2006 AIR NEW ZEALAND CUP

2006 Air New Zealand Cup season
2006 Air New Zealand Cup season
Countries	New Zealand
Date	28 July – 21 October 2006
Champions	Waikato
Runners-up	Wellington
Matches played	70
Tries scored	374 ; (average 5.3 per match)
Top point scorer	Jimmy Gopperth ( Wellington); 121 points
Top try scorer	Richard Kahui ( Waikato); 8 tries
Official website
	allblacks.com
	2007 →

The 2006 Air New Zealand Cup was the inaugural season of the National Provincial Championship (known as the Air New Zealand Cup for sponsorship reasons), contested by teams from New Zealand. The season ran from July to October 2006. At the end of the regular season, the top six teams were joined in the quarter-finals by the top team from each of the repechage routes, with the winners going through to the semi-finals.^[1] The winner of each semi-final qualified for the final, which was contested between Waikato and Wellington; Waikato won 37–31 to claim the first Air New Zealand Cup title.^[2]

This season was the first of the expanded competition, which has succeeded the First Division of the National Provincial Championship. It also saw the introduction of four new teams, Hawke's Bay, Counties Manukau, Manawatu and the newly formed Tasman (a merger of Nelson Bays and Marlborough).^[3] On 3 June 2006, the Commerce Commission accepted the NZRU proposal of a salary cap for the Air New Zealand Cup. This was mainly so that the talent pool of players could be spread between the 14 rugby unions.^[4]

Competition format

Covering ten weeks, the schedule featured a total of 70 matches. The 14 unions were grouped by the top three places in each pool, they advanced and secured a spot in the top six. Auckland secured the top position at the start of the second round. Competition points from round one carried over to round two, and teams were seeded according to total points won. If necessary of a tiebreaker, when two or more teams finish on equal points, the union who defeated the other in a head-to-head gets placed higher. In case of a draw between them, the side with the biggest points deferential margin will get rights to be ranked above. If they are tied on points difference, it is then decided by a highest scored try count or a coin toss.^[5]

Three teams receive two home fixtures in Round Two:

The first-place teams in each pool (Auckland in Pool A, Waikato in Pool B).
The higher-ranked of the two second-place teams (Canterbury, which won a tiebreaker by virtue of a better point differential than North Harbour).

The remaining three teams receive only one home fixture apiece.

Similarly, the top two teams in each repechage pool, based on competition points earned in Round one (with tiebreakers applied as needed), earn two home fixtures in Round two, with the other teams receiving one apiece. Bay of Plenty and Counties Manukau earned the extra home fixture in Repechage A, while Southland and Taranaki earned this privilege in Repechage B.

In Round two saw each team in the competition played three fixtures in this round. In the Top Six, each team played the three teams that it did not play in Round one. Each team in the repechage pools played the other teams in its pool once.

For the teams in the Top Six, competition points carried over from Round one. All Top Six teams advanced to the quarterfinals, with their seedings determined by their positions at the end of Round two.

In the two repechage pools, competition points did not carry over from Round one. The top team in each pool at the end of Round two advanced to the quarterfinals. The two repechage winners received the seventh and eighth seeds, determined based on competition points at the end of Round two.

At the end of Week 9, Auckland, Waikato and North Harbour secured home quarter-finals. Bay of Plenty secured the top spot in Repechage A. In Repechage B, Taranaki dropped out of contention for the top spot.

After defeating Manawatu in Week 10, Bay of Plenty clinched the higher placing of the two repechage quarter-final slots. Also in Week 10, Otago's loss to Wellington placed Otago at the bottom of the Top 6 going into the quarter-finals. The fourth home quarter-final went to Wellington; although Canterbury defeated Auckland, they did not earn the bonus point they needed to pass Wellington on the table. Wellington's victory over Canterbury in Week 8 gave them the advantage in the tiebreaker.

Southland earned the top spot in Repechage B; despite losing 19–12 to Northland, the bonus point they earned for losing by only seven points put them one point ahead of the Taniwha in the standings.

The battle for the top overall seed came down to the final match in pool play. Waikato claimed the top seed by defeating North Harbour. Regardless of the Waikato–Harbour result, Auckland was assured of no worse than the second seed they eventually received. Harbour received the third seed.

Standings

Pool A
Pos	Team	GP	W	D	L	PF	PA	PD	BP	Pts
1	Auckland	6	5	0	1	195	63	+132	5	25
2	North Harbour	6	5	0	1	142	92	+50	3	23
3	Wellington	6	5	0	1	121	90	+31	1	21

4	Bay of Plenty	6	3	0	3	116	129	−13	1	13
5	Taranaki	6	2	0	4	86	128	−42	1	9
6	Tasman	6	1	0	5	133	163	−30	4	8
7	Manawatu	6	0	0	6	46	174	−128	1	1

Pool B
Pos	Team	GP	W	D	L	PF	PA	PD	BP	Pts
1	Waikato	6	5	0	1	187	124	+63	4	24
2	Canterbury	6	5	0	1	170	87	+93	3	23
3	Otago	6	5	0	1	153	76	+77	3	23

4	Southland	6	2	0	4	88	123	−35	2	10
5	Counties Manukau	6	1	0	5	130	158	−28	5	9
6	Hawke's Bay	6	1	1	4	109	192	−83	2	8
7	Northland	6	1	1	4	104	181	−77	0	6

Overall
Pos	Team	GP	W	D	L	PF	PA	PD	BP	Pts
1	Waikato	9	7	1	1	277	182	+95	6	36
2	Auckland	9	6	1	2	287	119	+168	8	34
3	RS – North Harbour	9	7	0	2	206	158	+48	3	31
4	Wellington	9	7	0	2	189	165	+24	1	29
5	Canterbury	9	6	0	3	238	156	+82	5	29
6	Otago	9	5	0	4	192	173	+19	4	24

7	Bay of Plenty	3	3	0	0	100	34	+66	2	14
8	Southland	3	2	0	1	55	50	+5	1	9

9	Hawke's Bay	3	2	0	1	63	74	−11	1	9
10	Northland	3	2	0	1	57	85	−28	0	8
11	Taranaki	3	1	0	2	76	60	+16	3	7
12	Tasman	3	1	0	2	87	80	+7	1	5
13	Counties Manukau	3	0	1	2	65	93	−28	3	5
14	Manawatu	3	0	1	2	51	78	−27	0	2

Regular season

Round 1

28 July 2006
19:35 NZST

Hawke's Bay	0–45	Canterbury
	Report	Try: Cameron McIntyre (2), Mose Tuiali'i (2), Stephen Brett, Campbell Johnstone Con: Ben Blair (6) Pen: Ben Blair

McLean Park, Napier
Referee: Paul Honiss

29 July 2006
14:00 NZST

Manawatu	10–41	Auckland
Try: Rob Foreman Con: Graham Smith Pen: Graham Smith	Report	Try: Jamie Helleur (2), Brad Mika, Lachie Munro, Saimone Taumoepeau, Joe Tekori, Brent Ward Con: Brent Ward (2), Isa Nacewa

FMG Stadium, Palmerston North
Referee: Keith Brown

29 July 2006
16:00 NZST

Counties Manukau	19–23	Otago
Try: Kristian Ormsby Con: Blair Feeney Pen: Blair Feeney (4)	Report	Try: Josh Blackie, Callum Bruce Con: Nick Evans (2) Pen: Nick Evans (3)

Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland
Referee: Jonathon White

29 July 2006
18:05 NZST

Taranaki	14–30	Wellington
Try: Matt Harvey Pen: Miah Nikora (3)	Report	Try: Lome Fa'atau, Jimmy Gopperth, Cory Jane Con: Jimmy Gopperth (3) Pen: Jimmy Gopperth (3)

Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
Referee: Kelvin Deaker

30 July 2006
14:35 NZST

Northland	21–36	Southland
Try: David Holwell, Rene Ranger Con: David Holwell Pen: David Holwell (3)	Report	Try: Dion Bates, Hoani MacDonald, Pehi Te Whare, Kane Thompson Con: Blair Stewart (2) Pen: Blair Stewart (4)

ITM Stadium, Whangarei
Referee: Steve Walsh

30 July 2006
16:35 NZST

Tasman	27–33	North Harbour
Try: Kahn Fotuali'i, Tristan Moran, Peter Playford Con: Ben Gollings (3) Pen: Ben Gollings (2)	Report	Try: Francis Stowers (2), Adrian Donald, Tusi Pisi, Viliame Waqaseduadua Con: Tusi Pisi (4)

Lansdowne Park, Blenheim
Referee: Lyndon Bray

Bye/s: Bay of Plenty, Waikato

Round 2

4 August 2006
19:35 NZST

Wellington	11–6	Bay of Plenty
Try: Cory Jane Pen: Jimmy Gopperth (2)	Report	Pen: Murray Williams (2)

Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Attendance: 16,471

5 August 2006
14:35 NZST

Northland	11–25	Canterbury
Try: Marshall Milroy Pen: Daniel Bowden (2)	Report	Try: Tim Bateman, Kevin O'Neill, Isaac Ross, Kevin Senio Con: Stephen Brett Pen: Cameron McIntyre

ITM Stadium, Whangarei
Referee: Jonathon White

5 August 2006
17:30 NZST

North Harbour	22–13	Taranaki
Try: Adrian Donald, James Hinchco Pen: Luke McAlister (4)	Report	Try: Andrew Hore Con: Miah Nikora Pen: Miah Nikora (2)

North Harbour Stadium, Albany
Referee: Gary Wise

5 August 2006
19:35 NZST

Southland	14–23	Waikato
Try: Jimmy Cowan, Iona Sipa Con: Blair Stewart (2)	Report	Try: Stephen Donald, Sitiveni Sivivatu Con: Stephen Donald (2) Pen: Stephen Donald (3)

Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill
Referee: Chris Pollock

6 August 2006
14:35 NZST

Auckland	46–6	Tasman
Try: Doug Howlett (2), Ben Atiga, Andrew Blowers, Isa Nacewa, David Smith, Isaia Toeava, Brent Ward Con: Brent Ward (3)	Report	Pen: Ben Gollings (2)

Eden Park, Auckland
Referee: Chris Rooney

6 August 2006
16:35 NZST

Otago	37–0	Hawke's Bay
Try: Alando Soakai (2), Craig Clare, Tom Donnelly, Ben Smith Con: Nick Evans (3) Pen: Nick Evans (2)	Report

Carisbrook, Dunedin
Referee: Keith Brown

Bye/s: Manawatu, Counties Manukau

Round 3

11 August 2006
19:35 NZST

Waikato	36–22	Canterbury
Try: Richard Kahui (2), Stephen Donald, Liam Messam, Sitiveni Sivivatu Con: Stephen Donald (4) Pen: Stephen Donald	Report	Try: Casey Laulala (2), Caleb Ralph Con: Ben Blair (2) Pen: Ben Blair

Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Referee: Kelvin Deaker

12 August 2006
14:35 NZST

Tasman	43–0	Manawatu
Try: Robbie Malneek (3), Ben Gollings, Ti'i Paulo, Jonathan Poff Con: Ben Gollings (5) Pen: Ben Gollings	Report

Lansdowne Park, Blenheim
Referee: Keith Brown

12 August 2006
17:30 NZST

Taranaki	3–29	Auckland
Pen: Miah Nikora	Report	Try: Doug Howlett, Taniela Moa, Joe Rokocoko, Sam Tuitupou Con: Brent Ward (3) Pen: Brent Ward

Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
Referee: Chris Pollock

12 August 2006
19:35 NZST

Bay of Plenty	7–25	North Harbour
Try: James Afoa Con: Mike Delany	Report	Try: Roger Dustow, George Pisi, Viliame Waqaseduadua Con: Luke McAlister (2) Pen: Luke McAlister (2)

Blue Chip Stadium, Mt Maunganui
Referee:

Chris White

13 August 2006
14:35 NZST

Hawke's Bay	51–29	Counties Manukau
Try: Bryn Evans, Ryan Glover, Michael Johnson, Danny Lee, Lote Raikabula, Tom Symes, Joe Wright Con: Aayden Clarke (5) Pen: Matt Berquist, Aayden Clarke	Report	Try: Lelia Masaga (2), Simon Lemalu, Troy Nathan Con: Blair Feeney (3) Pen: Blair Feeney

McLean Park, Napier
Referee: Lyndon Bray

13 August 2006
16:35 NZST

Otago	37–6	Northland
Try: Neil Brew, Nick Evans, Chris King, Greg Zampach Con: Nick Evans (4) Pen: Nick Evans (3)	Report	Pen: Daniel Bowden (2)

Carisbrook, Dunedin
Referee: Paul Honiss

Bye/s: Southland, Wellington

Round 4

18 August 2006
19:35 NZST

Canterbury	24–7	Southland
Try: Ben Blair, Craig Clarke Con: Cameron McIntyre Pen: Cameron McIntyre (4)	Report	Try: Hale T-Pole Con: Blair Stewart

Jade Stadium, Christchurch
Referee: Lyndon Bray

19 August 2006
12:00 NZST

Manawatu	12–18	Taranaki
Try: Nathan Kemp, Hayden Triggs Con: Ryan Bambry	Report	Try: Laurence Corlett, Brendan Haami Con: Miah Nikora Pen: Miah Nikora (2)

FMG Stadium, Palmerston North
Referee: Josh Noonan

19 August 2006
14:00 NZST

Otago	24–21	Waikato
Try: Josh Blackie, Filipo Levi, Greg Zampach Con: Nick Evans (3) Pen: Nick Evans	Report	Try: Brendon Leonard, Liam Messam Con: Stephen Donald Pen: Stephen Donald (3)

