Canterbury advance to NPC semifinals after defeating Waikato

Canterbury advanced to the NPC semifinals after a 62-26 victory over Waikato at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch. The win marks six consecutive victories for the defending champions and top seeds.

Hooker Brodie McAlister scored a hat-trick of tries during the first half. Canterbury held a 43-7 lead at halftime, having scored five unanswered tries in the first 26 minutes.

Waikato scored two tries in the second half to narrow the gap to 43-21, before Waisake Salabiau scored a late consolation try. Canterbury responded with three further tries in the final quarter to secure the win.

Canterbury will host Taranaki in the semifinal next Sunday. Northland will host Otago in the first semifinal on Friday night.

How it developed

• Sun 11 Oct, 3:46pmCanterbury played the match despite losing players George Bell, Jamie Hannah, and James White to injury or national call-ups.

Where reports differ

• One report notes the match was played in 31-degree conditions under a roof.

Compiled from reports by RNZ, NZ Herald, Stuff and Waikato Times.