Lancaster's first NPC try helps Hawke's Bay demolish Manawatu 59-17 to stay perfect

Hawke’s Bay remain the last unbeaten team in the 2026 NPC after dismantling Manawatu 59-17 at McLean Park in Napier on Friday, with capped Wallaby Darby Lancaster crossing for his first provincial try in the Magpies’ colours.

The result pushed Hawke’s Bay’s season points difference to +105 across four rounds, following earlier victories over Wellington, Tasman and Auckland. Lancaster, who debuted for the club against Auckland, added his name to the scoresheet in what became a nine-try romp.

The scoreline belied a competitive first half. Manawatu’s Rory Woods opened the scoring inside three minutes, and the Turbos were only five points adrift at the break after Taniela Filimone also crossed. Hunter Morrison and Nic Benn had given Hawke’s Bay a 17-12 lead at half-time, but the contest was very much alive.

The second half was a different story entirely. Morrison completed a double early in the third quarter before a yellow card to Manawatu’s TK Howden around the hour mark shifted the balance decisively. Hawke’s Bay capitalised with 21 unanswered points during the sin-bin period.

Lancaster’s try came from a rolling maul deep in Manawatu territory. He received a handoff at ground level and powered through a tackle attempt to score. Joe Apikotoa, Hadlee Hay-Horton and Valentino Taito added further tries as the Magpies pulled clear, with Hunter Kennedy grabbing a late consolation for the Turbos before Anaru Paenga-Morgan had the final say.

Hawke’s Bay sit alone at the top of the NPC standings with a perfect 4-0 record. Northland are second heading into Saturday’s round of matches, having ended their Ranfurly Shield drought against Canterbury on Thursday. Several other sides sit one win back on either 2-1 or 3-1 records, keeping the competition tightly bunched behind the Magpies.