# 2018 Mitre 10 Cup

The 2018 Mitre 10 Cup season was the thirteenth season of New Zealand's provincial rugby union competition since it turned professional in 2006. The regular season began on August 16, when North Harbour hosted Northland. It involved the top fourteen rugby unions of New Zealand. For sponsorship reasons, the competition was known as the Mitre 10 Cup and it was the third season under the lead sponsor. The winner of the Championship, Waikato was promoted to the Premiership, the seventh placed Premiership team, Taranaki was relegated to the Championship.

## Format

The Mitre 10 Cup standings were sorted by a competition points system. Four points were awarded to the winning team, a draw equaled two points, whilst a loss amounted to zero points. Unions could also win their side a respectable bonus point. To receive a bonus point, they must have scored four tries or more or lose by seven or fewer points or less. Each team was placed on their total points received. 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 got placed higher. In case of a draw between them, the side with the biggest points deferential margin got rights to be ranked above. If they were tied on points difference, it was then decided by a highest scored try count or a coin toss. This seeding format was implemented since the beginning of the 2006 competition.
The competition included a promotion-relegation process with the winner of the Championship receiving automatic promotion to the Premiership, replacing the seventh-placed team in the Premiership which was relegated to the Championship for the following year. The regular season consisted of two types of matches. The internal division matches were when each team played the other six unions in their division once, home or away. The cross-division matches were when each team played four teams from the other division, thus missing out on three teams, each from the opposite division. Each union played home or away games against teams from the other division, making a total of ten competition games for each union. The finals format allowed the top four teams from each division move on to the semi-finals. The top two division winners, based on table points, received a home semi-final. In the first round of the finals, the semi-finals, the second division winner hosted the third division winner, and the first division winner hosted the fourth division winner. The final was hosted by the top remaining seed.

## Standings

Source: Mitre 10 Cup standings 2018
Premiership Division :
| # | Team | GP | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TB | LB | PTS |
| 1 | Auckland | 10 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 343 | 209 | +134 | 9 | 1 | 46 |
| 2 | Tasman | 10 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 319 | 195 | +124 | 7 | 0 | 43 |
| 3 | Canterbury | 10 | 8 | 0 | 2 | 325 | 212 | +113 | 8 | 1 | 41 |
| 4 | Wellington | 10 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 354 | 202 | +152 | 7 | 3 | 34 |
| 5 | North Harbour | 10 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 317 | 297 | +20 | 6 | 0 | 30 |
| 6 | Counties Manukau | 10 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 218 | 275 | –57 | 3 | 6 | 17 |
| 7 | Taranaki | 10 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 203 | 335 | –132 | 3 | 2 | 13 |
Championship Division :
| # | Team | GP | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TB | LB | PTS |
| 1 | Waikato | 10 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 368 | 243 | +125 | 7 | 3 | 34 |
| 2 | RS – Otago | 10 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 306 | 302 | +4 | 4 | 1 | 29 |
| 3 | Hawke's Bay | 10 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 296 | 321 | –25 | 7 | 1 | 28 |
| 4 | Northland | 10 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 276 | 306 | –30 | 5 | 3 | 24 |
| 5 | Bay of Plenty | 10 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 253 | 292 | –39 | 3 | 2 | 21 |
| 6 | Manawatu | 10 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 202 | 357 | –155 | 2 | 0 | 14 |
| 7 | Southland | 10 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 168 | 402 | –234 | 3 | 1 | 4 |

### Standings progression

| Premiership |
| Team | W1 | W2 | W3 | W4 | W5 | W6 | W7 | W8 | W9 |
| Auckland | 4 (3rd) | 9 (2nd) | 14 (2nd) | 19 (1st) | 24 (1st) | 29 (1st) | 31 (3rd) | 36 (3rd) | 46 (1st) |
| Canterbury | 0 (6th) | 5 (6th) | 10 (4th) | 15 (3rd) | 22 (2nd) | 27 (3rd) | 32 (2nd) | 37 (2nd) | 41 (3rd) |
| Counties Manukau | 1 (5th) | 2 (7th) | 8 (7th) | 13 (5th) | 13 (6th) | 14 (6th) | 15 (6th) | 16 (6th) | 17 (6th) |
| North Harbour | 4 (4th) | 9 (3rd) | 9 (6th) | 9 (7th) | 14 (5th) | 19 (5th) | 24 (5th) | 29 (5th) | 30 (5th) |
| Taranaki | 0 (7th) | 5 (5th) | 10 (5th) | 10 (6th) | 10 (7th) | 12 (7th) | 13 (7th) | 13 (7th) | 13 (7th) |
| Tasman | 4 (2nd) | 9 (1st) | 14 (1st) | 14 (4th) | 19 (4th) | 28 (2nd) | 33 (1st) | 38 (1st) | 43 (2nd) |
| Wellington | 5 (1st) | 6 (4th) | 11 (3rd) | 17 (2nd) | 22 (3rd) | 27 (4th) | 28 (4th) | 29 (4th) | 34 (4th) |
| Championship |
| Team | W1 | W2 | W3 | W4 | W5 | W6 | W7 | W8 | W9 |
| Bay of Plenty | 4 (3rd) | 8 (2nd) | 8 (2nd) | 9 (4th) | 9 (5th) | 9 (5th) | 10 (5th) | 16 (5th) | 21 (5th) |
| Hawke's Bay | 5 (1st) | 10 (1st) | 12 (1st) | 17 (1st) | 17 (2nd) | 18 (2nd) | 23 (2nd) | 28 (2nd) | 28 (3rd) |
| Manawatu | 5 (2nd) | 5 (3rd) | 5 (5th) | 5 (6th) | 5 (6th) | 5 (6th) | 9 (6th) | 9 (6th) | 14 (6th) |
| Northland | 1 (4th) | 1 (5th) | 5 (4th) | 6 (5th) | 11 (4th) | 16 (3rd) | 21 (3rd) | 22 (4th) | 24 (4th) |
| Otago | 0 (6th) | 1 (6th) | 6 (3rd) | 10 (3rd) | 15 (3rd) | 15 (4th) | 20 (4th) | 25 (3rd) | 29 (2nd) |
| Southland | 0 (7th) | 1 (7th) | 1 (7th) | 2 (7th) | 2 (7th) | 2 (7th) | 2 (7th) | 3 (7th) | 4 (7th) |
| Waikato | 1 (5th) | 3 (4th) | 3 (6th) | 13 (2nd) | 18 (1st) | 23 (1st) | 28 (1st) | 33 (1st) | 34 (1st) |
| The table above shows a team's progression throughout the season. For each week, their cumulative points total is shown with the overall division log position in brackets. |
| Key: | Win | Draw | Loss | Bye | | | | | |

## Regular season

The 2018 Mitre 10 Cup played across nine weeks with every team playing one Wednesday night fixture in a double-up round where they played twice that week. The competition started on August 16, with North Harbour taking on Northland at QBE Stadium. The opening round saw a repeat of the Premiership final with Tasman against the then current champions Canterbury.

