Northland beat Tasman to reach NPC semi-final
Friday 9 October 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated In this story Northland, Kyren Taumoefolau, Tasman
The Northland Taniwha defeated the Tasman Mako 26-21 in a quarter-final match at Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei. After a slow start, Northland secured the win with a strong second-half performance. The victory ensures Northland will host an NPC semi-final next week.
Key facts
5 facts
- Northland defeated Tasman 26-21 in the NPC quarterfinal
- Match held at Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei
- Northland will host a semifinal next week
- Kyren Taumoefolau scored his 19th try of the season
- David Havili suffered a shoulder injury during the match
The full story
1 min read · 3 outlets
Northland has advanced to the National Provincial Championship semifinals after defeating Tasman 26-21 at Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei. The victory marks the Taniwha's best campaign since their second division days in the 1990s.
Tasman led 14-0 after 20 minutes following tries from Johnny Lee and Kyren Taumoefolau. Northland responded before halftime with tries from Brady Rush and Lachlan Hooper.
Terrell Peita scored a try in the second half to put Northland ahead. Reserve prop Ricki Heremaia later scored his first NPC try following a lineout drive to extend the lead.
Tasman's Dylan Irvine scored a late try, which William Havili converted to reduce the deficit to five points. Northland secured the win after a final scrum in the closing minutes.
Where reports differ
- One report states Northland trailed 12-14 at halftime, while another states they trailed 5-14.
Compiled from reports by Stuff, RNZ and NZ Herald.
