Bunnings NPC: Quarter Finals - Canterbury & Otago scrape into semi-finals with late winners

Canterbury, the highest seed, survived a spirited challenge from Counties Manukau in extra time. Meanwhile, Otago edged Waikato with a stunning 45-metre injury-time penalty from Cameron Millar, after 12 tries lit up the scoreboard. Hawke’s Bay continued their remarkable home dominance, keeping Taranaki at bay, and Bay of Plenty overcame Tasman with precision and pace to secure a semifinal spot.

Otago edged Waikato 44-41 in a thrilling Bunnings NPC quarter-final that went down to a 45-metre injury-time penalty from Cameron Millar. Twelve tries punctuated the contest in a game full of momentum swings. Otago opened the scoring when halfback Dylan Pledger outpaced the Waikato defence from a kick ahead by fullback Sam Gilbert.

Waikato responded with tries from Oli Mathis and Samipeni Finau, and No8 Luke Jacobson scored after winning a turnover. Despite a Jacobson sin-bin for a mauling infringement, Otago hit back immediately through Jae Broomfield and Will Stodart, taking a 19-15 lead into halftime.

The second half continued the end-to-end action, with Pledger intercepting to score and Thomas Umaga-Jensen setting up Jona Nareki, who combined with flanker Lucas Casey to score. Waikato’s Aki Tuivailala and Tepaea Cook-Savage replied, keeping the game tight.

Sam Gilbert added a try and Millar converted four and kicked a penalty. In the final minutes, Sean Ralph and Charlie Marsh crossed for Waikato, leveling the score at 41-41. Millar’s final penalty, following a Waikato high-tackle penalty, delivered the decisive points and secured Otago’s dramatic victory.

TRIES: Dylan Pledger 2, Jae Broomfield, Will Stodart, Lucas Casey, Sam Gilbert tries;

CONS: Cameron Millar 4 con

PEN: Millar

DROP GOAL: Gilbert

TRIES: Oli Mathis, Samipeni Finau, Tepaea Cook-Savage, Sean Ralph 2, Charlie Marsh

CON: Aaron Cruden, Cook-Savage

PEN: Cook-Savage 2

Bunnings NPC Quarter-Final – Tauranga Domain Stadium, Tauranga

Bay of Plenty advanced to the semifinals with a 27-7 win over Tasman in Tauranga, blending structured attack with blistering pace. Early in the game, Lucas Cashmore landed a penalty, giving Bay the opening points. Tasman replied through Kyren Taumoefolau, who finished a chip from fullback David Havili. The half ended 7-6, reflecting a tense, competitive first 40 minutes.

In the second half, Bay’s attack clicked. Kele Lasaqa finished a wide move, while Fehi Finanganofo contributed with a dynamic try following strong forward play. Cashmore added penalties and conversions, and a penalty try, awarded following a sin-bin for Tasman, cemented Bay’s lead.

Quick passing, smart positioning, and strong support lines kept Tasman’s defence stretched. Despite some promising breaks, Tasman could not convert possession into points. Bay’s combination of forwards driving at the line and backs exploiting space ensured their home advantage remained intact and secured a semifinal clash with Otago.

TRIES: Kele Lasaqa, Fehi Finanganofo, Penalty try;

CONS: Lucas Cashmore 2

PEN: Cashmore 2

TRIES: Kyren Taumoefolau

CONS: William Havili

Hawke’s Bay overcame Taranaki 26-12 with a dominant defensive and forward display in Napier. Taranaki opened with a 15th-minute penalty from Josh Jacomb, but the hosts quickly responded with a try from Le Roux Malan, finishing a move involving Folau Fakatava and fullback Zarn Sullivan. Miracle Fai’ilagi then scored after coordinated phases, extending the lead before halftime. Despite a sin-bin for Fakatava, Hawke’s Bay’s defence remained resilient.

In the second half, Jacomb added further penalties, keeping Taranaki within range. Hawke’s Bay responded with tries from Lincoln McClutchie and flanker Sam Smith, combining structured forward play and quick ball from the ruck. Defensive discipline and well-timed support lines prevented Taranaki from scoring any tries in the second half.

Taranaki’s frustration was compounded by sin-binnings and denied tries, while Hawke’s Bay’s precision in attack and ability to capitalize on errors proved decisive. The win reinforced Hawke’s Bay’s impressive home record and set up a semifinal against Canterbury.

TRIES: Le Roux Malan, Miracle Fai’ilagi, Lincoln McClutchie, Sam Smith

CONS: McClutchie 3

PENS: Josh Jacomb 4

Canterbury progressed past Counties Manukau 23-15 after extra time in a gripping quarter-final. Counties, the lowest seed, started strongly with a penalty from Gibson Popoali’i, while Canterbury’s Jamie Hannah opened the try-scoring. Counties hit back with Peniasi Malimali and Ioane Moananu crossing after clever kicks and lineout mauls, taking a 15-5 lead into halftime.

The second half saw Canterbury regroup, with Braydon Ennor scoring from a precise pass by Dallas McLeod to level the scores at 15-15. Both sides had strong defensive displays, with high tackle counts and contested set pieces keeping the match tense. Regulation time ended in a draw, necessitating extra time. Canterbury used their possession effectively, pressing forward and wearing down the Counties defence.

Chay Fihaki scored the decisive try and added a 45m penalty goal to seal the 23-15 victory. Counties Manukau showed grit and skill throughout, but Canterbury’s execution in extra time proved decisive, earning them a semifinal clash with Hawke’s Bay.

TRIES: Jamie Hannah, Braydon Ennor, Chay Fihaki

CONS: Fihaki 2

PEN: Fihaki

TRIES: Gibson Popoali’i, Ioane Moananu

CON: Popoali’i

PEN: Popoali'i