### Week 1

* 16 August 2018 19:35 NZST
| North Harbour | 21–20 | Northland |
| Try: Dillon Hunt 32' Tevita Li 50' Con: Bryn Gatland (0/1) Bryn Hall (1/1) 51' Pen: Bryn Gatland (3/4) 15', 25', 75' | Report | Try: Tom Robinson 7' Jono Kitto 59' Con: Jack Debreczeni (2/2) 8', 60' Pen: Jack Debreczeni (2/3) 41', 67' Cards: Tom Robinson 57' |
* North Harbour Stadium, Albany Referee: Nick Briant
* 17 August 2018 19:35 NZST
| Tasman | 25–17 | Canterbury |
| Try: Levi Aumua 18' Quinten Strange 42' Solomon Alaimalo 48' Con: Mitchell Hunt (2/3) 19', 49' Pen: Mitchell Hunt (2/2) 5', 65' Cards: Blair Prinsep 70' | Report | Try: Greg Pleasants-Tate (2) 71', 77' Con: Brett Cameron (2/2) 72', 78' Pen: Brett Cameron (1/2) 40' |
* Lansdowne Park, Blenheim Referee: Richard Kelly
* 18 August 2018 14:35 NZST
| Manawatu | 24–19 | Waikato |
| Try: Junior Laloifi (2) 37', 75' Faalelei Sione 49' Rob Thompson 56' Con: Jade Te Rure (1/2) 50' Sam Malcolm (1/2) 57' Pen: Sam Malcolm (0/1) | Report | Try: Sevu Reece 2' Samisoni Taukei'aho 8' Declan O'Donnell 60' Con: Fletcher Smith (2/3) 3', 61' |
* Arena Manawatu, Palmerston North Referee: Mike Fraser
* 18 August 2018 17:05 NZST
| Auckland | 23–19 | Counties Manukau |
| Try: Salesi Rayasi 11' Blake Gibson 27' Melani Nanai 36' Con: Harry Plummer (1/3) 28' Pen: Harry Plummer (2/4) 31', 59' | Report | Try: Kalolo Tuiloma 3' Sam Henwood 18' Howard Sililoto 52' Con: Latiume Fosita (2/3) 4', 19' |
* Eden Park, Auckland Attendance: 10,700 Referee: Glen Jackson
* 18 August 2018 19:35 NZST
| Bay of Plenty | 30–10 | Taranaki |
| Try: Liam Polwart 12' Kane Le'aupepe 29' Aaron Carroll 53' Con: Mike Delany (3/3) 13', 30', 54' Pen: Mike Delany (3/3) 64', 74', 78' | Report | Try: Seta Tamanivalu 15' Con: Beaudein Waaka (1/1) 16' Pen: Beaudein Waaka (1/2) 20' |
* Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua Referee: Brendon Pickerill
* 19 August 2018 14:05 NZST
| Wellington | 34–16 | Otago |
| Try: Wes Goosen (2) 2', 6' Malo Tuitama (2) 58', 76' Con: Jackson Garden-Bachop (4/4) 3', 7', 59', 77' Pen: Jackson Garden-Bachop (2/2) 10', 47' | Report | Try: Kurt Hammer 62' Con: Sio Tomkinson (1/1) 63' Pen: Finn Hart-Strawbridge (3/3) 23', 28', 45' |
* Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington Referee: Paul Williams
* 19 August 2018 16:35 NZST
| Southland | 10–31 | Hawke's Bay |
| Try: Isaac Te Tamaki 24' Con: James Wilson (1/1) 25' Pen: James Wilson (1/1) 31' | Report | Try: Mark Braidwood 12' Siosiua Kaifa 20' Ash Dixon (2) 39', 47' Con: Tiaan Falcon (4/4) 13', 21', 40', 48' Pen: Tiaan Falcon (1/1) 68' Cards: Michael Allardice 56' Gareth Evans 60' |
* Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill Referee: Jamie Nutbrown

### Week 2

* 23 August 2018 19:35 NZST
| Counties Manukau | 17–22 | Bay of Plenty |
| Try: Joe Royal 38' Sione Molia 43' Sam Henwood 68' Con: Latiume Fosita (1/3) 44' | Report | Try: Chase Tiatia (2) 25', 61' Richard Judd 54' Con: Mike Delany (2/3) 26', 55' Pen: Mike Delany (1/2) 40' |
* Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe Referee: Angus Mabey
* 24 August 2018 17:45 NZST
| Otago | 25–31 | Hawke's Bay |
| Try: Josh Ioane 20' Naulia Dawai 24' Vilimoni Koroi 73' Con: Josh Ioane (2/3) 21', 24' Pen: Josh Ioane (2/2) 36', 57' Cards: Josh Timu 48' | Report | Try: Siosiua Kaifa 15' Jamie-Jerry Taulagi 28' Ben May 50' Mason Emerson 64' Brad Weber 67' Con: Tiaan Falcon (3/5) 15', 28', 68' |
* Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin Referee: Shuhei Kubo (Japan)
* 24 August 2018 19:45 NZST
| RS – Taranaki | 41–21 | Manawatu |
| Try: Manasa Mataele 6' Beaudein Waaka 19' Teihorangi Walden 32' Toa Halafihi 39' Daniel Waite 48' Con: Beaudein Waaka (5/5) 7', 20', 33', 40', 49' Pen: Beaudein Waaka (2/2) 24', 45' | Report | Try: Junior Laloifi 14' Nick Crosswell 27' Rob Thompson 68' Con: Sam Malcolm (2/2) 15', 28' Jade Te Rure (1/1) 69' |
* Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth Referee: Mike Fraser
* 25 August 2018 14:05 NZST
| Canterbury | 27–20 | Wellington |
| Try: Braydon Ennor 22' Reed Prinsep 27' Mitchell Drummond 40' Caleb Makene 59' Con: Brett Cameron (2/4) 28', 40' Pen: Brett Cameron (1/2) 15' | Report | Try: Thomas Umaga-Jensen 17' James O'Reilly 48' Du'Plessis Kirifi 62' Con: Jackson Garden-Bachop (1/3) 17' Pen: Jackson Garden-Bachop (1/1) 43' |
* Rugby League Park, Christchurch Referee: James Doleman
* 25 August 2018 16:35 NZST
| Waikato | 28–29 | North Harbour |
| Try: Jordan Manihera 39' Declan O'Donnell 50' Quinn Tupaea 53' Tyler Campbell 80' Con: Fletcher Smith (4/4) 40', 51', 54', 80' Pen: Fletcher Smith (0/1) | Report | Try: Tevita Li (2) 19', 63' Penalty try 60' Murphy Taramai 68' Con: Bryn Gatland (2/3) 64', 69' Pen: Bryn Gatland (1/1) 32' |
* Waikato Stadium, Hamilton Referee: Cameron Stone
* 26 August 2018 14:05 NZST
| Tasman | 45–24 | Southland |
| Try: Andrew Makalio 9' Solomon Alaimalo 32' Quinten Strange 37' Will Jordan (2) 44', 79' Ethan Blackadder 52' Sione Havili 65' Con: Tim O'Malley (4/5) 10', 38', 45', 53' Mitchell Hunt (1/2) 66' | Report | Try: Tony Lamborn 12' Flynn Thomas 29' Manaaki Selby-Rickit 72' Rory van Vugt 74' Con: James Wilson (2/4) 13', 73' |
* Lansdowne Park, Blenheim Referee: Jamie Nutbrown
* 26 August 2018 16:35 NZST
| Northland | 12–28 | Auckland |
| Try: Blake Hohaia 21' Rene Ranger 32' Con: Jack Debreczeni (1/2) 22' Pen: Jack Debreczeni (0/1) | Report | Try: Harry Plummer 15' Melani Nanai (2) 43', 48' Salesi Rayasi 53' Con: Harry Plummer (4/4) 17', 44', 49', 54' |
* Okara Park, Whangārei Referee: Richard Kelly

