Canterbury defeats Southland 34-21 in Christchurch NPC match
Saturday 26 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story All Blacks, Canterbury, Chay Fihaki, Counties Manukau, Jamie Hannah, Southland
Canterbury secured a 34-21 victory over Southland at One NZ Stadium. Despite losing All Blacks lock Jamie Hannah to a concussion, Canterbury maintained their lead to win the match. The result comes as the Christchurch venue prepares for potential additional rugby fixtures next month.
Key facts
5 facts
- Canterbury defeated Southland 34-21 at One NZ Stadium, Christchurch.
- Canterbury's victory was their seventh win of the season.
- Jamie Hannah, Canterbury lock, suffered a concussion in the 12th minute.
- Southland's Semisi Ta'eiloa scored a try in the 75th minute.
- The match was played at One NZ Stadium, a newly-opened roofed venue.
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Canterbury secured their seventh win of the season with a 34-21 victory over Southland at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch. The win, achieved in the penultimate round of the regular season, puts Canterbury in strong contention for a high ladder finish.
The match was marked by several injuries, including two players suffering from concussion. Canterbury lock Jamie Hannah required medical attention after a blow to the head in the 12th minute before walking to the sideline. Canterbury first-five James White also suffered a concussion during the game. Southland lost lock Mitch Dunshea and fullback Jimmy Taylor to concussion within a minute of each other.
Canterbury's tries were scored by Corey Kellow, Ngane Punivai, Gus Brown, Finlay Brewis, and Oliver Burra. Gus Brown scored two tries, one before and one after halftime. Southland's tries came from Michael Manson, Sean Withy, and Semisi Ta'eiloa.
Southland's Mika Muliaina contributed two conversions, while Canterbury's James White and Andrew Newstubb provided conversions. Canterbury's victory moves them closer to a home quarterfinal if they defeat Manawatū next Saturday.
Where reports differ
- One report identifies the Southland try scorer as Michael Mason, while the other identifies him as Michael Manson.
- Reports differ on the Canterbury conversion kicker, with one naming James White and the other naming Chay Fihaki.
Compiled from reports by Stuff and The Press.
