New Zealand Rugby Awards

2022 New Zealand Rugby Awards:

New Zealand Rugby Referee of the Year - Ben O'Keeffe (Auckland)

Volunteer of the Year - Cathy Charles (Otago) 

New Zealand Rugby Age Grade Player of the Year - Peter Lakai (Wellington)

Ian Kirkpatrick Medal - Sam Parkes (Ngāti Porou East Coast)

Duane Monkley Medal - Bryn Gatland (North Harbour)

Fiao'o Faamausili Medal - Maia Joseph (Otago)  

National Men's Coach of the Year - Scott Robertson (Crusaders) 

National Women's Coach of the Year - Blair Baxter (Canterbury)                                          

Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year - Will Jordan (Crusaders)

Super Rugby Aupiki Player of the Year - Luka Connor (Chiefs Manawa)

Try of the Year - Stacey Fluhler (Black Ferns v England) 

Tom French Memorial Māori Player of the Year - Ruahei Demant (Tē Whānau ā Apanui / Te Whakatōhea / Ngāti Awa)  

Richard Crawshaw Memorial All Blacks Sevens Player of the Year - Ngarohi McGarvey-Black

Black Ferns Sevens Player of the Year - Michaela Blyde

Black Ferns Player of the Year - Ruahei Demant

All Blacks Player of the Year - Ardie Savea

National Men's Team of the Year - Wellington

National Women's Team of the Year - Canterbury

Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand Rugby: Dr Deb Robinson

New Zealand Coach of the Year: Wayne Smith (Black Ferns)

New Zealand Team of the Year: Black Ferns

Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Player of the Year: Ruahei Demant

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named his side to face Wales on Sunday 6th November at 4.15am. Foster has named a strong side, with multiple changes from the side that faced Japan.

After the fractured cheeckbone suffered by captain Sam Cane against Japan, Dalton Papali'i will start at openside flanker, with Shannon Frizell on the blindside. Scott Barrett will start at lock in place of Brodie Retallick who has been suspended for two matches, while Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, and Tyrel Lomax are the starting front row. In the backs, Aaron Smith starts at halfback for his 113th test, Richie Mo'unga at first five, Jordie Barrett at second five, and Beauden Barrett at fullback.

New Zealand All Blacks:

1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Samuel Whitelock (c), 5. Scott Barrett, 6. Shannon Frizell, 7. Dalton Papali'i, 8. Ardie Savea, 9. Aaron Smith, 10. Richie Mo'unga, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Beauden Barrett, 

Reserves: 

16. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17. Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Tupou Vaa'i, 20. Akira Ioane, 21. Brad Weber, 22. David Havili, 23. Anton Lienert-Brown

All Blacks Named To Face Ireland In First Test

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named his side to face Ireland in their first test at Eden park on Saturday night. Covid has hit the All Black camp this week, with Foster, assistant coaches John Plumtree, Scott McLeod and Greg Feek, mid-fielders David Havili and Jack Goodhue, and outside back Will Jordan all testing positive for Covid.

Crusaders wing Leicester Fainga’anuku will debut on the wing, with Scott Barrett named at blindside flanker, and Beauden Barrett at first five with Richie Mo'unga on the bench.

NZ All Blacks:

1. George Bower, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 4. Brodie Retallick, 5. Samuel Whitelock, 6. Scott Barrett, 7. Sam Cane (c), 8. Ardie Savea, 9. Aaron Smith, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Leicester Fainga’anuku, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Jordie Barrett

Reserves: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Angus Ta'avao, Pita Gus Sowakula, Dalton Papalii, Finlay Christie, Richie Mo'unga, Braydon Ennor

NPC Results And Semi-Finals Draw

In the final round of the 2021 Bunnings NPC, Bay of Plenty have beaten Northland 22-14 in their re-scheduled mid-week match, Waikato have beaten Otago 27-25, Tasman have beaten Wellington 34-22, Canterbury have beaten Bay of Plenty 40-28, and Taranaki have beaten Southland 24-10.

The semi-finals for the Championship will see Manawatu v Otago at Central Trust Arena in Palmerston North on Friday 12 November at 7.05pm, with Taranaki v Southland at TET Stadium in Inglewood at 2.05pm on Saturday 13th November

The semi-finals for the Premiership will see Hawkes Bay v Tasman at McLean Park in Napier, 4.35pm on Saturday 13th November followed by Waikato v Canterbury at 7.05pm at Rotorua International Stadium.

