North Harbour

Auckland teams won't rejoin provincial rugby championship

It has been almost two months since Auckland, Counties-Manukau and North Harbour have played in the competition because of Covid-19 restrictions.

The decision comes after government declined New Zealand Rugby's third travel exemption application to get the teams out of the region.

The NPC season will continue with the 11 provincial unions outside of the Auckland region, and NZR has confirmed there are plans to set up a separate Super City Series for the three Auckland teams once they are able to resume playing.

Big win for 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.

     

Harbour thump Taranaki

North Harbour led 33-19 at half time.

North Harbour scored 10 tries to five, only one of them by a forward, captain and hooker James Parsons, while it was their first win over Taranaki since 2007.

The top qualifiers opted to rest their most experienced players while North Harbour were at near full-strength.

The Harbour winger Tevita Li scored five tries.

The Premiership play-off picture had already been finalised for next weekend, with top seeds Taranaki to host Tasman and Canterbury to host North Harbour.