Semi-finalists found in NPC and Heartland competitions

The top four teams and the venues have been determined in each of New Zealand’s three national rugby competitions and divisions of the Men’s and Women’s NPC and the Heartland Championship.

In the Men’s NPC, the Premiership semi-finalists were already decided heading into the last round, but the order of finishing needed resolving. Top qualifiers Taranaki will take on the Tasman Makos and second placed Canterbury will host third placed North Harbour.

Wellington had locked in their home playoff even before their win over Northland on Thursday night, but who they would host rested on the last game of the regular season between Hawke’s Bay and Manawatu. The Magpies shut out the Turbos 36-31, meaning that Wellington will host Northland in one semi-final and second placed Bay of Plenty will greet third placed Otago.

The Women’s NPC was determined as well, with top qualifier Counties Manukau hosting Waikato in one Premiership semi-final next weekend, after Counties Manukau and Waikato wrapped up the round-robin with wins over Manawatu and Auckland respectively. Auckland’s loss means they will travel to Canterbury to play the other major semi-final.

In the Championship division, top qualifier Bay of Plenty will host newcomers Tasman while Otago will entertain North Harbour in the other. In a replay of this Sunday’s game that saw the Spirit win 34-15.

In the Heartland Championship, South Canterbury will host defending champions Wanganui in the major Meads Cup semi-final, while Horowhenua-Kapiti will play Buller in the second versus third fixture.

In the Lochore Cup playoffs for teams that finished fifth-eighth, Mid Canterbury finished top and will play Poverty Bay who beat Thames Valley 35-34, both teams finishing on 20 points. West Coast will host North Otago in the other semi-final.

Keep up to date with the three competitions at the Draws & Results above.