Bay of Plenty: 22 

Tries: Peni Lasaqa 2, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Nathan Harris, Conversion: Lucas Cashmore

Northland: 14 

Tries: Blake Hohaia, Justin Davies, Conversions: Rivez Reihana, Dan Hawkins

Waikato: 27 

Tries: James Thompson, Ryan Tongia, James Tucker, Conversions: D'Angelo Leuila 3, Penalties: Leuila 2

Otago: 25 

Tries: Freedom Vaha'akolo 2, Matt Faddes, Conversions: Josh Ioane 2, Penalties Ioane 2

Tasman: 34 

Tries: Quentin MacDonald, Jacob Norris, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Levi Aumua, Anton Segner, Conversions: Mitch Hunt 3, Penalty: Hunt 

Wellington: 22 

Tries: Taine Plumtree, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Tyrone Thompson, Conversions: Aidan Morgan 2, Penalty: Morgan

Canterbury: 40 

Tries: Chay Fihaki, Dallas McLeod 2, Waisake Naholo 2, Conversions: Fergus Burke 3, Penalties: Burke 2, Fihaki

Bay of Plenty: 28

Tries: Leroy Carter, Viveni Lasaqa, Lucas Cashmore, Conversions: Cashmore 2, Penalties: Cashmore 3

Taranaki: 24 

Tries: Kini Naholo, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Vereniki Tikoisolomone, Conversions: Stephen Perofeta 3, Penalty: Perofeta 

Southland: 10 

Try: Charles Alaimalo, Conversion: Greg Dyer, Penalty: Dyer

All Blacks Named To Face USA

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named his side to face USA in their test match at FedEx Field on Sunday morning 24th October, 8.30am. The side will be captained by Sam Whitelock who missed the Rugby Championship series in Australia due to the birth of his child, and Sam Cane also returns in the reserves after being sidelined for much of the year with a pectoral muscle tear.  New All Black lock Josh Lord has been added to the reserves, as has hooker Dane Coles who has been out since August with a calf injury.

New Zealand All Blacks:

1.   Ethan de Groot
2.   Asafo Aumua
3.   Angus Ta’avao
4.   Samuel Whitelock (c)
5.   Tupou Vaa’i
6.   Luke Jacobson
7.   Dalton Papalii
8.   Hoskins Sotutu
9.   Finlay Christie
10. Richie Mo’unga 
11. George Bridge 
12. Quinn Tupaea
13. Braydon Ennor
14. Will Jordan 
15. Damian McKenzie 

Reserves:

16. Dane Coles 
17. George Bower
18. Tyrel Lomax 
19. Josh Lord
20. Sam Cane 
21. TJ Perenara 
22. Beauden Barrett 
23. Anton Lienert-Brown 

All Get Second Victory Over Argentina

The All Blacks are on top of the Fortinet Rugby Championship after a 36-13 win over Argentina, while Australia beat South Africa again. The All Blacks led 24-3 at half time after dominant periods of play, but were forced into a more defense game in the second half. Lock Tupou Vaa'i and blindside flanker Ethan Blackadder both had strong games for the All Blacks

New Zealand All Blacks: 36 

Tries: Patrick Tuipulotu, TJ Perenara, Tupou Vaa'i 2, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Conversions: Jordie Barrett 4, Penalty: Jordie Barrett 

Argentina: 13

Try: Emiliano Boffelli, Conversion: Boffelli, Penalty: Boffelli 2

All Blacks Named For Second Argentina Match

All Black coach Ian Foster has named his side to face Argentina in their second Rugby Championship match at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on Saturday 18th September at 10.05 NZT.

In the forwards, Joe Moody starts in place of Tu’inukuafe, Tyrel Lomax in place of Laulala, Patrick Tuipulotu and Tupou Vaa'i in place of Retallick and Barrett, and Ethan Blackadder, Hoskins Sotutu and Ardie Savea in place of Papalii, Jacobson and Ioane.

In the backs McKenzie moves to first five in place of Barrett, Quinn Tupaea replaces Havili, and Will Jordan replace Sevu Reece on the right wing.

All Backs Team:

1.          Joe Moody

2.          Samisoni Taukei’aho
3.          Tyrel Lomax
4.          Patrick Tuipulotu
5.          Tupou Vaa’i
6.          Ethan Blackadder
7.          Ardie Savea (c)
8.          Hoskins Sotutu
9.          TJ Perenara
10.        Damian McKenzie
11.        George Bridge 
12.        Quinn Tupaea 
13.        Rieko Ioane 
14.        Will Jordan
15.        Jordie Barrett

Reserves: 

16.        Codie Taylor
17.        George Bower
18.        Ofa Tuungafasi 
19.        Scott Barrett
20.        Luke Jacobson
21.        Finlay Christie
22.        Beauden Barrett
23.        Braydon Ennor

Super Rugby Pacific 2022 Announced

New Zealand Rugby has confirmed details of Super Rugby Pacific that will start in February 2020, and will be jointly run by NZ Rugby and Rugby Australia.

