All Blacks set to poach Pacific Island superstar in major eligibility switch

This 25-point haul saw Taumoefolau cross the whitewash a quintet of times, against Counties Manukau in Round 3 of the 2026 Hilux NPC. The 23-year-old winger is now closing in on a remarkable opportunity with the All Blacks, having represented Tonga six times in 2023. His final appearance came at the Rugby World Cup against Romania on October 8, when he came off the bench and scored a try.

Under World Rugby's eligibility regulations, Taumoefolau completes his three-year stand-down on October 8, 2026, meaning he can potentially be selected by the All Blacks for the Nations Championship Northern Series. That possibility makes his stunning NPC form particularly intriguing – and against Counties, he produced arguably his strongest statement yet.

Taumoefolau crossed five times as Tasman ran out 50-35 winners, while Canterbury retained the Ranfurly Shield, Hawke's Bay made history at Eden Park and Southland edged Waikato in a one-point thriller.

Canterbury survived a remarkable second-half fightback from Bay of Plenty to retain the Ranfurly Shield at One NZ Stadium. The hosts controlled much of the opening period and appeared to be heading towards a comfortable victory before the Steamers launched a furious response after half-time.

Bay of Plenty repeatedly threatened to turn the contest on its head, but Canterbury eventually found the decisive score through replacement Toby Bell with 10 minutes remaining. The result keeps Canterbury's unbeaten start to the 2026 NPC intact and ensures the Ranfurly Shield remains safely in Christchurch.

Canterbury – Tries: Andrew Knewstubb, Jone Rova, Dallas McLeod (2), Ngane Punivai, Toby Bell
Conversions: Andrew Knewstubb (4)

Bay of Plenty – Tries: Benet Kumeroa (2), Lucas Cashmore, Reon Paul, Jason Robertson
Conversions: Jason Robertson (3), Lucas Cashmore

Hawke's Bay produced one of the biggest results of the round, defeating Auckland at Eden Park for the first time since 1969. The Magpies were handed a huge advantage inside the opening five minutes when Auckland lock Josh Beehre was shown a straight red card, but the hosts refused to fold and remarkably went into half-time level at 17-17.

Hawke's Bay eventually pulled away after the break, with Zarn Sullivan and Cooper Flanders both crossing twice as the visitors secured another maximum-point victory. Harry Godfrey was also outstanding from the tee, kicking four conversions and two penalties as the Magpies maintained their perfect start to the competition.

Hawke's Bay – Tries: Zarn Sullivan (2), Cooper Flanders (2), Kianu Kereru-Symes, Harry Godfrey
Conversions: Harry Godfrey (4)
Penalties: Harry Godfrey (2)

Auckland – Tries: Xavi Taele (2), Stephen Perofeta (2), Harlyn Saunoa
Conversions: Stephen Perofeta (2), Rico Simpson

North Harbour produced a stunning second-half demolition job to dismantle Wellington 47-7 at Hnry Stadium. The hosts were competitive during the opening 40 minutes, with Harbour holding only a 12-7 advantage at the interval, but the match completely changed after the break.

North Harbour scored 35 unanswered points in a ruthless second-half display, with Sofai Leota and Coby Miln both claiming two tries. Miln was also influential with the boot, kicking four conversions, as Harbour's defence completely shut down Wellington's attack for the remainder of the contest.

North Harbour – Tries: Sofai Leota (2), Coby Miln (2), Cameron Howell, Reeves, Melvin
Conversions: Coby Miln (4), Cameron Howell (2)

Wellington – Try: Cullum Harkin
Conversion: Cullum Harkin

Otago held their nerve to claim a thrilling 32-29 victory over Manawatu at Central Energy Trust Arena. The visitors built their platform through a strong attacking display, with Cameron Millar providing a reliable kicking presence and Sam Nemec-Vial crossing twice.

Manawatu refused to go away, however, with George Worboys producing an excellent performance at fly-half and Taniela Filimone also finding the try line. Otago ultimately did enough to secure the three-point victory, with their late scores proving crucial in a closely fought contest.

Otago – Tries: Sam Nemec-Vial (2), Henry Bell, Jona Nareki
Conversions: Cameron Millar (2)
Penalty: Cameron Millar

Manawatu – Tries: George Worboys, John Tapueluelu, Taniela Filimone
Conversions: George Worboys (3)
Penalties: George Worboys (2)

Southland produced one of the comebacks of the round to edge Waikato 32-31 in a dramatic contest at Invercargill Rugby Park. Paula Latu was central to the victory, with the powerful prop crashing over twice, while Mitch Dunshea and replacement Aukusitino Salanoa also crossed for the Stags.

Waikato repeatedly threatened to pull clear, with Austin Anderson, Waisake Salabiau, Sean Ralph, Jahrome Brown and Oli Mathis all scoring. But Jimmy Taylor's precision from the tee proved decisive before Salanoa crossed in the 80th minute to snatch victory from the visitors.

Southland – Tries: Paula Latu (2), Mitch Dunshea, Aukusitino Salanoa
Conversions: Jimmy Taylor (3)
Penalties: Jimmy Taylor (2)

Waikato – Tries: Austin Anderson, Waisake Salabiau, Sean Ralph, Jahrome Brown, Oli Mathis
Conversions: Taha Kemara (3)

Kyren Taumoefolau produced an extraordinary individual performance as Tasman ran out 50-35 winners against Counties Manukau. The Chiefs winger was simply unstoppable, crossing for five tries in a sensational attacking display that underlined why he is attracting growing attention ahead of his potential All Blacks eligibility in November.

Taumoefolau scored four times before half-time and completed his remarkable haul after the break, repeatedly exposing gaps in the Counties defence. Tasman ultimately ran in eight tries as they secured an impressive away victory, while Counties battled hard to remain within touching distance during an entertaining 85-point shootout.

For Taumoefolau, however, the afternoon belonged entirely to him – and with his three-year Tonga stand-down expiring in October, the timing could hardly be better as he chases the black jersey.

Tasman – Tries: Kyren Taumoefolau (5), Timi Sauira, Richie Asiata, Willy Havili
Conversions: Willy Havili (7)

Counties Manukau – Tries: Cam Church, Tuna Tuitama, Josh Gray, Adam Morrison, Ioane Moananua
Conversions: Jackson Rainsford, AJ Alatimu (3)
Penalty: Jackson Rainsford