Sky Sport commentator Ken Laban has backed Hawke's Bay to win the NPC title, which would be the province's first championship.
Laban said, "They've been a form horse, they're experienced, they are well coached, their tactics are good, they are very sharp, they are very aggressive up front."
He also predicted a final against North Harbour, whose forwards and breakdown work have impressed him.
"I just remember commentating Harbour a few weeks ago when they absolutely tore Wellington apart and I thought they were very structured.
"I thought that their forwards and their relentless aggression at the break-down was pretty special."
The prediction comes with two regular-season rounds remaining and only two points separating the leading five teams.
Northland, Otago and Hawke's Bay share the lead on 32 points, followed by North Harbour on 31 and Canterbury on 30.
Those five sides have established a significant gap over the rest of the competition.