Replacing the old format of sides from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Argentina, the new competition will contain a total of twelve teams, with New Zealand and Australia both having five teams each, and new sides the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika. 

The competition will start on 18th February 2022, and have an eight-team playoff series with a final on 18th June. Each side will play a total of 14 matches, with 7 of those based at home, and they will play eight teams once and three local teams twice. The 12 teams are the Blues, Brumbies, Chiefs, Crusaders, Fijian Drua, Highlanders, Hurricanes, Melbourne Rebels, Moana Pasifika, NSW Waratahs, Queensland Reds and Western Force

All Blacks Named For Rugby Championship Tour In Australia

All Black coach Ian Foster has named an initial 35-man squad for the Australian Rugby Championship Series and Northern Hemisphere Tour. Missing from the squad is lock Sam Whitelock, halfback Aaron Smith and first-five Richie Mo’unga, with all of them expecting the birth of children in the near future. The All Blacks will play a combined 10 tests in 12 weeks, with confirmation of the third Bledisloe Cup match to be played in Perth on Sunday 5th September at 6pm NZT.

All Blacks Squad:

Forwards: 

Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Codie Taylor. Props: George Bower, Ethan de Groot, Nepo Laulala, Tyrel Lomax, Joe Moody, Angus Ta’avao, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Ofa Tuungafasi. Locks: Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Patrick Tuipulotu, Tupou Vaa’i. Loose forwards: Ethan Blackadder, Akira Ioane, Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papalii, Ardie Savea, Hoskins Sotutu.

Backs: 

Halfbacks: Finlay Christie, TJ Perenara, Brad Weber. First five–eighths: Beauden Barrett. Midfielders: Braydon Ennor, David Havili, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea. Outside backs: Jordie Barrett, George Bridge, Will Jordan, Damian McKenzie, Sevu Reece.

All Blacks Named To Face Australia For Second Bledisloe Cup Match

All Black coach Ian Foster has named his side to face Australia in the second Bledisloe Cup match, which is again at Auckland's Eden Park on Saturday 14th August, 7.05pm. With Anton Lienert-Brown suffering a knee injury in last weeks test, Rieko Ioane moves into centre, and Will Jordan will start on the right wing. Halfback TJ Perenara has been named on the reserves bench, along with the three Barrett brothers. 

Australia coach Dave Rennie has made four changes to his starting side from last week, with Marika Koroibete coming in after being stood down last week, and Lachlan Swinton in at blindside. Other changes have Matt To'omua in at second five and Matt Philip at lock, while Rob Valetini moves to number eight.

All Blacks: 

1-George Bower, 2-Codie Taylor, 3-Nepo Laulala, 4-Brodie Retallick, 5-Sam Whitelock (c), 6-Akira Ioane, 7-Dalton Papalii, 8-Ardie Savea, 9-Aaron Smith, 10-Richie Mo'unga, 11- Sevu Reece, 12-David Havili, 13-Rieko Ioane, 14-Will Jordan, 15-Damian McKenzie

Reserves: 

16-Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17-Karl Tu'inikuafe, 18-Angus Ta'avao, 19-Scott Barrett, 20-Luke Jacobson, 21-TJ Perenara, 22-Beauden Barrett, 23-Jordie Barrett

Australia:

Tom Banks, Andrew Kellaway, Hunter Paisami, Matt To’omua, Marika Koroibete, Noah Lolesio, Tate McDermott, Rob Valetini, Michael Hooper (c), Lachlan Swinton, Matt Philip, Darcy Swain, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper. 

Reserves: 

Jordan Uelese, Scott Sio, Taniela Tupou, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Harry Wilson, Nic White, Len Ikitau, Reece Hodge.

All Blacks Win First Bledisloe Match

The All Blacks have won the first Bledisloe Cup match against Australia 33-25 at Auckland's Eden Park. Both sides scored four tries each, but kicking was the difference, with Australian first five Noah Lolesio missing five shots at goal, and managing only one penalty and conversion. The All Blacks held a 16-8 halftime lead, and extended it to 33-8 midway through the second half before an Australian fightback saw them score three tries in the final twelve minutes.

New Zealand All Blacks: 33 

Tries: Sevu Reece, Richie Mo'unga, David Havili, Damian McKenzie, Conversions: Richie Mo'unga 2, Penalties: Mo'unga 3 

Australia: 25 

Tries: Andrew Kellaway, Tom Banks 2, Jordan Uelese, Conversion: Noah Lolesio, Penalty: Lolesio

All Blacks Sevens Win Silver In Olympics Final

The All Black Sevens team has been beaten by Fiji 27-12 in their match for the 2021 Olympic Games gold in Tokyo last night. The New Zealand side had started on the back foot with error's gifting Fiji two tries in the opening minutes to Ratu Meli Derenalagi and Sireli Maqala. New Zealand trailed at the halftime break 19-12 after Fiji added a further try to Jiuta Wainiqolo, and New Zealand scored through Scott Curry and Sione Molia. The second half saw further errors and breakdown penalties against New Zealand, with Fiji adding a further try to Asaeli Tuivuaka and penalty kick. For the bronze medal playoff, Argentina beat Great Britain 17-12.

