Canterbury strong for NPC final against Northland
Can Canterbury claim another NPC title, or will Northland continue their fairytale season and win their first championship?
The teams have been named for the final in Christchurch on Labour Day Monday with the red and blacks side packed with current or former All Blacks
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The back three for Canterbury featues the hugely experienced international players in Johnny McNicholl and Dallas McLeod mixed with new All Blacks Chay Fihaki.
In the forward pack there's two All Black locks in Sam Darry and Jamie Hannah plus another experienced campaigner in Brodie mcAlister at hooker and captain, George Bell is on the bench as they aim for their 16th NPC title.
Northland doesn't have any All Blacks listed as yet, but has plenty of Super Rugby game players in their 23.
Marcel Renata leads the front row with regular Blues player Josh Goodhue in the middle row and Sam Nock at half back followed by Rivez Reihana and first five and captain.
The remainder of the backline has shown plenty of pace and creativity throughout the season while Aussie Lachie Hooper has been a highlight for the side learning the game and showing plenty of support play for the Taniwha.
It's not yet known if All Blacks loose forward will be a late inclusion for the Northland team, however if he makes he'll add plenty of power to the side.
Canterbury v Northland
One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch
Monday, 2.10pm
Canterbury: Johnny McNicholl, Chay Fihaki, Dallas McLeod, Jone Rova, Kurtis MacDonald, Andrew Knewstubb, Louie Chapman, Dom Gardiner, Corey Kellow, Xavier Treacy, Sam Darry, Jamie Hannah, Seb Calder, Brodie McAlister (capt), Finlay Brewis. Reserves: George Bell, Lewis Ponini, Gus Brown, Tahlor Cahill, Torian Barnes, Tyson Belworthy, James Cameron, Isaac Hutchinson.
Northland: Jordan Trainor, Heremaia Murray, Corey Evans, Reesjan Pasitoa, Brady Rush, Rivez Reihana (capt), Sam Nock, Terrell Peita, Lachie Hooper, Grady Forbes, Allan Craig, Josh Goodhue, Marcel Renata, James Mullan, Esile Fono. Reserves: Jordan Hutchings, Olly Ryan, Daniel Botha, Heath MacEwan, Darcy Holwell, Josh Renton, James Ramm, Nathan Salmon.