Carisbrook, Dunedin
Referee: Gary Wise

20 August 2006
12:30 NZST

Counties Manukau	17–21	Northland
Try: Blair Feeney, Niva Ta'auso Con: Blair Feeney (2) Pen: Blair Feeney	Report	Try: David Holwell, Josh Levi, Jake Paringatai Con: David Holwell (3)

Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland
Referee: Chris Pollock

20 August 2006
14:35 NZST

Auckland	45–27	Bay of Plenty
Try: Steve Devine (2), David Smith (2), Brent Ward (2) Con: Brent Ward (3) Pen: Brent Ward (2)	Report	Try: Cory Aporo (2), Nili Latu Con: Mike Delany (3) Pen: Mike Delany (2)

Eden Park, Auckland
Referee: Steve Walsh

20 August 2006
16:35 NZST

North Harbour	31–16	Wellington
Try: Viliami Maʻafu, George Pisi, Anthony Tuitavake, Viliame Waqaseduadua Con: Tusi Pisi (4) Pen: Tusi Pisi	Report	Try: Ross Filipo Con: Jimmy Gopperth Pen: Jimmy Gopperth (3)

North Harbour Stadium, Albany
Referee: Paul Honiss

Bye/s: Tasman, Hawke's Bay

Round 5

25 August 2006
19:35 NZST

Southland	8–15	Otago
Try: Clarke Dermody Drop: Blair Stewart	Report	Try: Ben Smith, Adam Thomson Con: Nick Evans Pen: Nick Evans

Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill
Referee: Jonathon White

26 August 2006
14:35 NZST

Bay of Plenty	33–15	Manawatu
Try: Charles Baxter (2), Jamie Nutbrown Con: Mike Delany (3) Pen: Mike Delany (4)	Report	Try: Nick Crosswell, Penalty try Con: Ryan Bambry Pen: Ryan Bambry

Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua
Referee: Gary Wise

26 August 2006
17:30 NZST

Waikato	23–20	Counties Manukau
Try: Sosene Anesi, Mark Burman, Roger Randle Con: Stephen Donald Pen: Stephen Donald (2)	Report	Try: Siale Piutau, Taiasina Tuifu'a Con: Blair Feeney (2) Pen: Blair Feeney (2)

Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Referee: Bryce Lawrence

26 August 2006
19:35 NZST

Wellington	14–11	Auckland
Try: Ross Filipo, Ben Herring Con: Tamati Ellison (2)	Report	Try: Onosai Tololima-Auva'a Pen: Brent Ward (2)

Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Attendance: 10,406
Referee: Kelvin Deaker

27 August 2006
14:35 NZST

Taranaki	22–15	Tasman
Try: Lifeimi Mafi, Paul Perez, Tomasi Soqeta Con: Miah Nikora (2) Pen: Miah Nikora	Report	Try: Mark Bright, Kahn Fotuali'i Con: Tim Taylor Pen: Tim Taylor

Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
Referee: Chris Pollock

27 August 2006
16:35 NZST

Northland	24–24	Hawke's Bay
Try: Jake Paringatai, Hayden Taylor Con: David Holwell Pen: David Holwell (4)	Report	Try: Nathan Mauger (2), Tafai Ioasa Con: Aayden Clarke (3) Pen: Aayden Clarke

ITM Stadium, Whangarei
Referee: Steve Walsh

Bye/s: Canterbury, North Harbour

Round 6

1 September 2006
19:35 NZST

Auckland	23–3	North Harbour
Try: Daniel Braid, Chris Heard Con: Brent Ward (2) Pen: Brent Ward (3)	Report	Pen: Tusi Pisi

Eden Park, Auckland
Referee: Gary Wise

2 September 2006
14:35 NZST

Tasman	17–23	Bay of Plenty
Try: Ben Gollings, Aaron Kimura Pen: Tim Taylor	Report	Try: Jamie Nutbrown, Anthony Tahana Con: Mike Delany (2) Pen: Mike Delany (3)

Lansdowne Park, Blenheim
Referee: Keith Brown

2 September 2006
17:30 NZST

Manawatu	3–11	Wellington
Pen: Graham Smith	Report	Try: Conrad Smith Pen: Tamati Ellison (2)

FMG Stadium, Palmerston North
Referee: Kelvin Deaker

2 September 2006
19:35 NZST

Canterbury	22–17	Otago
Try: Campbell Johnstone, Cameron McIntyre, Mose Tuiali'i Con: Ben Blair (2) Pen: Ben Blair	Report	Try: Josh Blackie, Greg Zampach Con: Nick Evans (2) Pen: Nick Evans

