Canterbury defeat Taranaki to reach NPC final

Canterbury have secured a place in the National Provincial Championship final after defeating Taranaki 38-28. The victory at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch ensures the top-seeded Canterbury will host Northland in a decider on the Labour Day public holiday.

Canterbury led 26-7 at halftime, with tries from Corey Kellow, Kurtis MacDonald, Xavier Treacy, and Sam Darry. Taranaki's Seta Tamanivalu scored a try in the first half, but the team struggled with only 36% possession and 31% territory.

Taranaki attempted a comeback in the second half with tries from Kaylum Boshier and a double from Meihana Grindlay. However, Canterbury responded with further tries from Jone Rova and Isaac Hutchinson to hold off the late surge.

The match featured All Blacks returning to their provinces, with Taranaki's Josh Jacomb starting at number 10 and Canterbury's Jamie Hannah joining the matchday 23. Taranaki's Fita Sa received a yellow card in the 14th minute.

How it developed

• Sun 18 Oct, 5:33pmThe report provides the final score, specific try scorers, and details regarding the scheduling of the final.

Where reports differ

• One report refers to the venue as Te Kaha Stadium, while another identifies it as One NZ Stadium

Compiled from reports by Stuff, RNZ, NZ Herald, The Post and Otago Daily Times.