Richie Mo'unga starts at 10 this weekend

Otago made an immediate statement in the latest chapter of the Stag Day rivalry, while Canterbury began their title defence with a hard-fought victory over Auckland. Hawke’s Bay lit up the opening weekend with 52 points against Wellington, and Waikato also began with an impressive win over Bay of Plenty.

Elsewhere, Taranaki produced a clinical display against Counties Manukau, while Tasman were pushed all the way by a much-improved North Harbour side. Now, the competition moves into Week 2. Some provinces will look to build on winning starts, while others face an early opportunity to put a difficult opening result behind them.

From another fiercely contested northern derby to a repeat of last season’s NPC final between Otago and Canterbury, there is plenty to watch across another busy weekend of provincial rugby. Here is everything you need to know before Week 2 of the NPC.

North Harbour will be excited to play their first home game of the season in Albany this week. After finishing bottom of the table last year, six points behind the next side, they should be proud of their Round 1 performance. North Harbour narrowly lost by two points against Tasman, who included capped All Blacks David Havili and Nathan Hotham in their side.

With 14 entries into the opposition 22, North Harbour will look to be more clinical when opportunities arise. One player to watch is Jed Melvin, who won two turnovers and completed 14 tackles in an impressive defensive display. Counties Manukau left plenty to be desired in their opening match against Taranaki. They will want to put that result behind them after conceding 18 turnovers and 10 penalties. Discipline and ball security will be crucial if they are to respond this week.

The last two meetings between the sides have been decided by only three points, while the team that scored first has won each of the previous five encounters. The opening points could again prove important.

Starting XV: 1. Tony Tafa, 2. Bryn Gordon, 3. Leka Tu’ungafasi, 4. Tristyn Cook, 5. Jack Lee, 6. James Fiebig, 7. Motikiai Murray, 8. Jed Melvin, 9. Bryn Hall, 10. Cam Howell, 11. Rory Taylor, 12. Oscar Koller, 13. Leo Gordon, 14. Tom Barham, 15. Kade Banks

Replacements: 16. Moses Hafoka, 17. Oscar Cowley-Andrea, 18. Riley Tofilau, 19. Taeao Pomale-Time, 20. George Reeves, 21. Nui Muriwai, 22. Coby Miln, 23. Hunter Rice

Starting XV: 1. Ezekiel Lindenmuth, 2. Ioane Moananu, 3. Atu Moli, 4. Ola Tauelangi, 5. Jimmy Tupou, 6. Jonty Short, 7. Adam Brash, 8. Cam Church, 9. Jonathan Taumateine, 10. AJ Alatimu, 11. Josh Gray, 12. Gibson Popoali’i, 13. Tomasi Alosio, 14. Antonio Popoali’i, 15. Simon-Peter Toleafoa

Replacements: 16. Rico McQuoid, 17. Jarred Adams, 18. Thomas Polo, 19. Veikoso Poloniati, 20. Aporosa Vuniyayawa, 21. Melani Matavao, 22. Larenz Tupea-Thomsen, 23. Jackson Rainsford

Taranaki will look to build on the momentum from their clinical 20-5 victory over Counties Manukau. Adam Lennox has found some scoring form, adding to the two tries he scored for the Māori All Blacks and Highlanders towards the end of last season. The exciting outside back will again be one to watch.

Waikato were rarely troubled during their 38-26 victory over Bay of Plenty. They remained in control for much of the match and showed a clear preference for using the kicking game to create pressure. Waikato kicked 35 times in Round 1, while Xavier Roe kicked 13 times himself. Both figures were the highest recorded by a team and player during the opening weekend.

Expect Waikato to test Taranaki’s back three with plenty of kicks again this week. The last two meetings between these provinces have both been decided by a single point. Another close contest could be on the way.