### Week 3

* 29 August 2018 19:35 NZST
| Counties Manukau | 19–26 | Taranaki |
| Try: Kalolo Tuiloma 12' Tevita Nabura 31' Toni Pulu 77' Con: Latiume Fosita (1/2) 13' Luteru Laulala (1/1) 77' | Report | Try: Lachlan Boshier 4' Beaudein Waaka (2) 59', 78' Con: Beaudein Waaka (1/3) 79' Pen: Beaudein Waaka (3/3) 36', 48', 55' |
* Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe Referee: Nick Briant
* 30 August 2018 19:35 NZST
| Auckland | 35–17 | Waikato |
| Try: Jordan Trainor (2) 10', 61' Robbie Abel (2) 39', 41' Salesi Rayasi 67' Con: Harry Plummer (1/4) 41' Jacob Umaga (1/1) 67' Pen: Harry Plummer (2/2) 20', 44' | Report | Try: Mosese Dawai 14' Samisoni Taukei'aho 71' Kylem O'Donnell 78' Con: Fletcher Smith (1/3) 14' |
* Eden Park, Auckland Attendance: 1,900 Referee: James Munro
* 31 August 2018 19:35 NZST
| Wellington | 52–7 | Southland |
| Try: Thomas Umaga-Jensen 5' Asafo Aumua 14' Ben Lam (3) 23', 39', 57' Tolu Fahamokioa 29' James Blackwell 33' Kaliopasi Uluilakepa 80' Con: Jackson Garden-Bachop (5/6) 6', 25', 29', 34', 40' TJ Va'a (1/2) 80' | Report | Try: Bill Fukofuka 69' Con: James Wilson (1/1) 70' |
* Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington Referee: Shuhei Kubo (Japan)
* 1 September 2018 14:35 NZST
| Bay of Plenty | 19–31 | Canterbury |
| Try: Chase Tiatia 19' Tyler Ardron 26' Terrence Hepetema 45' Con: Mike Delany (2/3) 20', 46' Pen: Mike Delany (0/1) | Report | Try: Josh McKay (2) 7', 60' Daniel Lienert-Brown 29' Penalty try 63' Con: Brett Cameron (3/3) 8', 30', 61' Pen: Brett Cameron (1/1) 69' |
* Tauranga Domain, Tauranga Referee: Michael Winter
* 1 September 2018 17:05 NZST
| Manawatu | 17–50 | Otago |
| Try: Rob Thompson 14' Junior Laloifi 17' Faalelei Sione 31' Con: Jade Te Rure (1/2) 15' Sam Malcolm (0/1) | Report | Try: Dylan Nel 10' Naulia Dawai 37' Michael Collins 46' Matt Whaanga 63' Donald Brighouse 65' Jona Nareki 73' Melani Matavao 80' Con: Josh Ioane (6/7) 11', 38', 64', 66', 74', 80' Pen: Josh Ioane (1/1) 70' |
* Arena Manawatu, Palmerston North Referee: Paul Williams
* 1 September 2018 19:35 NZST
| North Harbour | 20–32 | Tasman |
| Try: Gerard Cowley-Tuioti 20' Matt Duffie 45' Con: Bryn Gatland (2/2) 21', 46' Pen: Bryn Gatland (2/2) 2', 40' Cards: Chris Eves 54' | Report | Try: Tima Fainga'anuku 14' Will Jordan 22' Shannon Frizell 29' Finlay Christie 69' Con: Mitchell Hunt (3/4) 15', 23', 70' Pen: Mitchell Hunt (2/2) 6', 55' |
* North Harbour Stadium, Albany Referee: Glen Jackson
* 2 September 2018 14:05 NZST
| Hawke's Bay | 25–29 | Counties Manukau |
| Try: Jonah Lowe (2) 23', 48' Siosiua Kaifa 38' Folau Fakatava 60' Con: Tiaan Falcon (1/4) 61' Pen: Tiaan Falcon (1/1) 74' | Report | Try: Tevita Nabura 20' Daniel Hyatt 45' Joe Royal 53' Matiaha Martin 76' Con: Latiume Fosita (3/4) 21', 54', 77' Pen: Latiume Fosita (1/2) 72' |
* McLean Park, Napier Referee: Mike Fraser
* 2 September 2018 16:35 NZST
| Northland | 18–17 | Taranaki |
| Try: Tom Robinson 34' Tamati Tua 56' Con: Mathew Wright (1/2) 35' Pen: Mathew Wright (2/3) 10', 80' | Report | Try: Latu Vaeno 7' Manasa Mataele 40' Con: Beaudein Waaka (2/2) 8', 40' Pen: Beaudein Waaka (1/2) 21' |
* Okara Park, Whangārei Referee: Michael Lash

### Week 4

* 5 September 2018 19:35 NZST
| Waikato | 43–31 | Wellington |
| Try: Sevu Reece (3) 13', 20', 67' Jordan Manihera 28' Raniera Takarangi 47' Samisoni Taukei'aho 61' Con: Fletcher Smith (5/5) 14', 28', 48', 62', 68' Dwayne Sweeney (0/1) Pen: Fletcher Smith (1/1) 54' Dwayne Sweeney (0/1) Cards: Jordan Manihera 44' | Report | Try: Trent Renata 50' Isaia Walker-Leawere 58' Matt Proctor 72' Malo Tuitama 76' Losi Filipo 78' Con: Pakai Turia (1/1) 51' Jackson Garden-Bachop (2/4) 59', 77' Pen: Pakai Turia (0/1) Cards: Malo Tuitama 33' Tolu Fahamokioa 44' |
* Waikato Stadium, Hamilton Referee: Brendon Pickerill
* 6 September 2018 19:35 NZST
| Canterbury | 34–23 | Manawatu |
| Try: Reed Prinsep 7' Greg Pleasants-Tate 26' Caleb Makene 44' Brett Cameron 56' Luke Romano 67' Con: Brett Cameron (3/5) 7', 56', 68' Pen: Brett Cameron (1/1) 54' | Report | Try: Liam Mitchell 22' Lifeimi Mafi 76' Con: Sam Malcolm (2/2) 22', 76' Pen: Sam Malcolm (3/3) 12', 18', 51' |
* Rugby League Park, Christchurch Referee: Cameron Stone
* 7 September 2018 17:45 NZST
| Otago | 27–23 | Northland |
| Try: Dylan Nel 27' Jona Nareki 50' Joketani Koroi 64' Con: Josh Ioane (3/3) 28', 50', 64' Pen: Josh Ioane (2/3) 56', 76' | | Try: Tamati Tua 34' Jack Debreczeni 43' Con: Jack Debreczeni (2/2) 34', 43' Pen: Jack Debreczeni (3/3) 20', 60', 69' |
* Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin Referee: Nick Webster
* 7 September 2018 19:35 NZST
| Auckland | 36–10 | Tasman |
| Try: Patrick Tuipulotu (3) 28', 32', 40' Melani Nanai 35' Akira Ioane 76' Con: Harry Plummer (4/5) 29', 33', 40', 77' Pen: Harry Plummer (1/3) 19' | Report | Try: Ethan Blackadder 26' Con: Mitchell Hunt (1/1) 27' Pen: Mitchell Hunt (1/1) 22' |
* Eden Park, Auckland Attendance: 5,350 Referee: Nick Hogan
* 8 September 2018 14:05 NZST
| Southland | 26–43 | Counties Manukau |
| Try: Bill Fukofuka 9' Morgan Mitchell 22' Lewis Ormond 66' Nico Costa 80' Con: James Wilson (3/4) 10', 23', 67' | Report | Try: Fotu Lokotui 26' Luteru Laulala 30' Te Aihe Toma 32' Nigel Ah Wong 47' Joe Royal 50' Cardiff Vaega 62' Con: Latiume Fosita (4/5) 27', 31', 48', 51' Luteru Laulala (1/1) 63' Pen: Luteru Laulala (1/1) 72' |
* Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill Referee: James Doleman
* 8 September 2018 16:35 NZST
| Hawke's Bay | 29–28 | Bay of Plenty |
| Try: Jonah Lowe 3' Brad Weber (2) 48', 51' Joe Apikotoa 78' Con: Tiaan Falcon (3/4) 49', 52', 79' Pen: Tiaan Falcon (1/1) 33' | Report | Try: Richard Judd (2) 35', 62' Mike Delany 65' Con: Mike Delany (2/3) 36', 65' Pen: Mike Delany (3/4) 18', 31', 71' |
* McLean Park, Napier Referee: Richard Kelly
* 9 September 2018 14:05 NZST
| Wellington | 35–23 | North Harbour |
| Try: Asafo Aumua 18' Kemara Hauiti-Parapara 40' Malo Tuitama 42' Wes Goosen 70' Jackson Garden-Bachop 75' Con: Jackson Garden-Bachop (2/5) 40', 76' Pen: Jackson Garden-Bachop (2/3) 5', 30' | Report | Try: Tevita Li 23' Matt Duffie 57' Con: Bryn Gatland (2/2) 24', 58' Pen: Bryn Gatland (3/3) 2', 7', 52' |
* Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington Referee: Michael Lash
* 9 September 2018 16:35 NZST
| Taranaki | 19–33 | Waikato – RS |
| Try: Regan Ware 13' Manasa Mataele 44' Seta Tamanivalu 49' Con: Beaudein Waaka (2/3) 14', 50' | Report | Try: Dwayne Sweeney 2' Adam Burn 18' James Tucker 24' Samisoni Taukei'aho 34' Quinn Tupaea 37' Con: Fletcher Smith (4/5) 3', 24', 35', 38' |
* Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth Referee: Ben O'Keeffe

### Week 5

* 12 September 2018 19:35 NZST
| North Harbour | 21–31 | Canterbury |
| Try: Matt Duffie 21' Shaun Stevenson 36' Sione Teu 72' Con: Bryn Gatland (3/3) 22', 37', 73' Cards: Tevita Li 55' | Report | Try: Nathan Vella 2' George Bridge 8' Reed Prinsep 48' Mitchell Dunshea 59' Con: Brett Cameron (4/4) 3', 9', 49', 60' Pen: Brett Cameron (1/1) 40' Cards: Connor Collins 65' |
* North Harbour Stadium, Albany Referee: Angus Mabey
* 13 September 2018 19:35 NZST
| RS – Waikato | 42–22 | Hawke's Bay |
| Try: Dwayne Sweeney 18' Sevu Reece 28' Jordan Manihera 33' Murray Iti 60' Fletcher Smith 67' Raniera Takarangi 71' Con: Fletcher Smith (6/6) 19', 29', 34', 61', 68', 72' | Report | Try: Brad Weber 7' Tom Parsons 36' Sasa Tofilau 79' Con: Jamie-Jerry Taulagi (2/2) 8', 80' Tiaan Falcon (0/1) Pen: Tiaan Falcon (1/1) 23' Cards: Pasqualle Dunn 12' |
* Waikato Stadium, Hamilton Referee: Nick Briant
* 14 September 2018 17:45 NZST
| Northland | 49–19 | Manawatu |
| Try: Matt Matich 16' Jordan Olsen 19' Jordan Hyland 22' Jack Debreczeni 36' Scott Gregory 40' Kara Pryor 48' Blake Hohaia 73' Con: Jack Debreczeni (4/6) 20', 23', 37', 49' Myles Thoroughgood (0/1) Pen: Jack Debreczeni (2/2) 8', 59' | Report | Try: James Tofa 4' Junior Laloifi 38' Adrian Wyrill 80' Con: Sam Malcolm (1/2) 39' Otere Black (1/1) 80' Cards: Sione Asi 69' |
* Okara Park, Whangārei Referee: Michael Winter
* 14 September 2018 19:45 NZST
| Tasman | 53–17 | Taranaki |
| Try: Tyrel Lomax 19' Andrew Makalio (2) 34', 38' David Havili 51' Mitchell Hunt 62' Will Jordan 71' Solomon Alaimalo 74' Con: Mitchell Hunt (5/5) 20', 35', 39', 52', 63' Tim O'Malley (1/2) 75' Pen: Mitchell Hunt (2/4) 5', 42' | Report | Try: Ciarahn Matoe 59' Kane Thompson 67' Con: Beaudein Waaka (2/2) 60', 68' Pen: Beaudein Waaka (1/1) 23' |
* Trafalgar Park, Nelson Referee: Jamie Nutbrown
* 15 September 2018 14:05 NZST
| Counties Manukau | 12–53 | Wellington |
| Try: Daniel Hyatt 47' Toni Pulu 59' Con: Latiume Fosita (1/2) 48' | | Try: Isaia Walker-Leawere 11' Malo Tuitama 36' Vaea Fifita (2) 39', 41' Billy Proctor 40' Asafo Aumua 49' James O'Reilly (2) 69', 75' Con: Jackson Garden-Bachop (5/7) 37', 40', 40', 50', 70' Thomas Umaga-Jensen (0/1) Pen: Jackson Garden-Bachop (1/1) 18' |
* Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe Referee: Richard Kelly
* 15 September 2018 16:35 NZST
| Southland | 24–43 | Otago |
| Try: Morgan Mitchell 53' Manaaki Selby-Rickit 69' Isaac Te Tamaki 80' Con: James Wilson (3/3) 54', 70', 80' Pen: James Wilson (1/1) 33' | Report | Try: Mitchell Scott (3) 15', 44', 59' Jona Nareki (2) 17', 35' Matt Faddes 21' Jonah Aoina 75' Con: Josh Ioane (4/7) 18', 22', 45', 76' |
* Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill Referee: James Munro
* 16 September 2018 14:05 NZST
| North Harbour | 32–20 | Bay of Plenty |
| Try: James Parsons 20' Bryn Hall 38' Tevita Li 63' Bryn Gatland 71' Con: Bryn Gatland (3/4) 21', 64', 72' Pen: Bryn Gatland (2/3) 17', 52' | Report | Try: Mike Delany 32' James Lay 67' Con: Mike Delany (1/1) 33' Jason Robertson (1/1) 68' Pen: Mike Delany (2/2) 2', 36' |
* North Harbour Stadium, Albany Referee: Nick Webster
* 16 September 2018 16:35 NZST
| Canterbury | 29–34 | Auckland |
| Try: Greg Pleasants-Tate 12' Sef Fa'agase 39' Chris King 79' Brodie McAlister 80' Con: Brett Cameron (3/4) 39', 79', 80' Pen: Brett Cameron (1/2) 26' | Report | Try: TJ Faiane (3) 2', 9', 46' Jonathan Ruru 31' Tumua Manu 71' Con: Harry Plummer (3/5) 10', 32', 72' Pen: Harry Plummer (1/2) 16' |
* Rugby League Park, Christchurch Referee: Ben O'Keeffe

### Week 6

* 19 September 2018 19:35 NZST
| Manawatu | 19–29 | Tasman |
| Try: Sam Malcolm 12' Michael Alaalatoa 40' Michael Tagicakibau 64' Con: Sam Malcolm (1/2) 40' Otere Black (1/1) 65' Cards: Antonio Kiri Kiri 55' | Report | Try: Jamie Spowart 7' Levi Aumua 30' Will Jordan 48' Mitchell Hunt 57' Con: Tim O'Malley (2/3) 8', 31' Mitchell Hunt (1/1) 57' Pen: Mitchell Hunt (1/1) 76' |
* Arena Manawatu, Palmerston North Referee: Ben O'Keeffe
* 20 September 2018 19:35 NZST
| Northland | 26–10 | Southland |
| Try: Matt Matich 17' Sam Nock 23' Murray Douglas (2) 26', 77' Con: Jack Debreczeni (3/4) 18', 24', 78' | Report | Try: Manaaki Selby-Rickit 65' Con: Broc Hooper (1/1) 66' Pen: James Wilson (1/1) 11' |
* Okara Park, Whangārei Referee: Brendon Pickerill
* 21 September 2018 19:35 NZST
| Bay of Plenty | 21–54 | Waikato |
| Try: Hugh Blake 37' Bailey Simonsson 61' Kane Le'aupepe 80' Con: Jason Robertson (1/1) 38' Kaleb Trask (2/2) 62', 80' Cards: Baden Wardlaw 49' | Report | Try: James Tucker 10' Samisoni Taukei'aho (2) 23', 50' Mitch Jacobson 30' Quinn Tupaea (2) 41', 57' Sekope Lopeti-Moli 67' Matthew Lansdown 73' Con: Fletcher Smith (7/8) 11', 24', 31', 42', 51', 58', 74' |
* Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua Referee: Angus Mabey
* 22 September 2018 14:35 NZST
| Hawke's Bay | 34–51 | North Harbour |
| Try: Kianu Kereru-Symes 8' Jonah Lowe 33' Jamie-Jerry Taulagi 49' Brad Weber 58' Con: Jamie-Jerry Taulagi (4/4) 9', 34', 50', 59' Pen: Jamie-Jerry Taulagi (2/2) 5', 42' | Report | Try: James Parsons (2) 29', 44' Matt Duffie 40' Shaun Stevenson 54' Tevita Li 61' Bryn Gatland 72' Harrison Groundwater 79' Con: Bryn Gatland (4/6) 30', 45', 55', 73' James Parsons (1/1) 80' Pen: Bryn Gatland (2/2) 12', 69' |
* McLean Park, Napier Referee: Michael Winter
* 22 September 2018 17:05 NZST
| Otago | 25–47 | Canterbury |
| Try: Michael Collins 17' Josh Ioane 48' Jona Nareki 78' Con: Josh Ioane (2/3) 18', 49' Pen: Sio Tomkinson (2/2) 7', 9' | Report | Try: George Bridge 2' Phil Burleigh 13' Mitchell Dunshea 29' Josh McKay 36' Caleb Makene 57' Braydon Ennor 60' Reed Prinsep 66' Con: Brett Cameron (6/7) 3', 14', 30', 58', 61', 66' |
* Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin Referee: Nick Briant
* 22 September 2018 19:35 NZST
| Taranaki | 30–31 | Auckland |
| Try: Seta Tamanivalu 23' Tom Florence 50' Mitchell Crosswell 73' Ciarahn Matoe 80' Con: Beaudein Waaka (2/3) 24', 51' Stephen Perofeta (0/1) Pen: Beaudein Waaka (2/4) 11', 38' | Report | Try: Akira Ioane 1' Tumua Manu 30' Jonathan Ruru 39' Salesi Rayasi (2) 59', 69' Con: Harry Plummer (3/5) 31', 40', 70' Pen: Harry Plummer (0/1) Cards: Melani Nanai 72' |
* Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth Referee: Glen Jackson
* 23 September 2018 14:05 NZST
| Tasman | 21–19 | Counties Manukau |
| Try: Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta 8' Wyatt Crockett 32' Will Jordan 45' Con: Mitchell Hunt (3/3) 9', 33', 46' | Report | Try: Sione Molia 55' Joe Royal 63' Tevita Nabura 78' Con: Luteru Laulala (2/3) 56', 64' |
* Trafalgar Park, Nelson Referee: Tim Griffiths
* 23 September 2018 16:35 NZST
| Manawatu | 7–49 | Wellington |
| Try: Brice Henderson 69' Con: Sam Malcolm (1/1) 70' | Report | Try: Thomas Waldrom 6' Mateaki Kafatolu 10' Thomas Umaga-Jensen 28' Ben Lam (2) 32', 80' James Blackwell 37' Asafo Aumua 47' Isaia Walker-Leawere 60' Peter Umaga-Jensen 79' Con: Jackson Garden-Bachop (0/6) Trent Renata (2/3) 61', 80' |
* Arena Manawatu, Palmerston North Referee: Cameron Stone

