Highlanders Across the Provinces: NPC Grand Final Preview

The 2026 NPC comes down to one final match. Canterbury will host Northland in the NPC Grand Final in Christchurch on Monday afternoon.  

Otago and Taranaki’s campaigns ended in the semifinals following strong seasons. Both squads featured a strong Highlanders contingent, but neither could overcome their hosts to reach the final. 

Semifinal Results 

Semifinal Wrap  

Otago’s campaign ended in Whangarei on Friday as Northland delivered a convincing second-half performance to book their spot in the 2026 grand final.  

Northland opened the scoring before it became a closely contested first half, both teams dotted down twice in a closely contested first half, with Northland scoring on the stroke of halftime to take a 17–14 lead. 

The second half presented a different story. Otago failed to add to their scoreline for most of the first half as the Taniwha ran away with the game. Ultimately, Otago’s discipline cost them the game as they conceded 15 penalties, allowing Rivez Reihana to slot four penalties, while the infringements helped Northland dominate territory.  

Jona Nareki scored late after gathering a Patrick Pellegrini chip over the Northland defence in the closing stages of the match, but the hosts had already pushed out to an unreachable distance and secured a 38-19 win.  

Canterbury secured a home grand final for the second consecutive year on Sunday. The Red and Blacks held off a determined Bulls side to give themselves a chance to become back-to-back NPC champions.  

At the end of the first half the hosts had put themselves in front with a 26-7 halftime advantage, capitalizing on the line breaks and being clinical with their rolling maul. 

Taranaki refused to be walked over as Highlanders midfielder Meihana Grindlay crossed the try line twice, along with the skipper Kaylum Boshier, to reduce the deficit in an improved second-half display. Grindlay showed his pace and support running, as Taranaki worked their way back into the contest. 

The likes of Adam Lennox, Josh Jacomb and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens all played a significant part in the Bulls surge for a comeback chance. Their efforts were unfortunately not enough as they fell short, ending their campaign one step short of the final as the score ended at 38-28.  

2026 NPC Grand Final 

The final brings together the two top qualifiers of the 2026 regular season. Northland and Canterbury. Northland will return to One NZ Stadium looking to repeat the performance that saw them lift the Ranfurly Shield earlier this season. 

Since that defeat, Canterbury have responded strongly and enter the final chasing consecutive NPC titles. Their playoff experience, powerful forward pack and ability to begin matches quickly were all evident in their semifinal victory.  

The Taniwha, in significant contrast, enter unknown territory. They have earned their first top-tier NPC final ever. 

This rematch presents two very different storylines. Canterbury, an NPC powerhouse, are searching for their 16th title to add to their illustrious history. Northland, on the other hand, are desperate to claim their first title ever.  

Monday’s final sets up a compelling contest between two in-form teams. We will either see a continuation of Canterbury's NPC dominance or crown a new winner for the first time ever.  

Highlander to Watch: Reesjan Pasitoa  

Reesjan shapes up as the key Highlanders player in the grand final.  

The 24-year-old has started in both of Northland’s playoff victories at second five-eighth, using his dynamic skill set to damage the defensive line with his running game and act as a second distributor in the 12 jersey. 

Reesjan will be crucial for the Taniwha against Canterbury to get over the gain line from set piece and help Northland exit from their own territory accurately. 

After helping Northland have their historic season this year, Reesjan could prove vital in giving his team a chance at a fairy-tale ending for their season. 

Watch live on TVNZ or Sky Sport.