Northland beat Otago to reach first NPC final
History for Northland reaching their first NPC rugby final after dispatching Otago 38-19 in the wet in Whangārei.
Despite losing both skipper Rob Rush and fullback James Ramm to injuries the previous week Northland started well and finished better.
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The home side scored after seven minutes, with Marcel Renata breaking through from the lineout. Rivez Reihana converted to put Northland up 7-0.
As the weather turned and rain started to fall, Otago fought back, repeatedly pushing forward into enemy territory until Kieran McClea could sneak through to claim a try. Cameron Millar converted to equalise with the Taniwha, 7-7.
Reihana slotted in a penalty kick after messy play from Otago, putting Northland back in front 10-7.
Northland were then caught offside. Otago's captain Christian Lio-Willie dug in and got the ball to the line for the try. Millar converted to put Otago ahead for the first time, 10-14.
However Renata then claimed his second try of the match, with Reihana easily converting to put Northland back in front going into the second half, 17-14.
Renata paid the price for his score with a suspected broken collarbone identified during the break.
Into the second half and the Taniwha scored after their scrum put pressure on Otago Heremaia Murray. Reihana converted from the sideline to extend Northland's lead, 24-14. He then added three penalty goals to take the score to 33-14.
This was then followed by Northland's Nathan Salmon slicing through the defence for a try in the left corner.
With the result confirmed Otago managed a consolation try, with Jona Nareki through for a try on a loose ball. A missed conversion meant Otago finished the match 38-19.
The second semifinal will take place on Sunday afternoon, with Canterbury taking on Taranaki in Christchurch.
