A sporting clash has emerged in Christchurch this Saturday, after Canterbury's extra-time NPC quarter-final triumph over Counties-Manukau

They'll host Hawke's Bay for a spot in the decider from 7.15pm at Apollo Projects Stadium - the same time New Zealand and England begin their T20 cricket series across town at Hagley Oval.

It's understood Canterbury Rugby lobbed a request for the staging of their semi-final in the afternoon, but host broadcaster Sky Sport wouldn't budge.

That means Sky Sport's rugby will be pitted against TVNZ's cricket while fans hoping to attend, watch or listen to both games are guaranteed to come a distant third.