Canterbury

The red and blacks have overturned a 22-21 halftime deficit to post a bonus point win.

All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor scored two of Canterbury's six tries, while new All Black Cullen Grace also dotted down.

North Harbour scored just two tries, one in each half, with first-five Bryn Gatland scoring 19 points with five penalties and two conversions.

A total of 25 players have Super Rugby experience, 22 of whom were involved in the Crusaders’ successful Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign to some degree this year.

On top of that, co-coaches Reuben Thorne and Mark Brown have named nine All Blacks, who should be available for at least some action this season with the international calendar still up in the air, while All Blacks Sevens star Andrew Knewstubb has also been included.

It was during the World Cup in Japan – at a time when the English kit was enjoying record sales in a run to the tournament final – that speculation about the deal first emerged in the Daily Mail suggesting Umbro would beat adidas to the punch. That is what has now transpired.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen on Thursday confirmed Mo'unga, called into the squad as injury cover ahead of Saturday night's third Bledisloe Cup test, would not return to Christchurch to play for the red and blacks. 

The All Blacks, who have opted to start Lima Sopoaga and for fullback Damian McKenzie to provide first-five cover in Beauden Barrett's concussion forced absence, indicated earlier in the week Mo'unga would be released if he didn't make the match-day 23.

Hopefully this can be in time for him to race over to New Zealand to join his Canterbury teammates for Friday night's crucial match against the Warriors.

Morris, along with fellow Canterbury NSW representatives Josh Jackson and David Klemmer, was booked into accommodation near Sydney airport following Wednesday night's Origin clash with a view to flying out early on Thursday to join teammates.

However Morris said his fate was in the hands of Bulldogs club doctor Joe Lombardo with the winger needing to get through post-game recovery and assessment to even make his flight.

Reports in Australia say Foran will move back to Australia next year and is set to sign a three year deal with the Canterbury Bulldogs.

Foran was signed by the Warriors for this season after leaving Parramatta due to personal issues.

But Warriors chief executive Jim Doyle said his Bulldogs counterpart Raelene Castle texted him late on to deny reports the club had reached an agreement with Foran.

After receiving the news this morning that Lauaki, the former Chief and All Black, had passed away at the age of 35, the Chiefs swept all before them in honour of his memory.

Captain Liam Messam was due to fly home after the quarterfinal to support friends and family of Lauaki, but decided the best way to pay tribute was to lead their team to victory.

Despite losing the opening match of the tournament on Saturday to the Melbourne Rebels , the Chiefs thrashed the Panasonic Wild Knights 33-5 on Sunday before beating the Queensland Reds 12-10 in the quarterfinals.

RNZ reports Waikato scored three tries to the visitors two, but Canterbury kicked their goals taking penalty opportunities when they were on offer.

Canterbury led 20-12 at half time.

The game was level at 23-all late on, but Waikato couldn't get their hands on the ball and Canterbury kicked two late penalties.

Johnny McNicholl and ben Funnell scored tries for Canterbury while Richie Mo'unga kicked two penalties and two conversions and Jordie Barrett kicked three penalties.