After five rounds of the Air New Zealand Cup, we're starting to see who the true contenders for the title are - and it may surprise a few people to see Bay of Plenty and Hawkes Bay sitting in third and fourth place, half way through the competition.

What's even more surprising is that Auckland is sitting in eleventh, which is pretty poor for the competition heavyweights.

Waikato, too, have been poor, with only one win and a draw. But they have managed to keep themselves in the hunt with plenty of bonus points, and currently sit in eighth position.

With only five rounds to go, sides like Otago, Waikato, North Harbour and Southland are going to have to step it up if they want to make the top four.

Here's how round five went:

On Thursday night, Southland proved too strong for the struggling Counties-Manukau, winning comfortably 31-8. The Stags get a shot at the Ranfurly Shield this weekend, and with the way Auckland is playing they have a good shot at lifting the Shield, for the first time since 1959.

Taranaki defeated Northland 39-21 in a high scoring affair. Northland don't have a lot to play for anymore, but their players will be looking to impress, as they look for new teams. Fetu Vainakolo scored a fantastic try late in the game, and should have no trouble securing a contract with another province next year.

Hawkes Bay scored the upset of the round, beating Otago at Carisbrook on Friday night. The 19-10 win moved them into the top four, and they stand a real chance of making the semi finals for a second straight year. Otago should have had this one, especially at home, and the loss won't help their top four aspirations.

Saturday saw the top of the table clash between Wellington and Bay of Plenty, but Wellington made easy work of the Bay, running away with a 48-12 point win. Hosea Gear and Victor Vito were outstanding, and both are a great chance of making the All Black's end of year tour - at least, we think so.

North Harbour kept their chances alive with a 20-17 win over Manawatu, although they did it pretty tough, not sealing the win until the dying stages of the game.

Waikato picked up their first win with an impressive 34-13 win over Auckland. Stephen Donald led from the front, while Sione Luaki had a very strong game (yes, we were just as surprised as you were). If only he could play that well for the All Blacks...

Canterbury rounded out the weekend with a comfortable 44-15 win over Tasman, which moves them into second place overall.

Wellington and Canterbury are definitely the teams to beat right now, with our prediction of Wellington coming first looking pretty solid right. But there's still five rounds to go, and there are still a few teams in the hunt for the top four.

It going to make for a great finish, sports fans.