auckland travel across of the Bombays to Waikato while Canterbury host their southern neighbours, Otago in Christchurch.

While these two rivalries have somewhat lost their luster in recent years due to the fact that Super Rugby plays a bigger role in those cities now, the history and prestige of both rivalries is still strong.

How do they rank amongst the great rivalries of New Zealand rugby below?

Waikato v Auckland

The battle of the Bombays is always a good one and the prize has often been one Ranfurly Shield. Diluted somewhat by the Blues and Chiefs now, but Mooloo fans still treasure a win against the team from the big smoke.

Canterbury v Otago

Another rivalry diluted by the Crusaders and Highlanders nowadays but still the ultimate South Island derby. Memories of David Latta from 1994 still grate Otago fans to this day. Otago fans still love getting one over the Red and Blacks even if there aren't too many who watch the games nowadays.

Auckland v Wellington

The battle for the North Island. One of the most memorable matches is Wellington's thrashing of Auckland to clinch the Ranfurly Shield for the first time in a long time in 2008.

Auckland v Canterbury

Often considered the battle for the national title given both sides' domination of the provincial game in the last 30 years. That Ranfurly Shield game of 1985 still remains the most fabled match in New Zealand provincial rugby history.

Wellington v Canterbury

A more recent rivalry given Wellington's two Ranfurly Shield and championship heartbreakers, even if most of the controversy occurs when the Hurricanes and Crusaders take on each other - McCaw v Tialata anyone?

Otago v Southland

The oldest rivalry still going in New Zealand rugby. This is probably the one rivalry that hasn't been diluted too much by Super Rugby especially when the game's in Invercargill - bragging rights in the Highlanders franchise are always up for grabs if the Shield hasn't been for some time.

Auckland v North Harbour

The Battle of the Bridge and a fairly recent one even if it has seen plenty of controversy. It's the suburban new boys up against the favourites and big team from the city.