For sponsorship reasons, the competition was known as the ITM Cup and it was the fifth season under the lead sponsor.

If necessary of a tiebreaker, when two or more teams finish on equal points, the union who defeated the other in a head-to-head got placed higher.

In case of a draw between them, the side with the biggest points deferential margin got rights to be ranked above.

If they were tied on points difference, it was then decided by a highest scored try count or a coin toss.

The top two division winners, based on table points, received a home semi-final.

The competition started on 14 August, with Taranaki taking on Counties Manukau at Yarrow Stadium.