The All Black Sevens team had got through to the finals at the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo after beating Great Britain 29-7.

Their first pool match against South Korea was a 50-5 win after only leading 14-5 at halftime. In their second match, Argentina scored first, but the New Zealanders struck back to lead 14-7 at halftime. Argentina was first to score in the second half to level the scores, but the lead was extended by tries to Joe Webber, Tim Mikkelsen and on fulltime Andrew Knewstubb for a final score 35-14. On day two, that had their third win over Australia 14-12 after they trailed early in the match.

After securing the top seed through points differential for the quarter finals, they played Canada to secure a 21-10 victory and match against Great Britain in the semi-finals. Other quarter finals results saw Fiji beat Australia 19-0, Argentina beat South Africa 19-14 after finishing match with only five players on the field, and Great Britain beat USA 26-21

Round Two Super Rugby Trans-Tasman Results

For the second week in a row the New Zealand sides have beaten all their Australian opposition in Round Two of the 2021Trans-Tasman Super Rugby Competition.

Hurricanes: 35  

Tries: Julian Savea 2, Billy Proctor, Wes Goosen, Asafo Aumua, Conversions: Jordie Barrett 5 

Rebels: 13 

Tries: Michael Wells, Campbell Magnay, Penalty: Matt Toomua

Force: 15 

Tries: Tomas Cubelli, Angus Wagner, Conversion: Domingo Miotti, Penalty: Miotti 

Highlanders: 25 

Tries: Jona Nareki, Ayden Johnstone, Scott Gregory 2, Conversion: Mitchell Hunt, Penalty: Hunt

Blues: 48 

Tries: Bryce Heem 3, Tom Robinson, Kurt Eklund, Rieko Ioane, penalty try, Conversions: Otere Black 4, Penalty: Black

Waratahs: 21 

Tries: Angus Bell, Jake Gordon, Dave Porecki, Conversions: Will Harrison 3 

Chiefs: 40 

Tries: Luke Jacobson 2, Tupou Vaa'i, Damian McKenzie, Alex Nankiville, Anton Lienert-Brown, Conversions: McKenzie 5

Brumbies: 19

Tries: Len Ikitau, Bayley Kuenzle, Rob Valetini, Conversions: Noah Lolesio 2

Reds: 28 

Tries: Tate McDermott, Harry Wilson, Suliasi Vunivalu, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Penalties: James O'Connor 4

Crusaders: 63

Tries: Richie Mo'unga 3, Sevu Reece 2, Cullen Grace, Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, penalty try, Conversions: Mo'unga 8

2021 Super Rugby Squads Named

Blues 2021 Super Rugby Squad:

Hookers: Ray Niuia, James Parsons, Soane Vikena
Props: Alex Hodgman, Nepo Laulala, James Lay, Marcel Renata, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Ofa Tuungafasi
Locks: Gerard Cowley-Tuioti , Sam Darry, Josh Goodhue, Jacob Pierce, Patrick Tuipulotu
Loose forwards: Blake Gibson, Dillon Hunt, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii, Taine Plumtree, Tom Robinson, Hoskins Sotutu
Halfbacks: Finlay Christie, Sam Nock, Jonathan Ruru
Inside backs: Otere Black, Stephen Perofeta, Harry Plummer
Midfield: TJ Faiane, Rieko Ioane, Tanielu Tele'a
Outside backs: Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Jone Macilai-Tori, Emoni Narawa, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Zarn Sullivan, Mark Telea

Chiefs  2021 Super Rugby Squad:

Hookers: Nathan Harris, Bradley Slater, Samisoni Taukei'aho
Props: Sione Mafileo, Atunaisa Moli, Ollie Norris, Reuben O'Neill, Aidan Ross, Angus Ta'avao
Locks: Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Josh Lord, Laghlan McWhannell, Tupou Vaa'i
Loose forwards: Kaylum Boshier, Lachlan Boshier, Mitchell Brown, Sam Cane, Pita Gus Sowakula, Luke Jacobson, Mitchell Karpik, Simon Parker
Halfbacks: Xavier Roe, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Brad Weber
Inside backs: Bryn Gatland, Rivez Reihana, Kaleb Trask
Midfielders: Anton Lienert-Brown, Alex Nankivell, Bailyn Sullivan, Quinn Tupaea
Outside backs: Jonah Lowe, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Shaun Stevenson, Chase Tiatia, Sean Wainui.

