Canterbury and Taranaki clash in NPC semi‑final as All Blacks return

Canterbury will host Taranaki in the National Provincial Championship semi‑final, with both provinces boosted by the comeback of an All Black. Lock Jamie Hannah flies back from Sydney to join Canterbury’s match‑day squad, while first five‑eighth Josh Jacomb returns to start for Taranaki, pushing Sam Clarke onto the bench. Canterbury entered the game as the highest‑ranked side from the regular season and will be looking to lock in home advantage for the final. The winner will meet Northland, who secured their place by beating Otago in Whangārei – a historic first‑time final appearance for the north‑side side. Northland supporters may root for Taranaki, because an upset would move the championship match to the north. Taranaki have posted 50 or more points in each of their last four outings, highlighted by a 50‑31 quarter‑final victory over North Harbour in Albany. Canterbury’s path included a dominant 62‑26 win over Waikato in Christchurch. The semi‑final therefore decides which team will challenge Northland for the title.

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Canterbury’s top‑seed status gives them the chance to host the final, while Taranaki’s high‑scoring run shows they can challenge any opponent. The final will be the first NPC showdown for Northland, adding extra excitement for fans in the north.