Kyren Taumoefolau stars as Tasman start NPC season with thrilling win

A star-studded Tasman Mako side has started the 2026 National Provincial Championship with a nail-biting 31-29 win over North Harbour, with winger Kyren Taumoefolau producing a game-defining hat-trick at Nelson’s Trafalgar Park.

Johnny Lee wore the figurative captain’s armband as the Mako took the field on Friday evening, with a couple of capped All Blacks named in the starting side. Noah Hotham and David Havili headlined a Tasman side that featured plenty of star power across the park.

North Harbour were the wooden spooners last season but put up a mighty effort on the road in the South Island. No. 14 Tom Barham helped the visitors get off to a flyer, touching down for the opening points inside the first five minutes.

That score set the tone for a back-and-forth opening 40, as neither side was able to run away with the contest or take control. Debutant Leo Marfell hit back for the Mako around the 10 minute mark, but that effort was effectively cancelled out by try-scorer Bryn Gordon.

Harbour had raced out to a 15-7 lead after a successful shot at the poles from Cameron Howell, but the home side clawed their way back. Taumoefolau crossed not one but twice, including an effort two minutes after the half-time siren.

Some quick hands from the Majo backline saw Taumoefolau dive over in the corner, just inside the left sideline. William Havili added the extras from a difficult spot, seeing the hosts take a four-point advantage into the sheds.

The second 40 was much of the same, as the two teams continued to trade tries. Cooper Roberts was the first to strike after the break, before Gordon completed a double with an effort just two minutes later.

Taumoefolau completed a hat-trick with a pivotal score in the 61^st minute, with the successful shot at the uprights giving Tasman a nine-point lead. But there was still plenty of time left on the clock, and Harbour didn’t back down from the challenge.

Tom Barham scored what ended up being the final try of the match, with the conversion making it a two-point ball game with 15 to play. But Tasman managed to hang on for the win, opening their campaign with a tough result at home.

“North Harbour really gave it to us for the full game so big credit to them and good to see our boys really stay in,” first-time Tasman captain Johnny Lee said post-game on Sky Sport.

“Definitely a few learnings in our defence and our attack but happy.”