Canterbury advanced to the national Provincial Championship (NPC) final, defeating Hawke’s Bay 43-19 in their semi-final clash at Christchurch’s Apollo Projects Stadium. The victory secures a home final against Otago next weekend.
Canterbury opened the scoring with an early penalty, followed by a long-range try from winger Ngane Punivai, set up by captain Tom Christie’s turnover win. Hawke’s Bay no.8 Devan flanders nearly responded with a kick-and-chase, but Punivai later saw a potential second try denied by a touch ruling on marker Naria Fomai.
Lock Sam Darry extended Canterbury’s lead with a try following sustained forward pressure,but Hawke’s Bay capitalized on a yellow card to Punivai,with Fomai scoring from a Flanders turnover. Bay halfback Folau Fakatava then dove over for a try, narrowing the gap to 15-14.
The second half saw a surge from Canterbury, beginning with a try from Dallas McLeod, following a run by Christie. McLeod quickly added a second after a period of sustained pressure from a five-meter scrum. Prop Daniel Lienert-Brown then scored, benefiting from a charge-down and skillful control of the deflection by Darry.
Hawke’s Bay winger Jonah Lowe managed a late try, but Canterbury closed out the game with a final try from Christie in the dying seconds.
canterbury has secured nine NPC titles since the competition’s revamp in 2006, with their last championship win coming in 2017. otago has yet to achieve success during that period.
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