### Week 7

* 26 September 2018 19:35 NZST
| Hawke's Bay | 55–41 | Northland |
| Try: Gareth Evans 6' Stacey Ili (2) 12', 35' Marino Mikaele-Tu'u 21' Pasqualle Dunn (2) 48', 65' Ben Power (2) 57', 63' Jamie-Jerry Taulagi 74' Con: Jamie-Jerry Taulagi (3/7) 7', 22', 49' Brad Weber (2/2) 66', 75' | Report | Try: Jaycob Matiu 15' Mathew Wright (2) 19', 29' Jordan Hyland 25' Rene Ranger 37' Con: Jack Debreczeni (5/5) 16', 20', 26', 30', 38' Pen: Jack Debreczeni (2/2) 9', 54' Cards: Kara Pryor 62' |
* McLean Park, Napier Referee: Nick Hogan
* 27 September 2018 19:35 NZST
| Bay of Plenty | 15–17 | Manawatu |
| Try: Aaron Carroll 67' Luke Campbell 79' Con: Kaleb Trask (1/2) 80' Pen: Jason Robertson (1/1) 25' Kaleb Trask (0/1) | Report | Try: Jamie Booth 2' Sam Malcolm 33' Con: Otere Black (2/2) 3', 34' Pen: Otere Black (1/1) 55' Cards: Faalelei Sione 75' |
* Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua Referee: Michael Lash
* 28 September 2018 19:35 NZST
| Auckland | 26–31 | Otago |
| Try: Tumua Manu (2) 11', 27' Dalton Papalii 15' Akira Ioane 71' Con: Harry Plummer (3/4) 12', 16', 72' | Report | Try: Vilimoni Koroi 2' Jona Nareki 22' Matt Faddes (3) 30', 48', 64' Con: Josh Ioane (3/5) 3', 49', 65' Cards: Michael Collins 5' |
* Eden Park, Auckland Attendance: 4,300 Referee: Mike Fraser
* 29 September 2018 14:35 NZST
| RS – Waikato | 42–11 | Southland |
| Try: Dwayne Sweeney 12' Sevu Reece 40' Murray Iti 43' Samisoni Taukei'aho (2) 52', 75' Toby Smith 69' Con: Fletcher Smith (6/6) 13', 40', 44', 53', 70', 76' | Report | Try: Tauasosi Tuimavave 14' Con: James Wilson (0/1) Pen: James Wilson (2/2) 10', 22' |
* Waikato Stadium, Hamilton Referee: Jamie Nutbrown
* 29 September 2018 17:05 NZST
| Taranaki | 26–55 | North Harbour |
| Try: Regan Ware 16' Manasa Mataele 35' Beaudein Waaka 63' Jesse Parete 70' Con: Beaudein Waaka (3/4) 17', 64', 71' | Report | Try: Daniel Hilton-Jones 2' Tevita Li (4) 11', 23', 29', 50' Matt Duffie 19' Dillon Hunt (2) 38', 58' Mark Tele'a 52' Con: Bryn Gatland (5/9) 3', 30', 39', 51', 59' |
* Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth Referee: Tim Griffiths
* 29 September 2018 19:35 NZST
| Wellington | 22–28 | Tasman |
| Try: Xavier Numia 24' Galu Taufale 64' Thomas Umaga-Jensen 75' Con: Jackson Garden-Bachop (2/3) 25', 65' Pen: Jackson Garden-Bachop (1/1) 5' | Report | Try: Finlay Christie 14' Solomon Alaimalo 41' Jacob Norris 54' John Akau'ola-Laula 67' Con: Mitchell Hunt (1/4) 15' Pen: Mitchell Hunt (2/2) 7', 40' |
* Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington Referee: Nick Briant
* 30 September 2018 14:05 NZST
| Canterbury | 49–24 | Hawke's Bay |
| Try: Alex Hodgman 10' Braydon Ennor (2) 25', 58' Mitchell Drummond 35' George Bridge 48' Tom Christie 61' Connor Garden-Bachop 73' Con: Brett Cameron (7/7) 11', 26', 36', 49', 59', 62', 74' | Report | Try: Sasa Tofilau 21' Michael Buckley 45' Folau Fakatava 64' Con: Jamie-Jerry Taulagi (3/3) 22', 46', 65' Pen: Jamie-Jerry Taulagi (1/1) 33' |
* Rugby League Park, Christchurch Referee: James Doleman
* 30 September 2018 16:35 NZST
| Counties Manukau | 20–24 | Northland |
| Try: Sione Molia 23' Fotu Lokotui 45' Toni Pulu 57' Con: Luteru Laulala (1/3) 24' Pen: Luteru Laulala (1/1) 3' | Report | Try: Jono Kitto 19' Josh Goodhue 33' Jordan Hyland 42' Con: Jack Debreczeni (3/3) 20', 34', 43' Pen: Jack Debreczeni (1/1) 69' |
* Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe Referee: Ben O'Keeffe

### Week 8

* 3 October 2018 19:35 NZST
| Otago | 45–34 | Bay of Plenty |
| Try: Josh Ioane (2) 16', 48' Vilimoni Koroi (2) 36', 70' Matt Faddes (2) 44', 61' Con: Josh Ioane (6/6) 17', 37', 45', 49', 61', 71' Pen: Josh Ioane (1/1) 42' Cards: Sione Misiloi 39' Sio Tomkinson 51' | Report | Try: Bailey Simonsson 4' Kaleb Trask 24' Penalty try 39' Tom Crozier 53' Aaron Carroll 78' Con: Kaleb Trask (1/3) 55' Reece MacDonald (1/1) 79' Pen: Kaleb Trask (1/1) 33' |
* Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin Referee: Jamie Nutbrown
* 4 October 2018 19:35 NZST
| Wellington | 24–29 | Auckland |
| Try: Galu Taufale 7' Thomas Umaga-Jensen 46' Ben Lam 53' Con: Jackson Garden-Bachop (3/3) 8', 47', 54' Pen: Jackson Garden-Bachop (1/2) 17' Cards: Mateaki Kafatolu 66' | Report | Try: Tumua Manu 24' TJ Faiane 58' Salesi Rayasi 68' Jordan Trainor 70' Con: Harry Plummer (3/4) 25', 59', 70' Pen: Harry Plummer (1/1) 50' |
* Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington Referee: Nick Briant
* 5 October 2018 19:35 NZST
| Hawke's Bay | 45–17 | Manawatu |
| Try: Pasqualle Dunn 23' Kianu Kereru-Symes 29' Tom Parsons 34' Mark Braidwood 46' Jamie-Jerry Taulagi 58' Jonah Lowe 62' Michael Buckley 73' Con: Jamie-Jerry Taulagi (5/7) 30', 47', 59', 63', 74' | Report | Try: Brad Tucker 2' Michael Alaalatoa 15' Con: Otere Black (2/2) 3', 16' Pen: Otere Black (1/2) 21' Cards: Hamish Northcott 79' |
* McLean Park, Napier Referee: Ben O'Keeffe
* 6 October 2018 14:35 NZST
| Northland | 28–71 | Waikato |
| Try: Rene Ranger 12' Renata Roberts-Te Nana 52' Sam Nock 59' Aorangi Stokes 75' Con: Jack Debreczeni (4/4) 13', 53', 60', 76' | Report | Try: Bailyn Sullivan (2) 2', 17' Sevu Reece (2) 20', 66' Fletcher Smith 28' Quinn Tupaea (2) 31', 42' James Tucker 39' Raniera Takarangi 50' Penalty try 56' Pepesana Patafilo 70' Con: Fletcher Smith (7/9) 18', 29', 32', 40', 43', 51', 67' Matthew Lansdown (0/1) Cards: Mitch Jacobson 75' |
* Okara Park, Whangārei Referee: Brendon Pickerill
* 6 October 2018 17:05 NZST
| North Harbour | 36–26 | Counties Manukau |
| Try: Harrison Groundwater 7' Penalty try 35' Daniel Hilton-Jones 42' Shaun Stevenson 47' Dillon Hunt 53' Con: Bryn Gatland (3/4) 8', 48', 54' Pen: Bryn Gatland (1/1) 13' | Report | Try: Cardiff Vaega 18' Tevita Nabura 25' Fotu Lokotui 49' Penalty try 67' Con: Latiume Fosita (2/3) 19', 50' Cards: Sikeli Nabou 33' |
* North Harbour Stadium, Albany Referee: James Munro
* 6 October 2018 19:35 NZST
| Canterbury | 41–7 | Taranaki |
| Try: Mitchell Drummond 12' Connor Garden-Bachop 17' Billy Harmon 30' Sam Beard 66' Ngane Punivai 71' Braydon Ennor 79' Con: Brett Cameron (4/5) 13', 18', 31', 67' James Hawkey (0/1) Pen: Brett Cameron (1/1) 37' Cards: Hugh Renton 46' Daniel Lienert-Brown 55' | Report | Try: Jayson Potroz 76' Con: Beaudein Waaka (1/1) 77' Cards: Jarrad Hoeata 5' |
* Rugby League Park, Christchurch Referee: James Doleman
* 7 October 2018 14:05 NZST
| Southland | 22–26 | Bay of Plenty |
| Try: Lewis Ormond 14' Morgan Mitchell 34' Isaac Te Tamaki 57' Con: James Wilson (2/3) 35', 58' Pen: James Wilson (1/1) 68' Cards: Ben Fotheringham 78' | Report | Try: Bailey Simonsson 4' Tom Crozier 11' Fa'asiu Fuatai 21' Kane Le'aupepe 73' Con: Kaleb Trask (3/4) 12', 22', 74' |
* Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill Referee: Tipene Cottrell
* 7 October 2018 16:35 NZST
| Otago | 21–47 | Tasman |
| Try: Matt Faddes 43' Sio Tomkinson 60' Slade McDowall 66' Con: Sio Tomkinson (3/3) 44', 61', 67' Cards: Sione Misiloi 22' | Report | Try: Mitchell Hunt 6' Andrew Makalio 24' Will Jordan (3) 28', 52', 71' David Havili 34' Tima Fainga'anuku 56' Con: Mitchell Hunt (6/7) 7', 25', 29', 35', 53', 57' |
* Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin Referee: Paul Williams

### Week 9

* 10 October 2018 19:35 NZST
| Southland | 8–56 | Auckland |
| Try: Joe Walsh 66' Con: Tayler Adams (0/1) Pen: Tayler Adams (1/1) 7' Cards: Nico Costa 15' | Report | Try: Salesi Rayasi 11' Fa'atiga Lemalu 21' Mike Sosene-Feagai (2) 45', 61' Tumua Manu 52' Caleb Clarke 71' Desma Liaina 75' Adrian Choat 78' Con: Harry Plummer (5/5) 12', 22', 46', 53', 62' Daniel Kirkpatrick (3/3) 72', 76', 79' |
* Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill Referee: James Doleman
* 11 October 2018 19:35 NZST
| Tasman | 29–0 | Hawke's Bay |
| Try: Pari Pari Parkinson 40' Tim O'Malley 43' Mitchell Hunt 68' Jack Grooby 76' Con: Mitchell Hunt (3/4) 40', 68', 77' Pen: Mitchell Hunt (1/1) 28' | Report | |
* Trafalgar Park, Nelson Referee: Mike Fraser
* 12 October 2018 19:35 NZST
| Taranaki | 10–34 | Wellington |
| Try: Warwick Lahmert 13' Con: Beaudein Waaka (1/1) 14' Pen: Beaudein Waaka (1/1) 19' | Report | Try: Vaea Fifita 6' Teariki Ben-Nicholas 38' Matt Proctor 47' Malo Tuitama 57' Sitiveni Paongo 66' Con: Jackson Garden-Bachop (2/3) 6', 57' Trent Renata (1/2) 48' Pen: Jackson Garden-Bachop (1/1) 80' |
* Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth Referee: Ben O'Keeffe
* 13 October 2018 14:35 NZST
| Bay of Plenty | 38–35 | Northland |
| Try: James Lay 10' Jeff Thwaites 14' Liam Steel 20' Emoni Narawa 29' Fa'asiu Fuatai 50' Chase Tiatia 71' Con: Kaleb Trask (4/6) 11', 15', 21', 51' | Report | Try: Aorangi Stokes 32' Ropate Rinakama 44' Noah Cooper 57' Tamati Tua 76' Jordan Hyland 79' Con: Jack Debreczeni (3/3) 33', 45', 58' Wiseguy Faiane (2/2) 77', 80' |
* Tauranga Domain, Tauranga Referee: Tipene Cottrell
* 13 October 2018 17:05 NZST
| Waikato | 19–23 | Otago – RS |
| Try: Josh Iosefa-Scott 25' Tyler Campbell 40' Bailyn Sullivan 48' Con: Fletcher Smith (2/3) 26', 49' | Report | Try: Mitchell Scott 11' Joshua Dickson 15' Joketani Koroi 19' Con: Josh Ioane (1/3) 16' Pen: Josh Ioane (2/2) 33', 62' |
* Waikato Stadium, Hamilton Referee: Brendon Pickerill
* 13 October 2018 19:35 NZST
| Counties Manukau | 14–19 | Canterbury |
| Try: Nigel Ah Wong 21' Sione Molia 33' Con: Luteru Laulala (2/2) 22', 34' | Report | Try: George Bridge 14' Braydon Ennor 40' Penalty try 46' Con: Mitchell Drummond (1/2) 18' |
* Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe Referee: Angus Mabey
* 14 October 2018 14:05 NZST
| Auckland | 45–29 | North Harbour |
| Try: Jonathan Ruru 18' TJ Faiane (2) 23', 38' Robbie Abel 44' Jordan Trainor 50' Salesi Rayasi (2) 58', 75' Con: Harry Plummer (5/7) 19', 24', 45', 51', 59' Pen: Harry Plummer (0/1) Cards: Dalton Papalii 71' | Report | Try: Luatangi Li 15' Shaun Stevenson 40' Harrison Groundwater 71' Paletini Tu'ungafasi 79' Con: Bryn Gatland (3/4) 40', 71', 80' Pen: Bryn Gatland (1/3) 36' |
* Eden Park, Auckland Attendance: 5,800 Referee: Cameron Stone
* 14 October 2018 16:35 NZST
| Manawatu | 38–26 | Southland |
| Try: Jackson Hemopo 1' Antonio Kiri Kiri (2) 17', 48' Ngani Laumape (2) 34', 58' Con: Otere Black (5/5) 2', 18', 35', 49', 59' Pen: Jade Te Rure (1/1) 73' | Report | Try: Morgan Mitchell 21' James Wilson 27' Lewis Ormond (2) 45', 70' Con: James Wilson (3/4) 22', 28', 46' |
* Arena Manawatu, Palmerston North Referee: Paul Williams

## Play-offs

| Semi-finals | Semi-finals | Semi-finals | Final | Final | Final |
| 1 | Waikato | 48 | | | |
| 4 | Northland | 26 | | | |
| 4 | Northland | 26 | 1 | Waikato | 36 |
| | | | 2 | Otago | 13 |
| 2 | Otago | 20 | 2 | Otago | 13 |
| 3 | Hawke's Bay | 19 | | | |
| Semi-finals | Semi-finals | Semi-finals | Final | Final | Final |
| 1 | Auckland | 38 | | | |
| 4 | Wellington | 17 | | | |
| 4 | Wellington | 17 | 1 | Auckland | 40 |
| | | | 3 | Canterbury | 33 |
| 2 | Tasman | 16 | 3 | Canterbury | 33 |
| 3 | Canterbury | 21 | | | |

### Semi-finals
#### Championship

* 20 October 2018 14:35 NZST
| Waikato | 48–26 | Northland |
| Try: Taukei'aho 15' c Stratton 37' c Reece (4) 40' c, 42' c, 53' c, 59' c Con: Smith (6/6) 16', 38', 40', 43', 54', 60' Pen: Smith (2/2) 52', 72' Cards: Tucker 65' Jacobson 80' | Report | Try: Nock 2' c Gregory 23' c Wright 30' c Kitto 66' m Con: Debreczeni (3/3) 3', 24', 31' Faiane (0/1) Pen: Debreczeni (0/1) Cards: Nock 35' |
* Waikato Stadium, Hamilton Referee: Paul Williams
* 20 October 2018 19:35 NZST
| Otago | 20–19 | Hawke's Bay |
| Try: Scott 50' c Tomkinson 73' c Con: Ioane (2/2) 51', 74' Pen: Ioane (2/3) 27', 80' | Report | Try: Mikaele-Tu'u 5' c Weber 13' c Emerson 62' m Con: Taulagi (2/3) 6', 14' |
* Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin Attendance: 4,203 Referee: Ben O'Keeffe

