Northland overcome Southland in NPC
- Dave Worsley
- Aug 9
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 9
Replacement hooker James Mullan played a starring role in Northland's 22-17 win over Southland in the second week of the 2025 NPC in Whangarei.
Ex Cantab, now Blues frontrower, Mullan scored three second half tries, barging over in the 44th, 62nd and 69th minutes from lineout drives close to Southland's tryline as the visitors struggled to stick to a game plan.
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Southland had led 7-0 at halftime thanks to a try to former Northland wing Scott Gregory as both sides strived to get their first win of the season.
Highlanders flanker Sean Withy replied to Mullan's first try, but from then on Northland's forwards and first five Rivez Reihana asserted their dominance on the game and set Mullan up for his crucial second and third tries.
Reihana added on a penalty goal for insurance with a few minutes remaining, before Southland took what they could get and ended the game by booting one of their own to earn a losing bonus point.
Northland gave new All Black Simon Parker a good send off to Argentina as he was heavily involved in the game.
Northland now host Tasman next Saturday. Southland have another Friday night clash, against Manawatū in Invercargill.
Northland 22 (James Mullan 3 tries; Rivez Reihana 2 con, pen) Southland 17 (Scott Gregory, Sean Withy tries; Mika Muliana con, pen, Dan Hollinshead con). HT: 0-7
