Bunnings NPC Semi Finals: Otago and Canterbury book spots in 2025 title decider

Otago booked their place in the 2025 Bunnings Cup NPC final with a dominant 41-17 win over Bay of Plenty at Forsyth Barr Stadium. From the opening exchanges, the home side imposed themselves with precision and pace, thrilling a packed crowd. Bay of Plenty struck first in the ninth minute as flanker Viveni Lasaqa exploited a gap on the left to cross, but Otago responded immediately. A sweeping attack down the right saw wing Jae Broomfield and flanker Lucas Casey combine with Thomas Umaga-Jensen before Jona Nareki finished with a deft score.

Lucas Cashmore then demonstrated his vision, feeding Fehi Fineanganofa and Cole Forbes to extend Otago’s lead. Prop Abraham Pole and forward drives set up Christian Lio-Willie’s try, showing the potency of Otago’s pack. Despite Broomfield being sin-binned for a clash with Bay hooker Taine Kolose, the home side finished the half strongly with Will Stodart powering over, leaving Otago 21-12 ahead at the break.

The second half continued in Otago’s favour. Halfback Dylan Pledger capitalised on quick ruck ball to finish a move started by Cam Millar, and Millar added a penalty in the 59th minute. Broomfield then set up Finn Hurley to cross in the 66th, while Bay briefly responded through Ngarohi McGarvey-Black. Otago sealed the victory in the dying stages when fullback Sam Gilbert added a penalty, bringing the score to 41-17. Their blend of forward power, sharp backline movement, and opportunistic counter-attacks ensured a comprehensive win, sending them through to face Canterbury in next week’s final.

TRIES: Nareki, Lio-Willie, Stodart, Pledger, Hurley

CONS: Gilbert 5

PEN: Gilbert

TRIES: Lasaqa, Forbes, McGarvey-Black

CONS: Cashmore

Canterbury advanced to the 2025 Bunnings Cup NPC final after a commanding 43-19 triumph over Hawke’s Bay at Orangetheory Stadium. Captain Tom Christie set the tone early with a crucial turnover at a ruck in the eighth minute, sparking the opening try.

No. 8 Dom Gardiner carried the ball into contact before lock Jamie Hannah linked to wing Ngantungane Punivai, who scored in the corner. Canterbury faced early setbacks as tries from Devan Flanders and Punivai were initially ruled out, but persistence from the forwards eventually led to Sam Darry crossing in the 18th minute.

Hawke’s Bay responded with a try from Neria Fomai following sustained phases, and they were narrowly behind at halftime, 15-14, after Folau Fakatava dotted down off a clever halfback run. Canterbury came out firing in the second half, with their forwards dictating the pace. Locks Hannah and George Bell, flanker Christie, and hooker Bell combined to create space for Dallas McLeod, who scored twice in quick succession. A Darry-chargedown and slick handling by replacement Daniel Lienert-Brown added further weight to Canterbury’s advantage.

Hawke’s Bay crossed for a consolation try through James Lowe, but Canterbury had the final say as Punivai linked with replacement Liam Jack to deliver Christie over the line for the closing score. Canterbury’s physical dominance, intelligent offloads, and relentless pressure ensured they never trailed for long, finishing the match as worthy finalists. Their victory sets up a tantalizing clash with Otago next Saturday in Christchurch.

TRIES: Punivai, Darry, McLeod 2, Lienert-Brown, Christie

CONS: Fihaki 5

PEN: Fihaki

TRIES: Fomai, Fakatava, Lowe

CONS: McClutchie 2