Canterbury have booked their spot in an all-South Island NPC final after overcoming Hawke’s Bay 43-19 in their semi-final at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch.
Second-five Dallas McLeod scored a rapid-fire try double midway through the second half to seal the victory, sending the regular-season leaders into the title decider, where they will host southern neighbours Otago next weekend.
Canterbury took an early lead through a penalty before captain Tom Christie forced a turnover and set up winger Ngane Punivai for a long-range try.
The forwards then dominated from a lineout, with lock Sam Darry powering over to extend the lead.
Canterbury have won nine NPC titles since the competition’s revamp in 2006 but last lifted the trophy in 2017.
Otago, meanwhile, will be chasing their first title in the modern NPC era.
Canterbury will host Otago at 3.05pm next Saturday.
RNZ