Hurricanes 2021 Super Rugby Squad:

Props: Pouri Rakete-Stones, Alex Fidow, Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Fraser Armstrong, Tevita Mafileo
Hookers: Ricky Riccitelli, Asafo Aumua, Dane Coles,
Locks: Liam Mitchell, James Blackwell, Scott Scrafton, Kane Leaupepe, Isaia Walker Leaware
Loose forwards: Du Plessis Kirifi, Reed Prinsep, Gareth Evans, Ardie Savea, Devan Flanders, Vaea Fifita, Brayden Iose
Halfbacks: Jamie Booth, Jonathan Taumateine, Luke Campbell
Inside backs: Jackson Garden Bachop, Simon Hickey
Midfield: Ngani Laumape, Billy Proctor, Vince Aso, Julian Savea
Outside backs: Salesi Rayasi, Wes Goosen, Jordie Barrett, Danny Toala, Peter Umaga Jensen, Lolagi Visinia, Ruben Love, Pepesana Patafilo

Crusaders 2021 Super Rugby Squad:

Props: Joe Moody, Ollie Jager, Isi Tuungafasi, George Bower, Michael Alaalatoa, Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell
Hookers: Codie Taylor, Brodie McAlister, Andrew Makalio,
Locks: Scott Barrett, Quentin Strange, Mitchell Dunshea, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano
Loose forwards: Cullen Grace, Tom Sanders, Ethan Blackadder, Sione Havili, Whetu Douglas, Tom Christie
Halfbacks: Mitch Drummond, Ere Enari, Bryn Hall,
Inside backs: Richie Mo'unga, Brett Cameron
Midfield: Jack Goodhue, Fergus Burke, Braydon Ennor, Dallas McLeod,
Outside backs: Chay Fihaki, George Bridge, Manasa Mataele, Sevu Reece, David Havili, Will Jordan, Leicester Faingaanuku, Isaiah Punivai

Highlanders 2021 Super Rugby Squad:

Props: Ayden Johnstone, Siate Tokolahi, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Jeff Thwaites, Ethan de Groot, Jermaine Ainsley, Josh Hohneck
Hookers: Ricky Jackson, Ash Dixon, Liam Coltman
Locks: Pari Pari Parkinson, Josh Dickson, Maanaki Selby-Rickit, Bryn Evans
Loose forwards: Billy Harmon, James Lentjes, Shannon Frizell, Marino Mikaele Tu'u, Sione Misiloi, Teariki Ben-Nicholas, Liam Squire
Halfbacks: Kazuki Himeno, Aaron Smith, Kayne Hammington, Folau Fakatava
Inside backs: Josh Ioane, Mitchell Hunt
Midfield: Fetuli Paea, Sio Tomkinson, Thomas Umaga Jensen, Ngane Punivai
Outside backs: Nehe Milner Skudder, Connor Garden Bachop, Scott Gregory, Jona Nareki, Solomon Alaimalo, Michael Collins, Sam Gilbert, Vilimoni Koroi

All Blacks Win Final Match Of 2020

 The All Blacks have beaten Argentina 38-0 in Newcastle on Saturday night, reversing the loss they suffered two weeks ago. It was a committed forward pack that set the stage for the win, and forced multiple errors and missed tackles onto Argentina. Hooker Dane Coles scored the opening try out wide in the 12th minute, and Richie Mo'unga added a penalty for a first half 10-0 lead.

Midway through the second half the All Blacks led 17-0 after Ardie Savea scored off a lineout drive, but it was the addition of replacement back Will Jordan that opened the game right up. Jordan scored a try off a spilled Argentina ball, and two minutes later was in again off an intercept for a 60m dash. The final act of the game saw replacement lock Patrick Tuipulotu score in the 81st minute with Jordan again involved.

New Zealand: 38 

Tries: Dane Coles, Ardie Savea, Will Jordan 2, Patrick Tuipulotu, Conversions: Richie Mo'unga 5, Penalty: Mo'unga

Argentina: 0 

Tasman Win Mitre 10 Cup Premiership Final

Tasman has beaten Auckland 13-12 to win the 2020 Mitre 10 Cup Premiership Final for the second consecutive year in Auckland on Saturday night. After suffering a 31-10 defeat to Auckland in round 6, Tasman turned it all around with a stand out defensive effort to limit Auckland to only four penalties and no tries. Auckland also suffered with their discipline and saw prop Angus Ta'avao sin-binned just before halftime and fullback Zarn Sullivan just after halftime.

