Highlanders Across the Provinces: NPC Round 3

Round 2 Wrap:

Round 2 of the NPC saw some extremely close games, with five of the seven matches being decided by 6 points or less.  

Two major milestones were reached by Highlanders squad members over the weekend. Nikora Broughton celebrated his 50th appearance for the Bay of Plenty Steamers, scoring two tries in their thrilling 34-31 win over Northland. Angus Ta'avao reached an incredible 300 first-class matches in Auckland’s 34-31 win over Wellington.   

Canterbury proved too strong for Otago in the southern Ranfurly Shield clash in Dunedin. Otago threw all they had at Canterbury after trailing for the entire match. Canterbury were able to hold on for a close 19-15 victory and regain the Shield from the side that took it from them last season. 

There were only two comfortable victories over the weekend. Folau Fakatava’s Hawke’s Bay Magpies continued their strong start to the season with a 50-19 win over Tasman. North Harbour did a similar job with their 59-19 win over Counties Manukau.  

Southland fell victim to an astonishing comeback from Manawatu which saw a try on full time to clinch the match at 36-35. Te Kamaka Howden, the 2026 Highlanders Forward and Defender of the Year, was immense for the Turbos. While young Southland first-five (2026 Highlanders NDC Contract and NZ U20s) Jimmy Taylor scored an impressive 20 points for the Stags with 2 tries and a perfect five from five off the tee.  

Round 2 Results 

• Manawatu 36 – 35 Southland 

• Canterbury 19 – 15 Otago  

• Hawke’s Bay 50 – 19 Tasman  

• Bay of Plenty 34 – 31 Northland 

• Auckland 34 – 31 Wellington  

• Waikato 38- 32 Taranaki 

• North Harbour 59-19 Counties Manukau 

Broughton and Lasaqa Set for Shield Challenge 

It will now be Canterbury’s turn to defend the Ranfurly Shield at home on Saturday when they take on Bay of Plenty. One thing that can be learned from round 2 is that a Ranfurly Shield challenge can bring the best out of the challenging side, and Bay of Plenty will be no easy task for Canterbury. The Steamers have enjoyed plenty of recent success in the competition, making the semifinals in recent seasons and reaching the final in 2024. The loose forward duo of Nikora Broughton and Veveni Lasaqa will be key figures as they look to bring the Shield back to the Bay of Plenty.  

Otago will look to bounce back from their Shield loss when they travel north to face Manawatu, with several Highlanders squad members looking to respond after the narrow defeat to Canterbury.  

Folau Fakatava and the unbeaten Hawke’s Bay Magpies will be looking to keep their unbeaten record alive when they take on Auckland.  

Southland are yet to enter the winner’s column in 2026 and with Waikato sitting second on the table, Sean Withy’s Stags face another tough challenge. After coming agonisingly close against Manawatu, they will be desperate to turn their promising performances into a first victory.  

Matches in Round 3:  

Thursday 13th of August 

• Wellington vs North Harbour – 7:10pm  

Friday 14th of August  

• Northland vs Taranaki – 7:10pm  

Saturday 15th of August  

• Canterbury vs Bay of Plenty - 2:05pm  
• Auckland vs Hawkes Bay – 5:05pm  

Manawatu vs Otago – 7:10pm  

Sunday 16th of August  

• Southland vs Waikato – 2:05pm 
• Counties Manukau vs Tasman – 5:05pm  

Players to Watch in Round 3:  

Nikora Broughton – Bay of Plenty 

• A Ranfurly Shield challenge should bring the best out of Nikora Broughton. You could light a match off him at the moment. The Highlanders loose forward has made a strong start to the NPC season on both sides of the ball. Coming off a two-try performance in his 50th match for the Steamers, Broughton heads to Christchurch in red-hot form.  

Mitch Dunshea – Southland 

• The towering lock has been immense for Southland in the first two rounds of the NPC. He has established himself as the go-to option at lineout time while also making an impact with ball in hand, including some crafty offloads in contact. His experience will be important as Southland look to secure their first win of the season against a strong Waikato side.  

Mika Muliaina - Southland 

• Fresh from the NZ Under 20 World Championship, Muliaina has returned to Southland with another year of experience behind him. Now into his second NPC campaign, the exciting young inside back will be looking to translate his age-grade form onto the provincial stage and make his mark against Waikato. Mika, who signed a 3-year deal with the Highlanders starting in 2027, has plenty of potential and excitement surrounding him. 

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