Canterbury book NPC final spot with dominant win over Hawke’s Bay

Canterbury will host Otago in the NPC final next weekend after running away with a clinical 43-19 win over Hawke’s Bay in Christchurch. With the stage now set for the title decider, the Cantabrians are potentially 80 minutes away from their first NPC crown in eight years.

After securing a three-peat of premiership titles from 2015 through to 2017, Canterbury lost the big dance to Auckland the following year. They’ve made one more final since then, falling to Wellington 26-18 in 2022.

In the 2025 season, Canterbury finished in first place on the ladder after securing eight wins and one draw from 10 round-robin matches. They defeated Counties Manukau 23-15 in a thrilling 100-minute quarter-final last weekend, and backed that up with another triumph in the semi-finals.

Chay Fihaki opened the scoring in the fifth minute against the Magpies, with the fullback knocking over an early penalty attempt from close range. Hawke’s Bay had a chance to hit back almost immediately but Canterbury’s defence kept them in front.

Hawke’s Bay unleashed waves of attacking pressure as they made their way up the field. Tom Parsons dove over the try line hoping to give the visitors the lead, but the second-rower was held up – allowing first five-eight to relieve some pressure with a goal-line dropout.

Canterbury reaped the rewards of their defensive excellence, extending the lead after captain Tom Christie turned over possession with a pilfer. Ngantungane Punivai raced away down the left edge for a crucial score in the ninth minute.

With Canterbury leading 8-0, the hosts had well and truly taken hold of the match’s momentum during the opening exchanges, but Devan Flanders nearly changed the course of the match with a flash of skill and playmaking brilliance.

Flanders offered a chip kick ahead for others to chase, but the backrower won the race to the ball, beating Fihaki with a desperate dive within the in-goal. Flanders was denied by the TMO, placing the ball down on the dead-ball line.

The Magpies had come incredibly close to scoring yet again. Canterbury still held onto their hard-fought lead, and it didn’t take the minor premiers long to extend their advantage even more, with All Blacks lock Sam Darry burrowing over for a score.

Fihaki added the extras to give Canterbury a 15-0 lead.

But then, Punivai was shown a yellow card for an international knockdown midway through the first term. While the winger was on the sidelines, Neria Fomai and Folau Fakatava scored a try each for Hawke’s Bay.

At half-time, it was only a one-point game.

Canterbury led by one at the break, but it was one-way traffic for most of the second term. All Black Dallas McLeod crossed for a double within a six-minute period, and prop Daniel Lienert-Brown scored another five-pointer.

By the 67^th minute, Canterbury led 36-14.

Jonah Lowe offered Hawke’s Bay hope of a miraculous comeback with a try in the 70^th minute, but time just wasn’t on the Magpies’ side. Christie had the final point-scoring say of the match, running in untouched for a try with time almost up on the clock.

For Hawke’s Bay, an impressive season – which included a win over Otago in Dunedin in the round-robin – has come to an end.

As for Canterbury, it’s all to play for on Saturday afternoon against Otago, who booked their spot in the decider with a comprehensive win against Bay of Plenty in Dunedin.