Newest All Black returns in Canterbury team for 2026 NPC final

The Hilux NPC final is upon us, and both Canterbury and Northland have named the teams that will run out at One New Zealand Stadium on Monday afternoon.

The hosts’ teamsheet is headlined by Chay Fihaki returning from his All Blacks debut in Sydney, with both Jamie Hannah and Sam Darry also selected after featuring in the black jersey this year.

Brodie McAlister will captain the defending champions in their first title fight at their new home ground, with some serious firepower coming off the bench in the form of George Bell, Torian Barnes and Isaac Hutchinson.

The Taniwha will be led into the match by a man who knows the Christchurch turf well, Crusaders playmaker Rivez Reihana. Northland’s Crusaders-bound star midfielder, Corey Evans, will go head-to-head with the man he is replacing at the Super Rugby franchise, Dallas McLeod. It will be Sam Nock’s last run in Northland colours before his move to Japan.

Northland won the Ranfurly Shield off Canterbury in their last meeting in Christchurch. Rob Rush, who scored two tries in the 36-12 win, is unavailable for the final.

Canterbury team to play Northland

1. Finlay Brewis
2. Brodie McAlister (capt)
3. Seb Calder
4. Jamie Hannah
5. Sam Darry
6. Xavier Treacy
7. Corey Kellow
8. Dom Gardiner
9. Louie Chapman
10. Andrew Knewstubb
11. Kurtis MacDonald
12. Jone Rova
13. Dallas McLeod
14. Chay Fihaki
15. Johnny McNicholl

Reserves

16. George Bell
17. Lewis Ponini
18. Gus Brown
19. Tahlor Cahill
20. Torian Barnes
21. Tyson Belworthy
22. James Cameron
23. Isaac Hutchinson