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NPC Roundup: Northland defend Ranfurly Shield, Hawke’s Bay remain unbeaten
Robbie Cuthbertson • August 31st, 2026 1:23 pm
Northland's Lachie Hooper runs out at Semenoff Stadium with the Ranfurly Shield on the line | Photo: Craig Butland/Photosport
Northland hosted their first defence of the Ranfurly Shield since 1979 against Tasman, with both sides coming into the contest with a 3-1 record.
The Taniwha defended the shield with a 20-10 win over Tasman in front of a packed-out Semenoff Stadium, moving to 4-1 on the campaign.
Tony Johnson and Richard Campbell broke down the tie that Johnson described as an “epic” on Sport Nation Mornings.
“They've had some really, really bad weather up there. So, it was great to see the crowd come out. And I would say it's an old-fashioned sort of a contest this one, but boy, what an epic,” Johnson said.
“Those are the occasions that become highlights. It was great to be sidelined, the locals rolled in. It's everything that's great about the Ranfurly Shield, isn't it,” Campbell responded in turn during the panel discussion.
“To go back to a province like Northland, or formerly North Auckland, they've made the most of it.”
Rivez Reihana leads Northland ahead of their Ranfurly Shield defence | Photo: Craig Butland/Photosport
Johnson also highlighted Northland captain Rivez Reihana as the difference for Northland as he sailed over the line late on to seal the win.
“Big players stepping up in big moments and Rivez Reihana, the way he scored that try, just took it on himself. That was a key moment.”
Northland travel down to Auckland to play North Harbour this weekend, with their next defence of the Ranfurly Shield being against Waikato on September 12.
Rob Rush's expletive-ridden interview after Ranfurly Shield celebrations with Northland | Scotty & Izzy
Hawke’s Bay are currently sitting pretty on the top of the NPC, having secured maximum points through five rounds with Johnson crediting the leadership of Frank Lochore with the side's success.
“He certainly is,” agrees Campbell.
“Obviously leadership is the beginning of it and then it just filters down and he'll be the first to admit they've got a really good leadership group there and they've got some talent, they've recruited well as well, they have got strength across the board.”
Campbell warns that there is a long way to go in the competition, but that Hawke’s Bay are currently the team to beat in the NPC.
“There’s a long way to go... but certainly travelling along, and in this competition when you're playing with confidence and you can stay injury free, then that’s a really good recipe for success.”
Bay of Plenty with the John Drake Boot | Photo: Joshua Devenie/Photosport
Bay of Plenty retained the John Drake Boot with their 22-19 win over Auckland at Eden Park on Friday, the Steamers moving to third on the table with that result.
Johnson highlighted the performances of Riley Hohepa and Cole Forbes for Bay of Plenty in their narrow win.
“Riley Hohepa stepping up, I was told afterwards that he hasn't been in confident mind kicking at goal, well he got the one that mattered and Bay of Plenty go away, they were determined to take the boot back with them and defend it.”
“I thought Cole Forbes, he made a terrific run and set Richard Judd up for a try. Crucial stage of the game. And again, you're just looking for those players, particularly the ones with the super rugby experience to step up. And he did that for Bay of Plenty,” Johnson said.
Meihana Grindlay of Taranaki runs against Canterbury | Photo: Andy Jackson/Photosport
Taranaki cruised to a 40-26 win over Canterbury in round five with Johnson and Campbell identifying the Taranaki’s recipe for success being “give the ball to Kini Naholo.”
“I talk about recipes for success. That's a pretty simple one, right?” Campbell said.
“I mean, that guy, when he's on his game, he's simply outstanding. One of those players you just love to watch, right. And yep, it was his day and that was simply all they had to do. Give it to him and he was going to make meters and score tries.”
Listen to the full discussion below:
