Canterbury are 15-time title winners and are on a seven-game win streak. In their 38-28 semi-final win against Taranaki, they were polished, defusing Taranaki, who had scored an unprecedented four half-centuries in a row.
Rugbypass reviewed the standout performers from the NPC semi-finals, which saw Canterbury and Northland secure spots in the Division I final. Northland earned their place with a 38-19 win over Otago, while Canterbury booked their spot by defeating Taranaki 38-28.
Among the highlighted performers were Canterbury winger Kurtis MacDonald, who scored a try and gained 100 meters, and lock Sam Darry, who made 12 tackles and scored. Northland loosehead prop Esile Fono and head coach Ryan Martin were also singled out for leading their team to a historic first top-division final appearance.
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