# 2006 Air New Zealand Cup

The 2006 Air New Zealand Cup was the first season of a new structure for 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. 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.
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). 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.

## 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.
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, Whangārei 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 | Quarter-finals | Quarter-finals | Semi-finals | Semi-finals | Semi-finals | Final | Final | Final |
| 4 | Wellington | 36 | | | | | | |
| 5 | Canterbury | 23 | | | | | | |
| 5 | Canterbury | 23 | 2 | Auckland | 15 | | | |
| | | | 4 | Wellington | 30 | | | |
| 2 | Auckland | 46 | 4 | Wellington | 30 | | | |
| 7 | Bay of Plenty | 14 | | | | | | |
| 7 | Bay of Plenty | 14 | | | | 1 | Waikato | 37 |
| | | | | | | 4 | Wellington | 31 |
| 1 | Waikato | 24 | | | | | | | 4 | Wellington | 31 |
| 8 | Southland | 12 | | | | | | |
| 8 | Southland | 12 | 1 | Waikato | 44 | | | |
| | | | 6 | Otago | 15 | | | |
| 3 | North Harbour | 21 | 6 | Otago | 15 | | | |
| 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 |