NPC team lists: Finn Hurley returns as Otago name side for semi-final

Naitoa Ah Kuoi will captain Bay of Plenty in the absence of injured Kurt Eklund, as the Steamers look to continue their quest for the 2025 NPC title against an Otago side that’s been boosted by the return of lively outside back Finn Hurley.

After falling agonisingly short of NPC glory last season, with Callum Harkin knocking over a 93rd-minute penalty goal which saw the Wellington Lions secure their second title in three years, the Bay are potentially 80 minutes away from returning to the big dance.

They’ll take on a confident Otago side in the first semi-final, after they defeated Waikato 44-41 last time out at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium. Cameron Millar converted a dramatic match-winning penalty in the 82^nd minute to send Otago through to the final four.

Millar will partner Dylan Pledger in the halves, with Otago naming a strong side for the semi-final showdown. Abraham Pole joins Nic Souchon and Rohan Wingham in the front row, while locks Will Tucker and Oliver Haig round out the tight five.

Will Stodart and Lucas Casey are the two flankers, with All Black Christian Lio-Wilie lining up at No. 8. Outside of the halves pairing, Thomas Umaga-Jensen and Josh Whaanga are the centres, with Jona Nareki and Jae Broomfield on the wings, and captain Sam Gilbert at fullback.

Hurley returns after a long stint on the sidelines, named on the bench. This will be Hurley’s first match since the sixth round of this year’s Super Rugby Pacific season.

Ah Kuoi will pack down alongside Aisaka Vakasiuola in the Bay’s second row, with Josh Bartlett lining up alongside Taine Kolose and Tevita Mafileo up front. Loose forwards Jacob Norris, Veveni Lasaqa and Nikora Broughton complete the team’s starting forward pack.

Richard Judd will link up with in-form first five-eighth Lucas Cashmore, with Seamus Bardoul and Lalomilo Lalomilo the centre pairing. Former All Black Sevens ace Fehi Finenanofo starts on the left wing, with Kele Lasaqa on the right and Cole Forbes at fullback.

“It’s an exciting week for the team in many ways. Obviously reaching the semi-finals is exciting and a culmination of the hard work and the belief this team grown throughout the season,” Otago coach Mark Brown said.

“It is also exciting to celebrate Will Tucker’s 50th game for Otago. Will is a central figure within the team and has made a significant contribution to the team’s success this year. Finally, we welcome back Finn Hurley from a long injury layoff. It’s a credit to Finn and our medical and S & C team who have worked tirelessly to get him back to full fitness.

Fixture

Bunnings NPC

Otago

41 - 17

Full-time

Bay of Plenty

All Stats and Data

“The support we have received lately has been awesome and as we go deeper into the finals, the support becomes increasingly important. We are looking forward to a bumper Otago crowd on Friday night so make sure you get your tickets and help us keep the 2025 dream alive.”

In the other semi-final, Tom Christie captains Canterbury against Hawke’s Bay in Christchurch. Finlay Brewis, George Bell, Seb Calder, Sam Darry and Jamie Hannah make up Canterbury’s tight five, with Zach Gallagher joining Christie and Domonic Gardinier in the loose.

Louie Chapman and Andrew Knewstubb are the halves, while Dallas McLeod and Braydon Ennor bring All Blacks experience into the midfield. Ngatungane Punivai and Manasa Mataele are the wingers, with Chay Fihaki named at fullback.

As for the Magpies, hooker Jacob Devery and lock Tom Parsons share co-captaincy duties. Pouri Rakete-Stones and Joe Apikotoa have also been named in the front-row, with Geoff Criidge packing down alongside Parsons at lock.

Miracle Failagi and Sam Smith start on a flank each, with Devan Flanders at No. 8. Folau Fakatava and Lincoln McClutchie are the halves, with Anaru Paenga-Morgan and Nick Grigg in the midfield.

Neria Fomai and Jonah Lowe have been selected on the wings, with Zarn Sullivan at fullback. Isaia Walker-Leawere and Lukas Ripley are among the eight players who will look to make a difference off the pine.

Otago vs Bay of Plenty – Friday, October 17, 7:15 pm

Canterbury vs Hawke’s Bay – Saturday, October 18, 7:15 pm

Team lists

Otago: Abraham Pole, Nic Souchon, Rohan Wingham, Will Tucker, Oliver Haig, Will Stodart, Lucas Casey, Christian Lio-Willie, Dylan Pledger, Cameron Millar, Jona Nareki, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Josh Whaanga, Jae Broomfield, Sam Gilbert (c). Replacements: Liam Coltman, Benjamin Lopas, Moana Takataka, Joseva Tamani, Harry Taylor, Nathan Hastie, Sam Nemec-Vial, Finn Hurley

Bay of Plenty: Josh Bartlett, Taine Kolose, Tevita Mafileo, Naitoa Ah Kuoi (c), Aisake Vakasiuola, Jacob Norris, Veveni Lasaqa, Nikora Broughton, Richard Judd, Lucas Cashmore, Fehi Fineanganofo, Seamus Bardoul, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Kele Lasaqa, Cole Forbes. Replacements: Sione Tupou, Hareiti Hetet, Benet Kumeroa, Semisi Paea, Joe Johnston, Charlie Sinton, Reon Paul, Ngarohi McGarvey-Black

Canterbury: Finlay Brewis, George Bell, Seb Calder, Sam Darry, Jamie Hannah, Zach Gallagher, Tom Christie (c), Dominic Gardiner, Louie Chapman, Andrew Knewstubb, Ngatungane Punivai, Dallas McLeod, Braydon Ennor, Manasa Mataele, Chay Fihaki. Replacements: Nick Hyde, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Darcy Breen, Liam Ack, Torian Barnes, Tyson Belworthly, Shun Miyake, Jone Rova

Hawke’s Bay: Pouri Rakete-Stones, Jacob Devery (cc), Joe Apikotoa, Geoff Cridge, Tom Parsons (cc), Miracle Faiilagi, Sam Smith, Devan Flanders, Folau Fakatava, Lincoln McClutchie, Neria Fomai, Anaru Paenga-Morgan, Nick Grigg, Jonah Lowe, Zarn Sullivan. Replacements: Kianu Kereru-Symes, Hadlee Hay-Horton, Manahi Goulton, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Frank Lochore, Ereatara Enari, Lukas Ripley, Andrew Tauatevalu