Starting XV: 1. Jared Proffit, 2. JJ Pokai, 3. Marika Parker, 4. Jayden Sa, 5. Jesse Parete, 6. Arese Poliko, 7. Olly Lawson, 8. Kaylum Boshier, 9. Adam Lennox, 10. Sam Clarke, 11. Willem Ratu, 12. Seta Tamanivalu, 13. Meihana Grindlay, 14. Vereniki Tikoisolomone, 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Replacements: 16. Harry Hansen, 17. Keightley Watson, 18. Dane Johnston, 19. Scott Jury, 20. Sage Walters-Hansen, 21. Logan Crowley, 22. Haki Wiseman, 23. Rocky Olsen

Starting XV: 1. Mason Tupaea, 2. Sean Ralph, 3. Sefo Kautai, 4. James Tucker, 5. Dylan Eti, 6. Senita Lauaki, 7. Mitch Jacobson, 8. Malachi Wrampling-Alec, 9. Xavier Roe, 10. Taha Kemara, 11. Nathan Stephens, 12. Austin Anderson, 13. Michael Naitokani, 14. Waisake Salabiau, 15. Dan Sinkinson

Replacements: 16. Manaaki Boyle-Tiatia, 17. Taipari Quinn, 18. George Dyer, 19. Andrew Smith, 20. Oli Mathis, 21. Daiki Nakajima, 22. Aki Tuivailala, 23. David Lewai

The result could have gone either way during Auckland’s 38-31 defeat to Canterbury last week. Auckland failed to score until the 17th minute and conceded crucial points during the 66th and 77th minutes. Maintaining focus at the beginning and end of each half will be a major priority.

Stephen Perofeta made an important contribution with the boot, scoring 18 points and converting all four of his attempts. However, the experienced playmaker also conceded four turnovers and will look to produce a more complete performance. Wellington were second best during their 52-33 defeat to Hawke’s Bay. Like Auckland, they started slowly and did not score until Logan Henry crossed in the 27th minute.

Du’Plessis Kirifi will be eager to prove himself again after missing out on Dave Rennie’s latest All Blacks squad. The flanker won three turnovers and scored a try in Round 1, underlining his influence around the breakdown. Kirifi moves from the back row and into the Wellington midfield, in a drastic change of plans from the capital city side. Both teams will be desperate to respond after opening-week defeats. The side that starts fastest could gain an important advantage.

Starting XV: 1. Josh Fusitu’a, 2. Soane Vikena, 3. Angus Ta’avao, 4. Harvey Cordukes, 5. Josh Beehre, 6. Che Clark, 7. Sam Hainsworth-Fa’aofo, 8. Titi Nofoagatotoa, 9. Issak Fines, 10. Stephen Perofeta, 11. Rico Simpson, 12. Pita Ahki, 13. Xavi Taele, 14. Payton Spencer, 15. Cohen Norrie

Replacements: 16. Nathaniel Pole, 17. Ben Ake, 18. Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 19. Tai Cribb, 20. Randall Baker, 21. Siaosi Nginingini, 22. Alex Harford, 23. Harlyn Saunoa

Starting XV: 1. Jake Turnbull, 2. Penieli Poasa, 3. Samu Tawake, 4. Caleb Delany, 5. Hugo Plummer, 6. Dominic Ropeti, 7. Sione Halalilo, 8. Matolu Petaia, 9. Riley Williams, 10. Callum Harkin, 11. Reo Matsushita, 12. Du’Plessis Kirifi, 13. Divad Palu, 14. Isi Saumaki, 15. Cam Burgess

Replacements: 16. James O’Reilly, 17. Sekope Lopeti-Moli, 18. Alex Hewitt, 19. Johnny Falloon, 20. Murphy Taramai, 21. Logan Henry, 22. Piri Paraone, 23. Jordan Soli

Bay of Plenty will look to respond after their 38-26 defeat to Waikato in Round 1. The Steamers showed plenty of attacking intent but spent much of the contest under pressure from Waikato’s effective territorial kicking game. Their ability to regain control of the field position battle will be a major focus this week.

Northland also arrive looking to build on their opening performance against Manawatū. The Taniwha have the opportunity to make an early statement away from home, but they will need to match Bay of Plenty’s physicality and prevent the Steamers from building momentum in front of their supporters.