Auckland: 12 

Penalties: Harry Plummer 4 

Tasman: 13 

Try: Quentin MacDonald, Conversion: David Havili, Penalties: Havili 2

See Match Highlights Here

Hawkes Bay have beaten Northland 36-24 in Napier on Friday might to win the Mitre 10 Cup Championship, and promotion to the Premiership for 2021. The 17-17 halftime score line showed how close this match was, but it was Hawkes Bay who broke free in the second half, showing why they had topped the pool round, and currently hold the Ranfurly Shield.

Hawke’s Bay: 36 

Tries: Jonah Lowe 2, Neria Fomai 2, Lolagi Visinia, Ash Dixon, Conversions: Lincoln McClutchie 2, Caleb Makene 

Northland: 24 

Tries: Luatangi Li, Will Grant, Tom Robinson, Tamati Tua, Conversions: Dan Hawkins, Johnny Cooper

See Match Highlights Here

Mitre 10 Cup Finals Teams

Hawkes Bay v Northland, Friday 27 November, 7pm, McLean Park, Napier (Championship Final)

Hawke's Bay: 

1-Pouri Rakete-Stones, 2-Ash Dixon (c), 3-Joe Apikotoa, 4-Geoff Cridge, 5-Tom Parsons, 6-Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, 7-Solomone Funaki, 8-Devan Flanders, 9-Folau Fakatava, 10-Lincoln McClutchie, 11-Jonah Lowe, 12-Neria Fomai, 13-Stacey Ili, 14-Lolagi Visinia, 15-Kurt Baker

Reserves: 

16-Kianu Kereru-Symes, 17-Jason Long, 18-Namatahi Waa, 19-Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20-Gareth Evans, 21-Connor McLeod, 22-Caleb Makene, 23-Ollie Sapsford.

Northland: 

1-Luatangi Li, 2-Jordan Olsen (c), 3-Coree Te Whata-Colley, 4-Josh Goodhue, 5-Sam Caird, 6-Tom Robinson, 7-Kara Pryor, 8-Sam Mcnamara, 9-Will Grant, 10-Dan Hawkins, 11-Jone Macilai, 12-Tamati Tua, 13-Rene Ranger, 14-Jordan Hyland, 15-Mathew Wright

Reserves: 

16-Tyler Kearns, 17-Ross Wright, 18-Kaololo Tuiloma, 19-Kane Jacobson, 20-Matt Matich, 21-Corey Taylor, 22-Johnny Cooper, 23-Scott Gregory

Auckland v Tasman, Saturday 28 November, 6.35pm, Eden Park, Auckland (Premiership Final)

Auckland: 

1-James Lay, 2-Leni Apisai, 3-Angus Ta'avao (c), 4-Scott Scrafton, 5-Jack Whetton, 6-Adian Choat, 7-Nico Jones, 8-Sione Tuipulotu, 9-Jonathan Ruru, 10-Harry Plummer, 11-Salesi Rayasi, 12-Tanielu Tele'a, 13-Tumua Manu, 14-AJ Lam, 15-Zam Sullivan 

Reserves: 

16-Mike Sosene-Feagai, 17-Jarred Adams, 18-Marcel Renata, 19-Hamish Dalzell, 20-Presley Tufuga, 21-Taufua Funaki, 22-Simon Hickey, 23-Jordan Trainor

Tasman: 

1-Isi Tuungafasi, 2-Quentin MacDonald, 3-Samuel Matenga, 4-Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 5-Quinten Strange, 6-Hugh Renton, 7-Sione Havili, 8-Taina Fox-Matamua, 9-Finlay Christie, 10-Mitch Hunt, 11-Leicester Fainga'anuku, 12-Tim O'Malley, 13-Fetuli Paea, 14-Mark Telea, 15-David Havili (c)

Reserves: 

16-Samiuela Moli, 17-Ryan Coxon, 18-Isaac Salmon, 19-Isaac Ross, 20-Anton Segner, 21-Dwayne Polataivao, 22-Kieron Fonotia, 23-Tim Fainga'anuku

All Blacks Team Named To Face Argentina

All Black coach Ian Foster has named his side to face Argentina for their last match of 2020 on Saturday 28 November, 9.45pm, at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, Australia.

After the 25-15 loss to Argentina in Sydney two weeks ago, Foster has made changes to the starting forwards only, and left the backs unchanged. Akira Ioane will start at blindside flanker in place of Shannon Frizzel who drops out of the match 23, Scott Barrett replaces Patrick Tuipulotu who moves to the reserves, and prop Nepo Laulala replaces Tyrel Lomax who also moves to the reserves. On the reserves bench there are also changes, with Karl Tu'inukuafe replacing Alex Hodgman, TJ Perenara replacing Brad Weber, Will Jordan replacing Damian McKenzie, and Tupou Vaa'i dropping out of the match 23.

