The key question with two rounds remaining in the Plunket Shield is whether anyone can stop Canterbury.
No side is mathematically out of the equation, given the generous point hauls on offer, and even Auckland in fifth can still claim the crown.
But it would take an incredible series of result for that to transpire, the first of which is a win in their penultimate game against Otago, starting at the University Oval in Dunedin on Sunday.
After failing in their chase of 361 to beat Canterbury in their last fixture - being dismissed for 296 despite Craig Cachopa's 118 - Auckland now trail the Wizards by 30 points.
With a maximum of 20 available every match, Auckland have a steep hill to climb, especially considering their opponents this week have a much more realistic chance of overhauling the leaders.
Otago sit in second, 18 points behind their southern neighbours, and have a realistic shot to win the four-day competition for the first time in a quarter of a century.
Canterbury, meanwhile, have the opportunity to create some more breathing space when they host third-placed Central Districts in Rangiora, while Ish Sodhi returns for Northern Districts as the cellar-dwellers welcome Wellington to Whangarei.
Plunket Shield round nine fixtures: Otago v Auckland, University Oval, Dunedin; Canterbury v Central Districts, MainPower Oval, Rangiora; Northern Districts v Wellington, Cobham Oval in Whangarei.
Points with two rounds left: Canterbury 85, Otago 67, Central Districts 63, Wellington 60, Auckland 55, Northern Districts 51.
