Highlanders Across the Provinces: NPC Preview Round 10

The final round of the 2026 Hilux NPC regular season is here, with playoff places, home quarter-finals and the Ranfurly Shield still on the line. 

Round 9 delivered plenty of drama, from Counties Manukau’s Shield victory to standout performances from Highlanders across the competition. With returning All Blacks making their presence felt and several teams finding form at the right time, there is plenty to watch as the race for the top eight reaches its final weekend. 

NPC Round 9 Results:

Round 9 Wrap:

Highlanders fans were treated to a Saturday evening double-header as Southland and Otago played back-to-back. Unfortunately, neither side could come away with a win. 

The round’s biggest upset came in Whangārei, where Counties Manukau defeated Northland 22–19 to claim the Ranfurly Shield. Incoming Highlanders hooker Ioane Moananu came off the bench for the Steelers, who fought back from a 14–5 halftime deficit. AJ Alatimu’s 77th-minute penalty sealed a memorable victory. 

Otago made a flying start against North Harbour, racing to a 14–0 lead through early tries to Sam Nemec-Vial and Kieran McClea. Harbour then took control, scoring 32 unanswered points. Finn Hurley showed his footwork to cross late for Otago, but the hosts had already done enough to secure a 32–21 win. 

Southland showed resilience against Canterbury at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch, but fell short 34–21. Stags captain Sean Withy crossed for a try as Southland worked to stay in touch with the home side. 

Timoci Tavatavanawai and Shannon Frizell were influential in Tasman’s 45–26 victory over Bay of Plenty. Tavatavanawai made his presence felt at the breakdown, while Frizell’s powerful carrying helped drive the Mako forward. The loose forward scored a try and set up another for Cooper Roberts, producing a performance that strengthened his case for an All Blacks recall. 

Taranaki delivered an emphatic 50–14 win over Hawke’s Bay in Napier. Adam Lennox, Josh Jacomb, Meihana Grindlay and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens all started for the Bulls, with Lennox and Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens among the try-scorers. Grindlay supplied the final pass for the fullback’s try as Taranaki continued to build momentum. For the Magpies, it was a third consecutive defeat after winning their opening six matches. 

Te Kamaka Howden and Manawatū kept their playoff hopes alive with a 40–34 win over Auckland at Eden Park. The Turbos recovered from an early 12–0 deficit and held their nerve in a contest that swung several times. 

Stanley Solomon provided a bright start for Wellington in his first start at first-five for the Lions, scoring a try in the opening stages against Waikato. His second-half 50/22 also created the platform for Wellington’s other try, but Waikato controlled much of the contest to win 34–10. 

NPC Standings After Round 9:

P = played W = wins L = losses Diff = points difference BP = bonus points 

Looking Ahead to Round 10:

Round 10 is the final round of the regular season. The current top five have secured their playoff places, but the race for a top-four finish and a home quarter-final remains open. 

Waikato, Taranaki and Tasman can each secure a place in the top eight with a win. Manawatū and Bay of Plenty remain in contention, with both looking for a strong final-round result and help from the teams above them. 

NPC Round 10 Fixtures:

Otago open the round against Auckland under the roof in Dunedin on Thursday night. Auckland are out of playoff contention, but could still disrupt Otago’s push for a home quarter-final. For Otago, a return to winning form would keep the pressure on the teams above them. 

Southland host Northland in Invercargill on Friday night. The Taniwhā will be eager to respond after losing the Ranfurly Shield, with a home quarter-final still within reach. The Stags will be looking to finish their season with a win in front of their home supporters. 

Canterbury travel to Palmerston North to face Manawatū on Saturday afternoon. The visitors are chasing a home quarter-final, while the Turbos will look to build on their win at Eden Park and give themselves the best chance of reaching the playoffs. 

Counties Manukau put the Ranfurly Shield on the line against Hawke’s Bay in Pukekohe. The Steelers are out of playoff contention, but a successful defence would allow them to hold the Shield over summer. Folau Fakatava and the Magpies will be determined to end their three-match losing run, reclaim the Shield and strengthen their position in the race for a home quarter-final. 

Waikato’s meeting with Tasman in Hamilton shapes as a key contest in the battle for the top eight. A win would secure either side’s playoff place, while a draw would also put Waikato beyond the reach of Manawatū and Bay of Plenty. Tasman will look to carry the momentum of their win over the Steamers into a challenging away fixture. 

Taranaki host Wellington on Sunday afternoon, with the Bulls looking to turn their recent form into a playoff berth. A win or draw would secure their place in the top eight. For the Lions, it is a final opportunity to avoid a winless regular season. 

Bay of Plenty and North Harbour close out the round in Tauranga. The Steamers will be targeting a bonus-point win to give themselves the best chance of reaching the playoffs, with their fate also depending on results elsewhere. Harbour, meanwhile, can secure top spot with a victory. 

Players to Watch 

Stanley Solomon — Wellington 

Solomon made an immediate impression in the No.10 jersey against Waikato, scoring one of Wellington’s two tries and producing the 50/22 that led to the other. His running threat and ability to create opportunities will be important as the Lions search for their first win of the season against Taranaki. 

Angus Ta’avao — Auckland 

Ta’avao returns to Dunedin with Auckland for a meeting with Otago at Forsyth Barr Stadium. The experienced tighthead, who reached 300 first-class appearances earlier this season, brings leadership and experience to Auckland’s front row. Having re-signed with the Highlanders for 2027, he will be looking to finish his provincial campaign strongly before returning south for Super Rugby Pacific. 

Meihana Grindlay — Taranaki 

Grindlay has been a strong performer in Taranaki’s midfield throughout the NPC. A member of the Highlanders’ wider training group in 2026, he made his Highlanders debut against the Hurricanes during the Super Rugby Pacific season. With two NPC tries this year and an ability to draw defenders and create space for those around him, the powerful midfielder will be one to watch as the Bulls look to secure their playoff place.