New Zealand All Blacks:

1. Joe Moody, 2. Dane Coles, 3. Nepo Laulala, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Samuel Whitelock, 6. Akira Ioane, 7. Sam Cane (c), 8. Ardie Savea, 9. Aaron Smith, 10. Richie Mo'unga, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Jack Goodhue, 13. Anton Lienert-Brown, 14. Jordie Barrett, 15. Beauden Barrett.

Reserves:

16. Codie Taylor, 17. Karl Tu'inukuafe, 18. Tyrel Lomax, 19. Patrick Tuipulotu, 20. Hoskins Sotutu, 21. TJ Perenara, 22. Rieko Ioane, 23. Will Jordan.

Argentina: 

Emiliano Boffelli, Ramiro Moyano, Juan Cruz Mallia, Jeronimo de la Fuente, Santiago Cordero, Nicolas Sanchez, Felipe Ezcurra; Facundo Isa, Marcos Kremer, Pablo Matera (c), Lucas Paulos, Guido Petti, Santiago Medrano, Julian Montoya, Mayco Vivas.

Reserves: 

Santiago Socino, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Lucio Sordoni, Matías Alemanno, Santiago Grondona, Gonzalo Bertranou, Santiago Carreras, Lucas Mensa.

Mitre 10 Cup Semi-Final Results

Following the weekend matches, the finalists for the Mitre 10 Cup 2020 have been determined.

Northland defeated Otago 32-19 at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, whilst Hawkes Bay defeated Taranaki 59-23 in Napier. The Mitre 10 Cup Championship Final will see Hawkes Bay face Northland on Friday 27th November in Napier at 7.05pm.

Auckland defeated Waikato 23-18 at Eden Park in Auckland, whist Tasman defeated Bay of Plenty 19-10 in Nelson. The Mitre 10 Cup Premiership Final will see Auckland face Tasman on Saturday 28th November at Eden Park at the earlier time of 6.35pm due to the All Blacks test against Argentina.

Otago: 19

Tries: Jona Nareki, Josh Timu, Sio Tomkinson, Conversions: Josh Ioane 2 

Northland: 32 

Tries: Jone Macilai, Sam Nock, Jordan Olsen, Matt Matich, Conversions: Wiseguy Faiane 2, Johnny Cooper, Penalties: Cooper 2

Hawke's Bay: 59 

Tries: Geoff Cridge, Solomone Funaki, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Ash Dixon 3, Folau Fakatava, Connor McLeod, Conversions: Caleb Makene, Lincoln McClutchie 7, Penalty: McClutchie 

Taranaki: 23 

Tries: Lukas Halls, Ricky Riccitelli, Donald Brighouse, Conversion: Jayson Potroz, Penalties: Potroz 2

Auckland: 23 

Tries: Salesi Rayasi, Tanielu Tele'a, Tumua Manu, Conversion: Harry Plummer, Penalties: Zarn Sullivan, Plummer

Waikato: 18 

Tries: Samisone Taukei'aho, Adam Thomson, Conversion: Beaudein Waaka, Penalties: Waaka 2

Tasman: 19 

Tries: Quentin MacDonald, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Penalties: Mitchell Hunt 3

Bay of Plenty: 10 

Try: Joe Webber, Conversion: Kaleb Trask, Penalty: Trask

Mitre 10 Cup Semi-Final Team Lists

Otago v Northland, 7pm Friday November 20, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Otago: 

1-Jamie Mackintosh, 2-Ricky Jackson, 3-Josh Hohneck, 4-Jack Regan, 5-Josh Dickson, 6-Sam Fischli, 7-Slade McDowell, 8-Dylan Nel, 9-Kayne Hammington, 10-Josh Ioane, 11-Jona Nareki, 12-Sio Tomkinson, 13-Josh Timu, 14-Vilimoni Koroi, 15-Michael Collins

Reserves: 16-Henry Bell, 17-Sef Fa'agase, 18-Hisa Sasagi, 19-Will Tucker, 20-Nasi Manu, 21-James Arscott, 22-Thomas Umaga-Jensen, 23-Matt Whaanga

Northland: 

1-Luatangi Li, 2-Jordan Olsen, 3-Coree Te Whata-Colley, 4-Josh Goodhue, 5-Sam Caird, 6-Tom Robinson, 7-Kara Pryor, 8-Sam McNamara, 9-Sam Nock, 10-Johnny Cooper, 11-Jone Macilai, 12-Tamati Tua, 13-Rene Ranger, 14-Jordan Hyland, 15-Matt Wright