Jade Stadium, Christchurch
Referee: Bryce Lawrence

3 September 2006
14:35 NZST

Hawke's Bay	23–42	Waikato
Try: Tukulua Lokotui, Nathan Mauger, Lote Raikabula Con: Aayden Clarke Pen: Matt Berquist, Aayden Clarke	Report	Try: Sosene Anesi, Sione Lauaki, Liam Messam, Willie Ripia, Stephen Setephano Con: David Hill (4) Pen: David Hill (3)

McLean Park, Napier
Referee: Matt Stanish

3 September 2006
16:35 NZST

Counties Manukau	29–8	Southland
Try: Ben Meyer (2), Kristian Ormsby (2), Lelia Masaga Con: Blair Feeney (2)	Report	Try: Blair Stewart Pen: Blair Stewart

Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland
Referee: Paul Honiss

Bye/s: Northland, Taranaki

Round 7

8 September 2006
19:35 NZST

North Harbour	28–6	Manawatu
Try: Anthony Tuitavake (2), George Pisi, Nick Williams, Rudi Wulf Pen: Tusi Pisi	Report	Pen: Graham Smith (2)

North Harbour Stadium, Albany
Referee: Jonathon White

9 September 2006
14:35 NZST

Waikato	42–21	Northland
Try: Richard Kahui (3), Roy Kinikinilau, Liam Messam, Dwayne Sweeney Con: David Hill (6)	Report	Try: Daniel Bowden, David Gibson Con: David Holwell Pen: David Holwell (3)

Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Referee: Keith Brown

9 September 2006
17:30 NZST

Southland	15–11	Hawke's Bay
Pen: Blair Stewart (5)	Report	Try: Danny Lee Pen: Matt Berquist (2)

Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill
Referee: Bryce Lawrence

9 September 2006
19:35 NZST

Bay of Plenty	20–16	Taranaki
Try: Anthony Tahana Pen: Mike Delany (5)	Report	Try: Scott Waldrom Con: Miah Nikora Pen: Miah Nikora (3)

Blue Chip Stadium, Mt Maunganui
Referee: Kelvin Deaker

10 September 2006
14:35 NZST

Canterbury	32–16	Counties Manukau
Try: Stephen Brett, Scott Hamilton, Kieran Read, Isaac Ross Con: Cameron McIntyre (3) Pen: Cameron McIntyre (2)	Report	Try: Andrew van der Heijden Con: Blair Feeney Pen: Blair Feeney (3)

Jade Stadium, Christchurch
Referee: Chris Pollock

10 September 2006
16:35 NZST

Wellington	39–25	Tasman
Try: Tamati Ellison, Cory Jane, Alby Mathewson, Jeremy Thrush, Tana Umaga Con: Jimmy Gopperth (4) Pen: Jimmy Gopperth (2)	Report	Try: Cory Holdaway, James King, Peter Playford Con: Tim Taylor (2) Pen: Tim Taylor (2)

Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Attendance: 11,200
Referee: Matt Stanish

Bye/s: Auckland, Otago

Round 8

15 September 2006
18:05 NZST

Taranaki	17–23	Northland
Try: Miah Nikora, Lifeimi Mafi, Michael Tagicakibau Con: Miah Nikora	Report	Try: Tony Coughlan, Dan Goodwin Con: David Holwell (2) Pen: David Holwell (3)

Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
Referee: Vinny Munro

15 September 2006
20:05 NZST

Hawke's Bay	26–10	Manawatu
Try: Israel Dagg, Jacob Kennedy, Danny Lee, Tukulua Lokotui Con: Matt Berquist (2), Aayden Clarke	Report	Try: Leon Lubbe Con: Graham Smith Pen: Graham Smith

McLean Park, Napier
Referee: Matt Stanish

16 September 2006
14:35 NZST

Southland	23–14	Tasman
Try: Watisoni Lotawa, Kendrick Lynn Con: Blair Stewart (2) Pen: Blair Stewart (3)	Report	Try: Robbie Malneek Pen: Ben Gollings (3)

Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill
Referee: Kelvin Deaker

16 September 2006
17:30 NZST

Bay of Plenty	38–11	Counties Manukau
Try: Nili Latu, Aaron Rameka, Hayden Reid, Murray Williams Con: Murray Williams (3) Pen: Murray Williams (4)	Report	Try: James Maher Pen: Blair Feeney, Troy Nathan

Blue Chip Stadium, Mt Maunganui
Referee: Jonathon White

16 September 2006
19:35 NZST

Auckland	22–22	Waikato
Try: Kurtis Haiu, Brad Mika, David Smith, Saimone Taumoepeau Con: Ben Atiga	Report	Try: Roy Kinikinilau, Liam Messam, Dwayne Sweeney Con: David Hill (2) Pen: David Hill

Eden Park, Auckland
Referee: Chris Pollock

17 September 2006
14:35 NZST

North Harbour	28–18	Otago
Try: James Rodley, Anthony Tuitavake, Nick Williams Con: Tusi Pisi (2) Pen: Tusi Pisi (3)	Report	Try: Neil Brew (2) Con: Nick Evans Pen: Nick Evans (2)

North Harbour Stadium, Albany
Referee: Bryce Lawrence

17 September 2006
16:35 NZST

Wellington	26–24	Canterbury
Try: Cory Jane, Ma'a Nonu Con: Jimmy Gopperth (2) Pen: Jimmy Gopperth (4)	Report	Try: Stephen Brett, Casey Laulala Con: Cameron McIntyre Pen: Cameron McIntyre (3) Drop: Andy Ellis

Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Attendance: 14,310
Referee: Paul Honiss

Round 9

21 September 2006
19:05 NZST

Southland	20–17	Taranaki
Try: Watisoni Lotawa (2) Con: Blair Stewart (2) Pen: Blair Stewart (2)	Report	Try: Census Johnston, Scott Waldrom Con: Kurt Morath, Miah Nikora Pen: Miah Nikora

Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill
Referee: Gary Wise

22 September 2006
18:05 NZST

Bay of Plenty	35–7	Hawke's Bay
Try: Charles Baxter, Garrick Cowley, Simms Davison, Lance MacDonald, Murray Williams Con: Murray Williams (2) Pen: Murray Williams (2)	Report	Try: Sona Taumalolo Con: Aayden Clarke

Blue Chip Stadium, Mt Maunganui
Referee: Chris Pollock

22 September 2006
20:05 NZST

Counties Manukau	25–25	Manawatu
Try: Grant Henson, Lelia Masaga, Andrew van der Heijden Con: Troy Nathan (2) Pen: Troy Nathan (2)	Report	Try: Francisco Bosch, Graham Smith, Tane Tuʻipulotu Con: Matty James (2) Pen: Matty James (2)

Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland
Referee: Brent Murray

23 September 2006
14:35 NZST

Tasman	56–15	Northland
Try: Peter Playford (4), Rico Gear, Lucky Mulipola, Jonathan Poff Con: Aaron Kimura (6) Pen: Aaron Kimura (3)	Report	Try: Justin Collins, Tim Dow Con: David Holwell Pen: David Holwell

Lansdowne Park, Blenheim
Referee: Lyndon Bray

23 September 2006
17:30 NZST

Waikato	37–21	Wellington
Try: Sitiveni Sivivatu (2), Byron Kelleher, Brendon Leonard, Liam Messam Con: David Hill (3) Pen: David Hill (2)	Report	Try: Jimmy Gopperth, Ben Herring, Cory Jane Con: Jimmy Gopperth (3)

Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Referee: Steve Walsh

23 September 2006
19:35 NZST

Auckland	48–7	Otago
Try: Andrew Blowers, Tasesa Lavea, Taniela Moa, Lachie Munro, Isa Nacewa, Isaia Toeava Con: Brent Ward (4), Ben Atiga (2) Pen: Brent Ward (2)	Report	Try: Greg Zampach Con: Nick Evans

Eden Park, Auckland
Referee: Paul Honiss

24 September 2006
16:35 NZST

Canterbury	17–21	North Harbour
Try: Scott Hamilton, Cameron McIntyre Con: Cameron McIntyre (2) Pen: Cameron McIntyre	Report	Try: Viliame Waqaseduadua (2), Rua Tipoki Con: Luke McAlister (3)

Jade Stadium, Christchurch
Referee: Kelvin Deaker

Round 10

28 September 2006
19:05 NZST

Manawatu	16–27	Bay of Plenty
Try: Francisco Bosch Con: Graham Smith Pen: Matty James (3)	Report	Try: Cory Aporo, Jamie Nutbrown, Warren Smith Con: Murray Williams (3) Pen: Murray Williams (2)

FMG Stadium, Palmerston North
Referee: Gary Wise

29 September 2006
19:35 NZST

Otago	14–21	Wellington
Try: Josh Blackie Pen: Nick Evans (3)	Report	Try: Cory Jane, Ma'a Nonu, Tana Umaga Con: Jimmy Gopperth (3)

Carisbrook, Dunedin
Referee: Kelvin Deaker

30 September 2006
14:35 NZST

Counties Manukau	29–30	Hawke's Bay
Try: Lance Easton, Kane Hancy, Grant Henson, Nigel Watson Con: Troy Nathan (3) Pen: Troy Nathan	Report	Try: Danny Lee, Karl Lowe, Daniel Waenga Con: Matt Berquist (2), Aayden Clarke Pen: Matt Berquist (3)

Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland
Referee: Josh Noonan

30 September 2006
17:30 NZST

Taranaki	42–17	Tasman
Try: Paul Perez (2), Census Johnston, Asalemo Malo, Tony Penn Con: Kurt Morath (4) Pen: Kurt Morath (3)	Report	Try: Rico Gear, Lucky Mulipola Con: Aaron Kimura (2) Pen: Aaron Kimura

Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
Referee: Paul Honiss

30 September 2006
19:35 NZST

Canterbury	27–22	Auckland
Try: Craig Clarke, Wyatt Crockett, Scott Hamilton Con: Dan Carter (3) Pen: Dan Carter (2)	Report	Try: Sam Tuitupou Con: Ben Atiga Pen: Ben Atiga (3), Brent Ward (2)

Jade Stadium, Christchurch
Referee: Steve Walsh

1 October 2006
14:35 NZST

Northland	19–12	Southland
Try: Justin Collins, Dan Goodwin, David Holwell Con: David Holwell (2)	Report	Pen: Blair Stewart (4)

ITM Stadium, Whangarei
Referee: Lyndon Bray

1 October 2006
16:35 NZST

Waikato	31–15	North Harbour
Try: Sitiveni Sivivatu (2), Richard Kahui, Byron Kelleher Con: Stephen Donald (4) Pen: Stephen Donald	Report	Try: Luke McAlister, Ngarimu Simpkins Con: Luke McAlister Pen: Luke McAlister

Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Referee: Bryce Lawrence

Play-offs

Quarter-finals			Semi-finals			Final

4	Wellington	36

5	Canterbury	23
			2	Auckland	15

			4	Wellington	30
2	Auckland	46

7	Bay of Plenty	14
						1	Waikato	37

						4	Wellington	31
1	Waikato	24

8	Southland	12
			1	Waikato	44

			6	Otago	15
3	North Harbour	21

6	Otago	56

Quarter-finals

6 October 2006
19:35 NZST

Wellington	36–23	Canterbury
Try: Collins (2) M. Schwalger Smith Tialata Con: Gopperth (4) Drop: Gopperth	Report	Try: Carter Paterson Con: Carter (2) Pen: Carter (3)

Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Attendance: 17,641
Referee: Bryce Lawrence

7 October 2006
17:30 NZST

Auckland	46–14	Bay of Plenty
Try: Haiu Heard Howlett Kaino Mika Rokocoko Con: Atiga (3) Nacewa (2) Pen: Atiga (2)	Report	Try: Aporo Nutbrown Con: Williams (2)

Eden Park, Auckland
Referee: Lyndon Bray

7 October 2006
19:35 NZST

Waikato	24–12	Southland
Try: Anesi de Malmanche Muliaina Con: Hill (3) Pen: Hill	Report	Try: Wilson (2) Con: Wilson

Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Referee: Steve Walsh

8 October 2006
16:35 NZST

North Harbour	21–56	Otago
Try: Tipoki Tuitavake Wulf Con: Pisi (3)	Report	Try: Bruce Clare Hesketh Morland Ryan Saunders Thomson Con: Evans (4) Bruce (2) Pen: Bruce (2) Evans

North Harbour Stadium, Albany
Referee: Paul Honiss

Semi-finals

13 October 2006
19:35 NZST

Auckland	15–30	Wellington
Try: Nacewa Toeava Con: Atiga Pen: Atiga	Report	Try: Collins Smith Tialata Umaga Con: Gopperth (2) Pen: Gopperth (2)

Eden Park, Auckland
Referee: Paul Honiss

14 October 2006
19:35 NZST

Waikato	44–15	Otago
Try: Anesi (2) Bates Kahui Leonard Sivivatu Con: Hill (4) Pen: Hill (2)	Report	Try: Blackie Boys Con: Evans Pen: Evans

Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Referee: Bryce Lawrence

Final

21 October 2006
19:35 NZST

Waikato	37–31	Wellington
Try: Kahui 15' c Kelleher (2) 27' c, 42' c Leonard 70' c Con: Hill (4/4) 16', 28', 43', 71' Pen: Hill (3/3) 37', 54', 77'	Report	Try: Nonu (2) 32' c, 72' m Umaga 79' c Con: Gopperth (2/3) 33', 79' Pen: Gopperth (4/5) 8', 19', 50', 69'

Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Attendance: 25,000
Referee: Bryce Lawrence


FB	15	Mils Muliaina
RW	14	Sosene Anesi
OC	13	Richard Kahui
IC	12	David Hill
LW	11	Sitiveni Sivivatu
FH	10	Stephen Donald
SH	9	Byron Kelleher	68'
N8	8	Sione Lauaki	40'
OF	7	Marty Holah
BF	6	Steven Bates ( c)
RL	5	Keith Robinson
LL	4	Jono Gibbes
TP	3	Nathan White
HK	2	Tom Willis
LP	1	Craig West	60'
Replacements:
HK	16	Scott Linklater
PR	17	Aled de Malmanche	60'
LK	18	Toby Lynn
FL	19	Liam Messam	40'
SH	20	Brendon Leonard	68'
CE	21	Dwayne Sweeney
WG	22	Roy Kinikinilau


