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Fihaki returns from All Blacks debut as Canterbury name side for NPC final against Northland

Chay Fihaki is back in Canterbury colours after earning his first All Blacks cap in Sydney, as the defending NPC champions prepare to face Northland at One New Zealand Stadium on Monday.

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Fihaki returns from All Blacks debut as Canterbury name side for NPC final against Northland
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Chay Fihaki will line up for Canterbury in Monday’s Hilux NPC final against Northland at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch, returning to provincial duty fresh from his All Blacks debut in Sydney. Jamie Hannah and Sam Darry, who also featured in black this year, have likewise been named in the starting XV.

Brodie McAlister captains the defending champions as they contest their first title match at their new home ground. Canterbury’s bench carries considerable punch, with loosehead George Bell, lock Torian Barnes and back Isaac Hutchinson all among the replacements.

Northland, known as the Taniwha, will be skippered by Crusaders playmaker Rivez Reihana, who is no stranger to Christchurch. The match sets up a compelling midfield subplot: Crusaders-bound centre Corey Evans faces Dallas McLeod, the very player he is set to replace at the Super Rugby franchise. Halfback Sam Nock, meanwhile, makes what will be his final appearance in Northland colours before departing for Japan.

Northland arrive with a notable piece of recent history on their side. In their last visit to Christchurch, they claimed the Ranfurly Shield from Canterbury with a 36-12 victory, a match in which Rob Rush crossed for two tries. Rush is unavailable for Monday’s final.

Canterbury team to play Northland: Finlay Brewis, Brodie McAlister (capt), Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Sam Darry, Xavier Treacy, Corey Kellow, Dom Gardiner, Louie Chapman, Andrew Knewstubb, Kurtis MacDonald, Jone Rova, Dallas McLeod, Chay Fihaki, Johnny McNicholl. Reserves: George Bell, Lewis Ponini, Gus Brown, Tahlor Cahill, Torian Barnes, Tyson Belworthy, James Cameron, Isaac Hutchinson.

Northland team to play Canterbury: Esile Fono, James Mullan, Marcel Renata, Josh Goodhue, Allan Craig, Grady Forbes, Lachie Hooper, Terrell Peita, Sam Nock, Rivez Reihana (capt), Brady Rush, Reesjan Pasitoa, Corey Evans, Heremaia Murray, Jordan Trainor. Reserves: Jordan Hutchings, Olly Ryan, Daniel Botha, Heath MacEwan, Darcy Holwell, Josh Renton, James Ramm, Nathan Salmon.

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