Both sides will view this as an important chance to secure an early foothold in the competition. The battle for territory could be decisive.

Starting XV: 1. Benet Kumeroa, 2. Taine Kolose, 3. Tevita Mafileo, 4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 5. Jai Knight, 6. Joe Johnston, 7. Veveni Lasaqa, 8. Nikora Broughton, 9. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 10. Riley Hohepa, 11. Joe Webber, 12. Reon Paul, 13. Tamiro Armstrong, 14. Cole Forbes, 15. Jason Robertson

Replacements: 16. Sione Tupou, 17. Filipe Vakasiuola, 18. Solomone Tukuafu, 19. Reuben Palmer, 20. Kalin Felise, 21. Charlie Sinton, 22. Lucas Cashmore, 23. Regan Ware

Starting XV: 1. Esile Fono, 2. James Mullan, 3. Marcel Renata, 4. Josh Goodhue, 5. Allan Craig, 6. Rob Rush, 7. Grady Forbes, 8. Terrell Peita, 9. Sam Nock, 10. Rivez Reihana, 11. Brady Rush, 12. Hudson Creighton, 13. Heremaia Murray, 14. Nathan Salmon, 15. Jordan Trainor

Replacements: 16. Heath Macewan, 17. Olly Ryan, 18. Daniel Botha, 19. Lachlan Hooper, 20. Zac Shanks, 21. Josh Renton, 22. Jade Stewart, 23. Reuben Stewart

Hawke’s Bay made one of the strongest statements of the opening weekend with their 52-33 victory over Wellington. The Magpies were clinical in attack and made the most of Wellington’s slow start. Their ability to turn pressure into points immediately placed them among the early pace-setters in the competition.

Tasman also began with a victory, but North Harbour pushed the Mako all the way in a tight contest. The experience of capped All Blacks David Havili and Nathan Hotham proved valuable, although Tasman will know they must improve after allowing their opponents to create 14 entries into the 22.

This shapes as one of the standout fixtures of Week 2. Hawke’s Bay will look to continue their attacking momentum, while Tasman will aim to use their experience and composure to slow the home side down.

Starting XV: 1. Clément Castets, 2. Tyrone Thompson, 3. Joe Apikotoa, 4. Tom Allen, 5. Hunter Morrison, 6. Frank Lochore, 7. Cooper Flanders, 8. Hugh Renton, 9. Folau Fakatava, 10. Harry Godfrey, 11. Neria Foma’i, 12. Lukas Ripley, 13. Bailyn Sullivan, 14. Jonah Lowe, 15. Will Cole

Replacements: 16. Kianu Kereru-Symes, 17. Hadlee Hay-Horton, 18. Manahi Goulton, 19. Geoffrey Cridge, 20. Sam Smith, 21. Kade Manuel, 22. Nic Benn, 23. Zarn Sullivan

Starting XV: 1. Ryan Coxon, 2. Eli Oudenryn, 3. Kershawl Sykes-Martin, 4. Lopeti Faifua, 5. Antonio Shalfoon, 6. Tayne Hemopo, 7. Rory Scott, 8. Johnny Lee, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Willy Havili, 11. Kyren Taumoefolau, 12. David Havili, 13. Cooper Roberts, 14. Leo Marfell, 15. Taine Robinson

Replacements: 16. Dylan Irvine, 17. Tom Heywood, 18. Vea Taumoefolau, 19. Hunter Leppien, 20. Matt Lowe, 21. Mason Lund, 22. Nic Sauira, 23. Maloni Kunawave

Week 2 brings an early rematch of last season’s NPC final. Canterbury defeated Otago 36-28 to lift the title in 2025, and the two sides meet again with the memories of that contest still fresh. Otago began the new campaign with a statement victory over Southland on Stag Day. Christian Lio-Willie and Lucas Casey both scored two tries as the visitors took control of one of provincial rugby’s biggest rivalries.

