Canterbury end Northland NPC dream in final
A second half blitz from Canterbury has seen the defending NPC champions claim the 2026 title over Northland 43-24 in Christchurch.
Trailing 21-10 at halftime, the defending champions turned the match around with five second-half tries to secure a convincing victory.
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The win marks Canterbury's 16th NPC crown, one behind the record of titles held by Auckland..
The Taniwha started strong, with a try to wing Heremaia Murray in the 15th minute followed by fullback Jordan Trainor 10 minutes later.
However the home side already had one try registered with experienced loose forward Dom Gardiner crossing in the sixth minute.
Captain Brodie McAlister crossed in the 30th minute for the Cantabs while Corey Evans scored just before haltime for the visiting side
After the break Northland were unable to maintain their momentum as Taniwha captain Rivez Reihana tried to keep the side going in what has been their best season, especially winning the Ranfurly Shield and the making the NPC final
.The Canerbury bench then showed their worth with prop George Bell scoring a quick double and then reserve win Isaac Hutchinson did the same. while Tyson Belworthy added one try from the bench late in the game.
The game was played in front of a sold-out crowd at Te Kaha Stadium in Christchurch.
Canterbury 43 (George Bel 2, Isaac Hutchinson 2, Brodie McAlister, Dom Gardiner, Tyson Belworthy , tries; Chay Fihaki 4 cons) beat Northland 24 (Heremaia Murray, Jordan Trainor, Corey Evans tries; Rivez Reihana 3 con, 1 pen) HT: 10-21.
