Canterbury reclaimed the Bunnings NPC title with a 36–28 victory over Otago in Christchurch, sealing their 15th national crown and first since 2017. After trailing 14–10 at halftime, Canterbury exploded after the break with three tries in ten minutes, including one to Manasa Mataele, whose pace on the wing sparked the home side’s surge. Their dominant forward play and sharp backline execution proved too much for Otago to contain.

Otago showed heart through standout moments from Dylan Pledger, Christian Lio-Willie, and Thomas Umaga-Jensen, while late tries to Benjamin Lopas and Jona Nareki kept the southerners in touch. But Canterbury’s power and precision, capped off by replacement prop Gus Brown’s try, ensured the red-and-blacks finished deserved champions in front of their home crowd.

Canterbury are through to the Semi Finals of the NPC after an almighty scare against Counties Manukau. The visitors came into the match on the back of a 5 game win streak and after 40 minutes, led 15-5 with the upset firmly in view.

The home side worked their way back into the game in the 2nd half and after 80 minutes, the game was tied 15-15. Overtime ensued and it was Canterbury who scored through Chay Fihaki in the 86th minute. He also kicked a 50 metre penalty kick to give his side an 8 point buffer and ultimately the win 23-15.

Canterbury remain undefeated after posting their 7th straight win, this time over Tasman in a a thrilling encounter.

Winger Chay Fihaki scored a superb try just before halftime, flying high above David Havili to post his 2nd 5 pointer of the season.

Canterbury are still yet to taste defeat in 2025 after an impressive 26-7 win on the road against Hawkes Bay.

Winger Chay Fihaki was prominent in the match, scoring a try and kicking 3 conversions.

He also made the most metres in the match with 88 metres from 14 carries, 4 linebreaks and a match high 7 defenders beaten.

Fellow Fijian Manasa Mataele also crossed for a 5 pointer in the 32nd minute.