#### Premiership

* 19 October 2018 19:35 NZST
| Tasman | 16–21 | Canterbury |
| Try: Havili 35' c Con: Hunt (1/1) 36' Pen: Hunt (3/3) 30', 40', 50' Cards: Curry 53' Jordan 70' | Report | Try: Drummond (2) 64' c, 76' m Con: Cameron (1/2) 65' Pen: Cameron (3/3) 3', 40', 43' |
* Trafalgar Park, Nelson Referee: Mike Fraser
* 20 October 2018 17:05 NZST
| Auckland | 38–17 | Wellington |
| Try: Nanai 8' c Lemalu 15' c Ioane (2) 31' c, 58' c Fepulea'i 69' c Con: Plummer (5/5) 9', 16', 32', 59', 70' Pen: Plummer (1/2) 37' | Report | Try: Goosen 5' c Ben-Nicholas 49' c Con: Garden-Bachop (2/2) 6', 50' Pen: Garden-Bachop (1/2) 20' |
* Eden Park, Auckland Attendance: 5,600 Referee: Brendon Pickerill

### Finals
#### Championship

* 26 October 2018 19:35 NZST
| Waikato | 36–13 | Otago |
| Try: Reece (2) 7' c, 54' c Tupaea 20' c Lansdown 31' m Campbell 45' c Con: Smith (4/5) 8', 21', 46', 55' Pen: Smith (1/1) 69' | Report | Try: Lentjes 43' c Con: Ioane (1/1) 44' Pen: Ioane (2/2) 14', 17' |
* Waikato Stadium, Hamilton Referee: Ben O'Keeffe

#### Premiership

* 27 October 2018 16:05 NZST
| Auckland | 40–33 (a.e.t) | Canterbury |
| Try: Manu 34' c Ioane 48' m Trainor 62' c Clarke 72' c Sosene-Feagai 91' c Fukofuka 92' c Con: Plummer (5/6) 34', 62', 74', 91', 94' Pen: Plummer (0/2) | Report | Try: Penalty try 26' Bridge 32' c Sanders 84' c Con: Cameron (2/2) 33', 85' Pen: Cameron (4/6) 10', 40', 51', 55' |
* Eden Park, Auckland Attendance: 20,130 Referee: Glen Jackson
| FB | 15 | Jordan Trainor |
| RW | 14 | Melani Nanai |
| OC | 13 | Tumua Manu |
| IC | 12 | TJ Faiane (c) |
| LW | 11 | Salesi Rayasi |
| FH | 10 | Harry Plummer |
| SH | 9 | Jonathan Ruru | | 62' |
| N8 | 8 | Akira Ioane | 26' |
| OF | 7 | Adrian Choat | | 62' |
| BF | 6 | Evan Olmstead |
| RL | 5 | Michael Fatialofa | | 52' |
| LL | 4 | Fa'atiga Lemalu |
| TP | 3 | Marcel Renata |
| HK | 2 | Robbie Abel | | 55' |
| LP | 1 | Sam Prattley | | 5' |
| Replacements: ||
| HK | 16 | Mike Sosene-Feagai | | 55' |
| PR | 17 | Jarred Adams | | 5' |
| PR | 18 | Marco Fepulea'i |
| LK | 19 | Taleni Seu | | 52' |
| FL | 20 | Hoskins Sotutu | | 62' |
| SH | 21 | Leon Fukofuka | | 62' |
| FH | 22 | Daniel Kirkpatrick |
| WG | 23 | Caleb Clarke |
| FB | 15 | George Bridge |
| RW | 14 | Josh McKay |
| OC | 13 | Braydon Ennor |
| IC | 12 | Phil Burleigh | | 85' |
| LW | 11 | Caleb Makene | | 26' |
| FH | 10 | Brett Cameron |
| SH | 9 | Mitchell Drummond (c) | | 62' |
| N8 | 8 | Luke Whitelock |
| OF | 7 | Billy Harmon | 41' |
| BF | 6 | Reed Prinsep |
| RL | 5 | Mitchell Dunshea |
| LL | 4 | Luke Romano |
| TP | 3 | Sef Fa'agase | | 49' |
| HK | 2 | Nathan Vella | | 49' |
| LP | 1 | Alex Hodgman | | 53' |
| Replacements: ||
| HK | 16 | Brodie McAlister | | 49' |
| PR | 17 | Harry Allan | | 53' |
| PR | 18 | Chris King | | 49' |
| N8 | 19 | Tom Sanders |
| FL | 20 | Tom Christie |
| SH | 21 | Ere Enari | | 62' |
| CE | 22 | Sam Beard | | 85' |
| WG | 23 | Ngane Punivai | | 26' |

## Statistics
### Leading point scorers

| No. | Player | Team | Points | Average | Details |
| 1 | Fletcher Smith | Waikato | 130 | 10.83 | 2 T, 54 C, 4 P, 0 D |
| 2 | Brett Cameron | Canterbury | 121 | 10.08 | 1 T, 37 C, 14 P, 0 D |
| 3 | Josh Ioane | Otago | 116 | 9.67 | 4 T, 30 C, 12 P, 0 D |
| 4 | Mitchell Hunt | Tasman | 116 | 10.55 | 4 T, 27 C, 14 P, 0 D |
| 5 | Harry Plummer | Auckland | 113 | 9.42 | 1 T, 42 C, 8 P, 0 D |
| 6 | Bryn Gatland | North Harbour | 109 | 10.90 | 2 T, 27 C, 15 P, 0 D |
| 7 | Jack Debreczeni | Northland | 100 | 9.09 | 2 T, 30 C, 10 P, 0 D |
| 8 | Beaudein Waaka | Taranaki | 93 | 9.30 | 4 T, 20 C, 11 P, 0 D |
| 9 | Jackson Garden-Bachop | Wellington | 91 | 8.27 | 1 T, 28 C, 10 P, 0 D |
| 10 | Sevu Reece | Waikato | 70 | 5.83 | 14 T, 0 C, 0 P, 0 D |
Source: The weekly reviews of the matches published on provincial.rugby (see "Report" in the individual match scoring stats).

### Leading try scorers

| No. | Player | Team | Tries | Average |
| 1 | Sevu Reece | Waikato | 14 | 1.17 |
| 2 | Tevita Li | North Harbour | 10 | 1.00 |
| 3 | Salesi Rayasi | Auckland | 9 | 0.75 |
| 4 | Will Jordan | Tasman | 9 | 0.82 |
| 5 | Samisoni Taukei'aho | Waikato | 9 | 0.82 |
| 6 | Tumua Manu | Auckland | 7 | 0.58 |
| 7 | Quinn Tupaea | Waikato | 7 | 0.58 |
| 8 | Matt Faddes | Otago | 7 | 0.58 |
| 9 | Akira Ioane | Auckland | 6 | 0.50 |
| 10 | Braydon Ennor | Canterbury | 6 | 0.50 |
Source: The weekly reviews of the matches published on provincial.rugby (see "Report" in the individual match scoring stats).

