Highlanders Across the Provinces : NPC Preview: QuarterFinals

The playoffs are here. Round 10 brought the 2026 NPC regular season to a close, confirming the top eight and the four quarter-final hosts. The Ranfurly Shield’s home for the summer has also been decided, with Counties Manukau retaining the Log o’ Wood. 

NPC Round 10 Results 

Round 10 Wrap: 

The final round delivered plenty of entertainment as teams fought for playoff places, home quarter-finals and a strong finish to their seasons. 

On Thursday night, fans at Forsyth Barr Stadium were treated to a thriller between Otago and Auckland. Chasing a home quarter-final, Otago trailed 28–19 at halftime before fighting their way back, with tries from Joesva Tamani and Finn Hurley helping keep them in the contest. With the scores level after the siren, Cam Millar attempted a drop goal under penalty advantage. Although his attempt missed, he made no mistake with the resulting penalty, sealing a dramatic 45–42 win and a home quarter-final. 

Friday brought a north-versus-south clash as Southland hosted Northland in Invercargill. Already out of playoff contention, the Stags remained competitive, with the scores level late in the first half. The Taniwha pulled away as the match progressed, securing a 28–14 victory to finish second on the table. 

Canterbury ended Manawatū’s playoff hopes with a 22–12 win in Palmerston North. The reigning champions extended their winning streak to five matches and secured top spot heading into the quarter-finals. Te Kamaka Howden was heavily involved for Manawatū, providing a try assist in his final NPC appearance of the season. 

On Saturday, Counties Manukau hosted Hawke’s Bay in their first Ranfurly Shield defence since lifting the trophy from Northland. Folau Fakatava and the Magpies could not find a way past a determined Steelers side, who built a 12–0 lead before holding on for a gritty 12–7 victory. It was Hawke’s Bay’s fourth consecutive defeat after opening the competition with six wins. For Counties Manukau, the result secured the Ranfurly Shield for the summer. 

Tasman claimed a crucial 50–33 away win over Waikato to finish seventh and secure their playoff place. Shannon Frizell and Timoci Tavatavanawai played influential roles for the Mako, contributing with ball in hand and through key defensive efforts. Despite the defeat, Waikato collected a try-scoring bonus point and held on to eighth place. 

Taranaki recorded the biggest win of Round 10, putting 68 points on Wellington at home. Their backline, featuring several Highlanders, was electric, with Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Adam Lennox and Meihana Grindlay all playing important roles. Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens and Lennox both crossed for tries in the 68–26 victory. The result consigned Wellington to a winless season, although Stanley Solomon provided some bright moments with his involvement in an impressive try and three conversions. 

The final match of the regular season saw Bay of Plenty beat North Harbour 38–21. The defeat ended Harbour’s hopes of finishing top, although they still secured a home quarter-final. The Steamers narrowly missed the playoffs, finishing ninth. After an impressive NPC campaign, Highlanders forward Nikora Broughton will share that disappointment with teammates Veveni Lasaqa and Josh Bartlett. 

2026 NPC Standings – After Round 10 

P = Played | W = Wins | D = Draws | L = Losses | PF = Points For | PA = Points Against | BP = Bonus Points | Pts = Competition Points 

Looking ahead to the Quarter Finals: 

The competition now enters its knockout stages, with eight teams still in the hunt for the 2026 NPC title. Canterbury, Northland, Otago and North Harbour have earned home quarter-finals, while Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, Tasman and Waikato will look to keep their seasons alive on the road. 

Quarter Final Fixtures:

Northland and Tasman open the quarter-finals on Friday night, with the Taniwha hosting an NPC quarter-final for the first time. Northland have enjoyed an outstanding campaign, finishing second after a season that also included a stint with the Ranfurly Shield. Tasman arrive with momentum following their decisive win over Waikato, but will be without Timoci Tavatavanawai and Shannon Frizell, who have been named in the All Blacks’ squad for Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup match. With a semi-final place on the line, this shapes as a compelling contest to begin the weekend. 

Saturday’s action starts with North Harbour hosting Taranaki. The Bulls’ backline has hit form at the right time, with Beauden Barrett’s inclusion adding further quality to their final-round win over Wellington. North Harbour have been clinical throughout the season and will look to make home advantage count against a dangerous Taranaki attack. 

At 4:05pm, Otago host Hawke’s Bay at Forsyth Barr Stadium. The Magpies won the last meeting between the sides in Round 6, but their fortunes have changed considerably since then, with four consecutive defeats heading into the playoffs. Last year’s runners-up, Otago, will be determined to go one step further in 2026. A settled core has helped the side develop over recent seasons, while a strong Highlanders presence has given supporters plenty to enjoy. Their pursuit of the title begins with overcoming the Magpies on Saturday. 

Sunday sees eighth-placed Waikato travel to One NZ Stadium to face Canterbury. The defending champions are chasing back-to-back titles and enter the playoffs on a five-match winning streak. Canterbury won the teams’ Round 6 meeting 36–14 and will head into the quarter-final as favourites. However, in a competition that has produced plenty of closely fought contests and upsets, Waikato will be looking to deliver one more and book a semi-final berth. 

Players to watch: 

Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens – Taranaki 

Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens moves back to fullback for Taranaki’s quarter-final against North Harbour after featuring on the wing in their convincing win over Wellington. With several All Blacks returning to national duties, the Highlanders outside back will be an important figure for the Bulls. In recent games, he has exploited his pace and ability to tear defenses apart. JRK will be one to keep an eye on.  

Lucas Casey – Otago  

Casey has continued to impress for Otago, with 10 tries putting the Highlanders loose forward among the competition’s leading try scorers. Elusive with ball in hand and quick to identify a gap, he provides an attacking threat on the edge that has been instrumental for Otago. With Hawke’s Bay visiting Forsyth Barr Stadium for the quarter-final, Otago will be looking for another influential performance from Casey. 

Finn Hurley - Otago 

Hurley provided another spark off the bench in Otago’s thrilling 45–42 win over Auckland, crossing early in the second half to help bring his side back into the contest. The Highlanders outside back is building momentum at the right time, with his footwork and pace adding another dimension to Otago’s attack. He will be one to watch when he starts at fullback against Hawke’s Bay this weekend.