The stage is set for an epic rugby showdown in the NPC final, as Canterbury and Otago clash in a highly anticipated match-up! This game carries immense significance, marking the first all-South Island final since 2017, when Canterbury and Tasman faced off for the second consecutive year.
Otago, hungry for glory after a 20-year drought in the NPC premiership finals, find inspiration in the formidable All Blacks No. 8 Christian Lio-Willie. They aim to overcome a determined Canterbury side seeking redemption after a disappointing Ranfurly Shield defense against their southern rivals.
Lio-Willie, a 27-year-old rising star, has already achieved remarkable feats this year. He secured his second Super Rugby Pacific title with the Crusaders and made his All Blacks debut against France in Dunedin. However, he faced a setback when he was dropped from Scott Robertson's squad for the Rugby Championship.
But Lio-Willie remains focused on the task at hand, telling the Herald, "We're not caught up in the grandeur of the final. Our team is simply thrilled to be here, and we're eager to give it our all this weekend." This mindset shift is crucial for Otago, who struggled in the previous two NPC seasons, finishing 9th and 11th out of 14 teams.
"Our goal was to play a captivating brand of rugby that would bring excitement to our fans and fill the stands, and we've achieved that," Lio-Willie proudly stated. Otago's last premiership final appearance was in 2005, where they fell to Auckland 39-11 at Eden Park. The team hasn't claimed the NPC title since their victory in 1998.
Canterbury, on the other hand, has a more recent history of success, winning three consecutive titles from 2015 to 2017. They defeated Auckland in 2015 and Tasman in 2016 and 2017. However, they have since fallen short in two finals, losing to Auckland in 2018 and Wellington in 2022.
Adding to the excitement, this match will be the last at the Crusaders and Canterbury's temporary home, Apollo Projects Stadium, before a new $683 million facility opens in central Christchurch next year. Canterbury Rugby confirmed a sold-out crowd for this historic event.
Lio-Willie's confidence is palpable: "When everyone plays to their potential and trusts our game plan, we'll get the result we want." Otago's victory in September, when they snatched the Log o' Wood from Canterbury in Christchurch with a thrilling second-half comeback (38-36), adds fuel to the fire.
With the Shield secured in Dunedin for the summer, Otago is tantalizingly close to achieving the franchise's greatest season ever. Lio-Willie acknowledges Canterbury's motivation, saying, "We know Canterbury will be fired up after our last encounter, and they're a force to be reckoned with at this time of year. We embrace the challenge and can't wait to take them on."
As the final approaches, Lio-Willie's words resonate: "Finals are decided by small margins. We've acknowledged the occasion, but as game day nears, we know it's just another task to complete." Canterbury will be without All Blacks forwards Sam Darry and George Bell due to their northern tour commitments, but they welcome back All Blacks hooker Brodie McAlister, who was previously dropped from the end-of-year squad.
Similarly, Otago will miss prop George Bell due to All Blacks duties. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter, with the Canterbury and Otago line-ups as follows:
Canterbury starting lineup: Finlay Brewis, Brodie McAlister, Seb Calder, Liam Jack, Jamie Hannah, Zach Gallagher, Tom Christie (c), Dominic Gardiner, Louie Chapman, Andrew Knewstubb, Ngane Punivai, Dallas McLeod, Braydon Ennor, Manasa Mataele, Chay Fihaki.
Canterbury bench: Nick Hyde, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Gus Brown, Tahlor Cahill, Torian Barnes, Tyson Belworthy, Shun Miyake, Jone Rova.
Otago starting lineup: Abraham Pole, Nic Souchon, Rohan Wingham, Will Tucker, Oliver Haig, Will Stodart, Lucas Casey, Christian Lio-Willie, Dylan Pledger, Cameron Millar, Jona Nareki, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Josh Timu, Jae Broomfield, Sam Gilbert (c).
Otago bench: Liam Coltman, Benjamin Lopas, Moana Takataka, Joseva Tamani, Harry Taylor, Nathan Hastie, Josh Whaanga, Finn Hurley.
Who do you think will lift the NPC trophy? Will Canterbury's experience prevail, or will Otago's momentum carry them to victory? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments!