FB	15	Shannon Paku	60'
RW	14	Ma'a Nonu
OC	13	Conrad Smith
IC	12	Tana Umaga ( c)
LW	11	Cory Jane
FH	10	Jimmy Gopperth
SH	9	Piri Weepu	66'
N8	8	Rodney So'oialo
OF	7	Ben Herring	43'
BF	6	Jerry Collins
RL	5	Luke Andrews
LL	4	Ross Filipo
TP	3	John Schwalger
HK	2	Mahonri Schwalger	68'
LP	1	Joe McDonnell	20'
Replacements:
HK	16	Luke Mahoney	68'
PR	17	Anthony Perenise	20'
LK	18	Jeremy Thrush
FL	19	Chris Masoe	43'
SH	20	Alby Mathewson	66'
FH	21	Miah Nikora
WG	22	Lome Fa'atau	60'

Statistics

Top points scorers
Player	Team	Tries	Conversions	Penalties	Drop goals	Total
Brent Ward	Auckland	4	13	8	0	70
Nick Evans	Otago	1	15	11	0	68
Mike Delany	Bay of Plenty	0	9	14	0	62
Blair Feeney	Counties Manukau	1	11	11	0	60
Stephen Donald	Waikato	2	8	9	0	51
Jimmy Gopperth	Wellington	1	8	10	0	51
David Holwell	Northland	2	6	10	0	49
Blair Stewart	Southland	1	5	10	1	48
Miah Nikora	Taranaki	0	5	12	0	46
Cameron McIntyre	Canterbury	3	4	7	0	44

References

^ "air new zealand cup 2006 • competition structure" (PDF). 5 July 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 February 2012. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
^ "Waikato win Air NZ Cup final". Stuff. 21 October 2006.^{[
permanent dead link]}
^ "Air New Zealand Cup launched in grand style". Air New Zealand. Archived from the original on 22 May 2010. Retrieved 13 July 2006.
^ Commerce Commission New Zealand (21 October 2006). "Rugby Union salary cap authorised for six years". Archived from the original on 28 January 2015. Retrieved 19 August 2013.
^ "NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION Competition Regulations Handbook 2016" (PDF). New Zealand Rugby. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 July 2019. Retrieved 1 September 2017.

[1] "air new zealand cup 2006 • competition structure" (PDF). 5 July 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 February 2012. Retrieved 9 March 2013.

[2] "Waikato win Air NZ Cup final". Stuff. 21 October 2006.^{[
permanent dead link]}

[3] "Air New Zealand Cup launched in grand style". Air New Zealand. Archived from the original on 22 May 2010. Retrieved 13 July 2006.

[4] Commerce Commission New Zealand (21 October 2006). "Rugby Union salary cap authorised for six years". Archived from the original on 28 January 2015. Retrieved 19 August 2013.

[5] "NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION Competition Regulations Handbook 2016" (PDF). New Zealand Rugby. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 July 2019. Retrieved 1 September 2017.

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v t e National Provincial Championship (2006–present)
Seasons	2006 2007 2008 2009 ( Air New Zealand Cup) 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 (ITM Cup) 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 ( Mitre 10 Cup) 2021 2022 2023 ( Bunnings NPC)
Unions	Auckland Bay of Plenty Canterbury Counties Manukau Hawke's Bay Manawatu North Harbour Northland Otago Southland Taranaki Tasman Waikato Wellington
Other	Honours Rugby Cup Ranfurly Shield Wooden Spoon Inter-union trophies Duane Monkley medal Media Sky Sport Radio Sport New Zealand Herald
Stadium	Central Energy Trust Arena Eden Park FMG Stadium Waikato Forsyth Barr Stadium Lansdowne Park McLean Park Navigation Homes Stadium QBE Stadium Orangetheory Stadium Pukekura Park Rotorua International Stadium Rugby Park Stadium Semenoff Stadium Sky Stadium Tauranga Domain TET Stadium & Events Centre Trafalgar Park
New Zealand Rugby Union

Competition format

Standings

Regular season

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Round 4

Round 5

Round 6

Round 7

Round 8

Round 9

Round 10

Play-offs

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

Final

Statistics

References

Competition format

Standings

Regular season

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Round 4

Round 5

Round 6

Round 7

Round 8

Round 9

Round 10

Play-offs

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

Final

Statistics

References

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