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.

Otago move into 2nd place on the NPC ladder with only a few rounds remaining after beating heavyweights Taranaki 20-18.

Winger Jona Nareki was there to finish off a try in the 36th minute, his 4th 5 pointer of the season.

Otago caused the upset of the weekend in the NPC by beating Wellington 46-41.

Despite the wet conditions, both teams scored some stunning tries but it was the visitors who came away with the points.

Lock Joseva Tamani set up Jona Nareki for a try in the 52nd minute after throwing a "precision" pass to the unmarked winger.

Joseva Tamani scored his first try for Otago in the 28th minute of their loss to Hawkes Bay.

The home side trailed 0-17 before the Fijian Drua flanker ran into a gaping whole from the back of a lineout, beating the fullback for a great try.

The try was quickly followed up by a Jona Nareki 5 pointer, finishing off a linebreak in the left corner.

Otago kept within reach and stayed in the fight but ultimately couldn't get the job done, losing 21-27.