After returning home to New Zealand following a multi-year stint in Japan, All Blacks fly half Richie Mo'unga is expected to start at fly half for Canterbury this weekend.

Canterbury also opened with a victory, but Auckland pushed the defending champions throughout their 38-31 contest. The champions showed their attacking quality, although the narrow margin offered a reminder that they will not have everything their own way this season.

Otago will be eager to use home advantage and turn the contest into a physical battle. Canterbury, meanwhile, will arrive determined to show why they remain the team to beat. With last year’s final still fresh in the memory, this could carry the intensity of a knockout match.

OTAGO (1-23)

Starting XV: 1. Marley Pearce, 2. Henry Bell, 3. Saula Ma’u, 4. Will Stodart, 5. Joseva Tamani, 6. Oliver Haig, 7. Lucas Casey, 8. Christian Lio-Willie, 9. Joel Lam, 10. Cameron Millar, 11. Jona Nareki, 12. Jake Te Hiwi, 13. Josh Timu, 14. Jae Broomfield, 15. Sam Nemec-Vial

Replacements: 16. Liam Coltman, 17. Ben Lopas, 18. Rohan Wingham, 19. Charles Elton, 20. Slade McDowall, 21. Kieran McClea, 22. Pat Pellegrini, 23. Riley Lucas

Starting XV: 1. Finlay Brewis, 2. Brodie McAlister, 3. Jermaine Ainsley, 4. Tahlor Cahill, 5. Jamie Hannah, 6. Dom Gardiner, 7. Corey Kellow, 8. Torian Barnes, 9. Louie Chapman, 10. Richie Mo’unga, 11. Ngane Punivai, 12. Jone Rova, 13. Dallas McLeod, 14. Chay Fihaki, 15. Johnny McNicholl

Replacements: 16. Manumaua Letiu, 17. Dan Lienert-Brown, 18. Seb Calder, 19. Liam Jack, 20. Finn McLeod, 21. Tyson Belworthy, 22. Andrew Knewstubb, 23. Toby Bell

Manawatū return home after opening their campaign against Northland. The Turbos will want to build on the positive elements from that performance and make better use of home advantage as they look for an early win.

Southland arrive after a difficult Stag Day defeat to Otago. The Stags were unable to contain an Otago side inspired by Christian Lio-Willie and Lucas Casey, who scored two tries each in the visitors’ victory. Both teams will see this fixture as an important opportunity to reset after the opening weekend.

Manawatū will look to bring energy and tempo in front of their home crowd, while Southland will want to respond with the physical edge that has traditionally defined their rugby. The breakdown battle could be crucial, with neither side likely to give much away in what should be a hard-fought contest.

Starting XV: 1. Malakai Hala, 2. Chris Finau, 3. Logan Wallace, 4. Taine Roiri, 5. Rob Harley, 6. TK Howden, 7. Mosese Bason, 8. Brayden Iose, 9. Jordi Viljoen, 10. Reece MacDonald, 11. John Tapueluelu, 12. James Tofa, 13. Kyle Brown, 14. Taniela Filimone, 15. Drew Wild

Replacements: 16. Alani Fakava, 17. Joseph Gavigan, 18. Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, 19. Reuben Allen, 20. Rory Woods, 21. Doug Philipson, 22. George Worboys, 23. Ngani Laumape

Starting XV: 1. Jack Sexton, 2. Jack Taylor, 3. Sef Fa’agase, 4. Mitch Dunshea, 5. Ale Aho, 6. Clem Halaholo, 7. Sean Withy, 8. Konrad Toleafoa, 9. Nic Shearer, 10. Jimmy Taylor, 11. Jay Reihana, 12. Scott Gregory, 13. Hayata Taniyama, 14. Michael Manson, 15. Glen Vaihu

Replacements: 16. Jayden Henderson, 17. Jack Barrett, 18. Paula Latu, 19. Junior Ahokovi, 20. Sam Fischli, 21. Charlie Marsh, 22. Mika Muliaina, 23. Alfie Nonu