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'Attractive and enjoyable to watch': NPC shows its strength as quality emerges across NZ
Jaxin Daniels • August 24th, 2026 5:30 pm
Tasman player Kyren Taumoefolau celebrates his try during against Southland | Photo: Chris Symes / www.photosport.nz
The early stages of the NPC season have highlighted the improving standard of the competition, with strong performances and emerging talent coming from provinces across the country.
Former All Black Richard Turner believes the style of rugby being played has lifted, with teams showing greater ambition and competitiveness.
“The style of rugby that the teams are adopting is attractive and enjoyable to watch,” Turner told Sport Nation Mornings.
“I think that's having such a hugely positive impact on the overall performance in this competition.”
The depth on show has also impressed veteran sports journalist Paul Cully, who believes a growing number of players are putting themselves forward for higher honours.
“You could probably pick about 20 guys not currently contracted, or haven't been contracted to Super Rugby in the past, and they're putting their hand up,” Cully said.
“The competition is in very, very good condition at the moment.”
Tasman winger Kyren Taumoefolau is one of the players making the most of his opportunity, scoring 10 tries in four games and breaking the province’s season record.
Cully said Taumoefolau’s form reflected the quality emerging from the NPC.
“He's a special player,” Cully said.
“The way that he moves is fantastic, he's such a balanced runner and he's just getting better and better.”
Canterbury's Brodie McAlister hands the Ranfurly Shield over to Northland's Rivez Reihana | Photo: John Davidson/Photosport
Northland have also made an impressive start, lifting the Ranfurly Shield for the first time since 1978 after beating Canterbury in Christchurch.
Their success has been built around a strong forward pack and the composure of halfback Sam Nock and first five-eighth Rivez Reihana.
“I thought they really stamped their class on the game,” Cully said.
“There were obviously moments in that game where it looked like Canterbury were going to do a Canterbury and comeback but their composure at nine and ten was very telling.”
Cully also praised Northland’s tight five, particularly their work at scrum time.
“The tight five that Northland have got at the moment, outstanding,” he said.
“Scrum-wise I think they're performing, if they're not the best scum in the competition, they're very close to it.”
Turner said Northland’s performance was another example of a province building a strong platform and playing with confidence.
“Playing a style of rugby that is seemingly enjoyable, but it’s off the base of a good platform,” Turner said.
Northland will defend the Ranfurly Shield against Tasman, who beat Southland 46-17, with Taumoefolau again among the players to watch.
Harbour celebrate a try by Israel Leota during the NPC's 'Battle of the Bridge' | Photo: David Rowland/Photosport
North Harbour also continued their strong start by beating Auckland 27-19, a result Turner said showed the province’s growing belief.
“It’s been a long time since North Harbour were the favourites going into one of those clashes,” he said.
“They’re on a roll at the moment; the North Harbour boys are enjoying their rugby.”
Hawke’s Bay remain top of the table after beating Manawatū 59-17, while Bay of Plenty defeated Taranaki 28-24, Waikato beat Counties Manukau 45-12 and Otago recorded a 61-22 demolition of Wellington.
Listen to the full segment below:
