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Manawatu face off against Taranaki Bulls in Hilux NPC Round 7 on Thu 10th September 2026 at Central Energy Trust Arena. Kick-off in the UK is scheduled for 08:10. In South Africa it’s at 09:10 SAST, 19:10 NZST on TVNZ+ in New Zealand, 17:10 AEST on Stan Sport in Australia and 00:10 EST on RugbyPass TV in the US.
Manawatu won the last encounter but Taranaki Bulls are in the best form of their last 5 games.
Heading into the fixture the two sides are separated by just 5 places in the league table with Taranaki Bulls in 5th and Manawatu in 10th underlining just how tight this match could be.
The official squads for Manawatu vs Taranaki Bulls will become available around 24- 48 hours before kick-off. Teams can still make changes up to an hour before the match however.
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Sign up for freeBarrett had to watch the Test series from afar, spending most of it rehabbing a bulged disc in his back from the start of the 2026…
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Reece MacDonald kicks the penalty.
The Taranaki supporters go wild as Sam Clarke successfully kicks the penalty goal.
The Taranaki pack has powered over for JJ Pokai to score the try.
James Tofa (Manawatū) is shown a yellow card
The touch judges raise their flags as Reece MacDonald kicks the conversion.
A penetrating move by Manawatū results in a try for Doug Philipson.
Sam Clarke adds the two points for Taranaki.
A clever kick there by Taranaki allows Daniel Rona to collect the ball and touch down for the try.
Reece MacDonald does the business as their conversion attempt goes over.
Incisive passing by Manawatū is finished off by Brayden Iose, as they goes over for the try.
The Manawatū supporters go wild as Reece MacDonald successfully kicks the penalty goal.
Reece MacDonald converts the try.
Brayden Iose scores the try from close range.
Sam Clarke converts the try.
Nobody could stop that maul! Zach Landon-Lane places the ball down for the try.
Sam Clarke has kicked a penalty goal.