Reserves: 16-Paddy Atkins, 17-Ross Wright, 18-Kalola Tuiloma, 19-Kane Jacobson, 20-Matt Matich, 21-Will Grant, 22-Wiseguy Fiane, 23-Scott Gregory

Auckland v Waikato, 2pm Saturday November 21, Eden Park, Auckland

Auckland: 

1-Jarred Adams 2-Leni Apisai, 3-Angus Ta'avao, 4-Scott Scrafton, 5-Hamish Dalzell, 6-Presley Tufuga, 7-Adrian Choat, 8-Sione Tuipulotu, 9-Jonathan Ruru, 10-Harry Plummer, 11-Salesi Rayasi, 12-Tanielu Tele'a, 13-Tumua Manu 14-AJ Lam, 15-Zarn Sullivan 

Reserves: 16-Mike Sosene-Feagai, 17-Fatongia Paea, 18-Marcel Renata, 19-Jack Whetton, 20-Niko Jones, 21-Danny Lusitala, 22-Simon Hickey, 23-Jordan Trainor 

Waikato: 

1-Ollie Norris, 2-Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3-Sefo Kautai, 4-Hamilton Burr, 5-Samipeni Finau, 6-Adam Thomson, 7-Luke Jacobson (c), 8-Liam Messam, 9-Xavier Roe, 10-Flecther Smith, 11-Beauden Waaka, 12-Bailyn Sullivan, 13-Quinn Tupaea, 14-Liam Coombes-Fabling, 15-Matty Lansdown.

Reserves: 16-Steven Misa, 17-Rob Cobb, 18-Josh Iosefa-Scott, 19-James Thompson, 20-Simon Parker, 21-Rhys Dickinson, 22-Patrick Osbourne, 23-Gideon Wrampling 

Hawkes Bay v Taranaki, 4:30pm Saturday November 21, McLean Park, Napier

Hawke's Bay: 

1-Pouri Rakete-Stones, 2-Ash Dixon (c), 3-Joe Apikotoa, 4-Geoff Cridge, 5-Tom Parsons, 6-Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, 7-Solomone Funaki, 8-Devan Flanders, 9-Folau Fakatava, 10-Caleb Makene, 11-Jonah Lowe, 12-Neria Fomai, 13-Stacey Ili, 14-Lolagi Visinia, 15-Kurt Baker

Reserves: 16-Jacob Devery, 17-Jason Long, 18-Namatahi Waa, 19-Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20-Gareth Evans, 21-Connor McLeod, 22-Lincoln McClutchie, 23-Ollie Sapsford 

Taranaki: 

1-Jared Proffit, 2-Bradley Slater, 3-Reuben O'Neill, 4-Jarrad Hoeata, 5-Mitchell Brown (c), 6-Tom Florence, 7-Mitchell Crosswell, 8-Pita Gus Sowakula, 9-Warwick Lahmert, 10-Stephen Perofeta, 11-Lewis Ormond, 12-Brayton Northcott-Hill, 13-Lukas Halls, 14-Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 15-Jayson Potroz

Reserves: 16-Ricky Riccitelli, 17-Chris Gawler, 18-Ben May, 19-Findlamor Hoeata, 20-Rhodes Featherstone, 21-Lisati Milo-Harris, 22-Daniel Rona, 23-Codey Rei 

Tasman v Bay of Plenty, 7pm Saturday November 21, Trafalgar Park, Nelson

Tasman: 

1-Ryan Coxon, 2-Quentin MacDonald, 3-Samuel Matenga, 4-Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 5-Quinten Strange, 6-Hugh Renton, 7-Sione Havili, 8-Taina Fox-Matamua, 9-Finlay Christie, 10-Mitch Hunt, 11-Leicester Fainga'anuku, 12-Tim O'Malley, 13-Fetuli Paea, 14-Mark Telea, 15-David Havili (c)

Reserves: 16-Samiuela Moli, 17-Isi Tuungafasi, 18-Blair Prinsep, 19-Isaac Ross, 20-Anton Segner, 21-Dwayne Polataivao, 22-Kieron Fonotia, 23-Tim Fainga'anuku

Bay of Plenty:

1-Tevita Mafileo, 2-Kurt Eklund, 3-Jeff Thwaites, 4-Stan Van Den Hoven, 5-Keepa Mewett, 6-Joe Johnston, 7-Mitchell Karpik, 8-Sam Dickson, 9-Luke Campbell, 10-Otere Black, 11-Joe Webber, 12-Chase Tiatia, 13-Mathew Skipwith-Garland, 14-Emoni Narawa, 15-Kaleb Trask

Reserves: 16-Nathan Vella, 17-Jordan Lay, 18-Ross Geldenhuys, 19-Zane Kapeli, 20-Scott Curry, 21-Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22-Dan Hollinshead, 23-Regan Ware