Taranaki have stormed into the National Provincial Championship semifinals, with hooker Bradley Slater producing a sensational three-try performance to help the Bulls overcome North Harbour in their quarterfinal clash.
Playing at North Harbour Stadium in Albany, Taranaki delivered a powerful attacking performance to end Harbour’s championship hopes and secure their place among the final four teams competing for the 2026 NPC title.
Slater was the standout performer, crossing the try line three times as the Bulls demonstrated their attacking strength and ability to capitalise on opportunities.
The victory continues Taranaki’s impressive late-season form, following their commanding 68–26 win over Wellington in the final round of the regular competition.
That result saw the Bulls score 10 tries and secure fifth place on the competition ladder, setting up their knockout encounter with fourth-placed North Harbour.
Despite entering the quarterfinal as the lower-ranked side, Taranaki arrived with momentum and confidence after finishing the regular season with six victories from 10 matches.
North Harbour, meanwhile, had been among the stronger performers during the competition but entered the playoffs following a 38–21 defeat to Bay of Plenty.
The quarterfinal represented an opportunity for both provinces to extend their seasons, with the losing side facing immediate elimination.
For Taranaki, Slater’s contribution proved central to their success, with the experienced hooker continuing to demonstrate his value in the forward pack.
His three tries also highlighted the importance of forward play and converting attacking opportunities in high-pressure knockout rugby.
The Bulls have developed a reputation for their attacking ability, with their recent performances demonstrating the scoring potential available across the squad.
Their victory over North Harbour now puts them within one win of reaching the NPC final.
For Harbour, the result brings a disappointing conclusion to a campaign that had positioned them among the competition’s leading contenders.
Attention will now turn to reviewing the season and preparing for another challenge in 2027.
Taranaki, however, will be focused firmly on the semifinals, where the stakes increase and the opportunity to compete for provincial rugby’s biggest domestic prize moves another step closer.
The NPC remains an important pathway for emerging rugby talent, with provincial competitions continuing to provide opportunities for players to develop their skills and progress towards professional and international rugby.
For supporters across Taranaki, the Bulls’ latest victory provides another reason for optimism as the championship reaches its decisive stages.
With Bradley Slater leading the charge and the Bulls finding form at the business end of the season, Taranaki’s championship campaign remains very much alive.
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