### Points by week

| Team | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | Total | Total | Average | Average |
| Auckland | 23 | 19 | 28 | 12 | 35 | 17 | 36 | 10 | 34 | 29 | 31 | 30 | 26 | 31 | 29 | 24 | 101 | 37 | 343 | 209 | 34.30 | 20.90 |
| Bay of Plenty | 30 | 10 | 22 | 17 | 19 | 31 | 28 | 29 | 20 | 32 | 21 | 54 | 15 | 17 | 60 | 67 | 38 | 35 | 253 | 292 | 25.30 | 29.20 |
| Canterbury | 17 | 25 | 27 | 20 | 31 | 19 | 34 | 23 | 60 | 55 | 47 | 25 | 49 | 24 | 41 | 7 | 19 | 14 | 325 | 212 | 32.50 | 21.20 |
| Counties Manukau | 19 | 23 | 17 | 22 | 48 | 51 | 43 | 26 | 12 | 53 | 19 | 21 | 20 | 24 | 26 | 36 | 14 | 19 | 218 | 275 | 21.80 | 27.50 |
| Hawke's Bay | 31 | 10 | 31 | 25 | 25 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 22 | 42 | 34 | 51 | 79 | 90 | 45 | 17 | 0 | 29 | 296 | 321 | 29.60 | 32.10 |
| Manawatu | 24 | 19 | 21 | 41 | 17 | 50 | 23 | 34 | 19 | 49 | 26 | 78 | 17 | 15 | 17 | 45 | 38 | 26 | 202 | 357 | 20.20 | 35.70 |
| North Harbour | 21 | 20 | 29 | 28 | 20 | 32 | 23 | 35 | 53 | 51 | 51 | 34 | 55 | 26 | 36 | 26 | 29 | 45 | 317 | 297 | 31.70 | 29.70 |
| Northland | 20 | 21 | 12 | 28 | 18 | 17 | 23 | 27 | 49 | 19 | 26 | 10 | 65 | 75 | 28 | 71 | 35 | 38 | 276 | 306 | 27.60 | 30.60 |
| Otago | 16 | 34 | 25 | 31 | 50 | 17 | 27 | 23 | 43 | 24 | 25 | 47 | 31 | 26 | 66 | 81 | 23 | 19 | 306 | 302 | 30.60 | 30.20 |
| Southland | 10 | 31 | 24 | 45 | 7 | 52 | 26 | 43 | 24 | 43 | 10 | 26 | 11 | 42 | 22 | 26 | 34 | 94 | 168 | 402 | 16.80 | 40.20 |
| Taranaki | 10 | 30 | 41 | 21 | 43 | 37 | 19 | 33 | 17 | 53 | 30 | 31 | 26 | 55 | 7 | 41 | 10 | 34 | 203 | 335 | 20.30 | 33.50 |
| Tasman | 25 | 17 | 45 | 24 | 32 | 20 | 10 | 36 | 53 | 17 | 50 | 38 | 28 | 22 | 47 | 21 | 29 | 0 | 319 | 195 | 31.10 | 19.50 |
| Waikato | 19 | 24 | 28 | 29 | 17 | 35 | 76 | 50 | 42 | 22 | 54 | 21 | 42 | 11 | 71 | 28 | 19 | 23 | 368 | 243 | 36.80 | 24.30 |
| Wellington | 34 | 16 | 20 | 27 | 52 | 7 | 66 | 66 | 53 | 12 | 49 | 7 | 22 | 28 | 24 | 29 | 34 | 10 | 354 | 202 | 35.40 | 20.20 |
Source: Mitre 10 Cup Fixtures and Results 2018

### Tries by week

| Team | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | Total | Total | Average | Average |
| Auckland | 3 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 15 | 5 | 50 | 30 | 5.00 | 3.00 |
| Bay of Plenty | 3 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 34 | 40 | 3.40 | 4.00 |
| Canterbury | 2 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 46 | 28 | 4.60 | 2.80 |
| Counties Manukau | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 33 | 39 | 3.30 | 3.90 |
| Hawke's Bay | 4 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 12 | 12 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 43 | 42 | 4.30 | 4.20 |
| Manawatu | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 7 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 7 | 4 | 13 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 28 | 53 | 2.80 | 5.30 |
| North Harbour | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 9 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 42 | 40 | 4.20 | 4.00 |
| Northland | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 8 | 12 | 4 | 11 | 5 | 6 | 36 | 44 | 3.60 | 4.40 |
| Otago | 1 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 9 | 12 | 3 | 3 | 41 | 43 | 4.10 | 4.30 |
| Southland | 1 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 1 | 8 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 7 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 13 | 23 | 59 | 2.30 | 5.90 |
| Taranaki | 1 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 9 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 26 | 48 | 2.60 | 4.80 |
| Tasman | 3 | 2 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 7 | 2 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 44 | 27 | 4.40 | 2.70 |
| Waikato | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 8 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 11 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 55 | 35 | 5.50 | 3.50 |
| Wellington | 4 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 8 | 1 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 2 | 9 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 53 | 26 | 5.30 | 2.60 |
| For | Against |
Source: The weekly reviews of the matches published on provincial.rugby (see "Report" in the individual match scoring stats).

### Sanctions

| Player | Team | Red | Yellow | Sent off match(es) |
| Jarrad Hoeata | Taranaki | 1 | 0 | vs Canterbury |
| Daniel Lienert-Brown | Canterbury | 1 | 0 | vs Taranaki |
| Sione Misiloi | Otago | 0 | 2 | vs Bay of Plenty and Tasman |
| Mitch Jacobson | Waikato | 0 | 2 | vs Northland |
| Tom Robinson | Northland | 0 | 1 | vs North Harbour |
| Blair Prinsep | Tasman | 0 | 1 | vs Canterbury |
| Michael Allardice | Hawke's Bay | 0 | 1 | vs Southland |
| Gareth Evans | Hawke's Bay | 0 | 1 | vs Southland |
| Josh Timu | Otago | 0 | 1 | vs Hawke's Bay |
| Chris Eves | North Harbour | 0 | 1 | vs Tasman |
| Malo Tuitama | Wellington | 0 | 1 | vs Waikato |
| Tolu Fahamokioa | Wellington | 0 | 1 | vs Waikato |
| Jordan Manihera | Waikato | 0 | 1 | vs Wellington |
| Tevita Li | North Harbour | 0 | 1 | vs Canterbury |
| Connor Collins | Canterbury | 0 | 1 | vs North Harbour |
| Pasqualle Dunn | Hawke's Bay | 0 | 1 | vs Waikato |
| Sione Asi | Manawatu | 0 | 1 | vs Northland |
| Antonio Kiri Kiri | Manawatu | 0 | 1 | vs Tasman |
| Baden Wardlaw | Bay of Plenty | 0 | 1 | vs Waikato |
| Melani Nanai | Auckland | 0 | 1 | vs Taranaki |
| Kara Pryor | Northland | 0 | 1 | vs Hawke's Bay |
| Faalelei Sione | Manawatu | 0 | 1 | vs Bay of Plenty |
| Michael Collins | Otago | 0 | 1 | vs Auckland |
| Sio Tomkinson | Otago | 0 | 1 | vs Bay of Plenty |
| Mateaki Kafatolu | Wellington | 0 | 1 | vs Auckland |
| Hamish Northcott | Manawatu | 0 | 1 | vs Hawke's Bay |
| Sikeli Nabou | Counties Manukau | 0 | 1 | vs North Harbour |
| Hugh Renton | Canterbury | 0 | 1 | vs Taranaki |
| Ben Fotheringham | Southland | 0 | 1 | vs Bay of Plenty |
| Nico Costa | Southland | 0 | 1 | vs Auckland |
| Dalton Papalii | Auckland | 0 | 1 | vs North Harbour |
| Michael Curry | Tasman | 0 | 1 | vs Canterbury |
| Will Jordan | Tasman | 0 | 1 | vs Canterbury |
| Sam Nock | Northland | 0 | 1 | vs Waikato |
| James Tucker | Waikato | 0 | 1 | vs Northland |
| Akira Ioane | Auckland | 0 | 1 | vs Canterbury |
| Billy Harmon | Canterbury | 0 | 1 | vs Auckland |

## Ranfurly Shield
### Pre-season challenges

In March 2018, Taranaki accepted Ranfurly Shield challenges from both Heartland Championship unions, Wanganui and Poverty Bay after the regular season draw was confirmed. Tikorangi and Hawera were chosen to host the Ranfurly Shield matches. Taranaki Rugby announced the venues for the pre-season defenses in mid April for July 28 and August 4 at the Tikorangi Domain and TSB Hub.
* 28 July 2018 14:35 NZST
| Taranaki | 78–0 | Poverty Bay |
| Try: Vaeno (3) 1' c, 9' c, 77' m Potroz (2) 3' c, 26' c Naholo (2) 7' m, 16' c Waite 20' m Maka 29' c Northcott-Hill (2) 35' c, 45' c Boshier 52' c Con: Waite (7/9) 2', 4', 10', 17', 27', 36', 46' Northcott-Hill (1/1) 29' Matoe (1/2) 54' | Preview Report | |
* Tikorangi Domain, Tikorangi Attendance: 3,500 Referee: James Munro
* 4 August 2018 14:35 NZST
| Taranaki | 33–10 | Wanganui |
| Try: Naholo 18' c Penalty try 23' Lewis (2) 25' c, 28' c Northcott-Hill 69' m Con: Waaka (3/4) 19', 26', 29' | Preview Report | Try: Gilbert 33' m Dibben 66' m Con: Scott (0/2) |
* TSB Hub, Hāwera Attendance: 2,000 Referee: Michael Lash