All Blacks return to Hilux NPC action as season heats up

Josh Jacomb and Bradley Slater return for Taranaki, Otago have named Saula Ma’u, and Siale Lauaki rejoins Wellington.

Their return comes after a gruelling tour of South Africa but each will be itching to play after featuring only early in the tour during the provincial games and skipping the journey to Baltimore.

For the provinces, the timing is welcome with the regular season nearing the business end. For the players, the NPC offers an immediate chance to turn their All Blacks experience into performances for the teams that helped put them in the black jersey.

Jacomb and Slater bolster Bulls

Taranaki will be delighted to have two of their most influential players back for their home match against Southland on Sunday.

Josh Jacomb starts at first five-eighth, while Bradley Slater returns at hooker after both spent time away with the All Blacks. Their availability gives the Bulls experience in two key positions.

Having spent a good chunk of time in the All Blacks environment, he now gets to put those lessons to use in a crucial match for Taranaki who sit just outside the top eight in ninth place with just three remaining rounds.

Their return comes with a setback for the Bulls, who are without captain Kaylum Boshier. That makes the contribution of the two returning All Blacks especially valuable as Taranaki look to regain momentum after being edged in the final minute vs Manawatu last weekend, their first win over the Bulls in 13 years, breaking a ten game losing streak.

Kick off: 5:05pm, Sunday 20 September, Stadium Taranaki, New Plymouth.

Watch live on Sky Sport NZ / Free-to-air on TVNZ and catch up with post-match highlights here.

Josh Jacomb tour summary: Jacomb made three appearances on the tour, coming off the bench against the Stormers and Lions and starting at first five-eighth against the Bulls. He scored 10 points from five conversions: one against the Stormers and four in the 50–19 win over the Bulls. That Pretoria match was his first start in an All Blacks jersey. The tour was a first taste of international rugby, and even though he did not feature in the Test series he will have taken a lot out of the experience. Stormers Match Report | Bulls Match Report | Lions Match Report

Bradley Slater during the All Blacks captains run, Cape Town, South Africa, Friday, 28 August 2026. (Photo by John Cowpland / action press).

Bradley Slater tour summary: Called into the squad after George Bell’s injury, Slater played twice, replacing the starting hooker against both the Sharks and Lions. His most consequential outing came in Johannesburg: the All Blacks’ scrum had come under pressure before Slater and the replacement props entered, and the front-row changes helped steady it as New Zealand recovered to beat the Lions 41–35. He did not score or play in a Test, but his two appearances showed the value of having an experienced hooker ready to step in during a demanding tour. Sharks Match Report | Lions Match Report

Ma’u returns to the Otago front row

Otago’s returning All Black, Saula Ma’u, is back in blue and gold for Thursday night’s match against Counties Manukau in Pukekohe. Otago currently occupy fourth place on the table (on points difference) while the Steelers are in 13th with just two wins thus far this season.

Otago also have a milestone to mark: captain Christian Lio-Willie and Slade McDowall are set to make their 50th provincial appearances. Ma’u’s return adds to the occasion and to a pack with plenty to play for with a home Quarter Final up for grabs. Otago and Counties.

Kick off: 7.10pm, Thursday 17 September, Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe.

Watch live on Sky Sport NZ / Free-to-air on TVNZ and catch up with post-match highlights here.

Otago Saula Ma'u during the Counties Manukau v Otago, NPC Match, Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe, New Zealand, Thursday, 17 September 2026. (Photo by Craig Butland / action press).

Saula Ma’u tour summary: Ma’u’s sole tour appearance was a memorable one: he made his All Blacks debut off the bench against the Lions at Ellis Park. He joined the match as New Zealand worked to repair a struggling scrum, with the replacement front row helping the side establish a firmer platform for its comeback. The All Blacks won 41–35, completing a sweep of their four provincial opponents. For Ma’u the occasion carried considerable personal weight; he spoke afterwards about how much wearing the black jersey meant to him and his family. Lions Match Report

Lauaki to strengthen struggling Wellington Lions​

Wellington prop Siale Lauaki is the fourth member of the All Blacks touring squad returning to NPC action this weekend, with the Lions due to face the high-flying Ranfurly Shield holders Northland on Saturday.

For Wellington, Lauaki offers size and versatility in the front row. The Northland match gives him an opportunity to build minutes and bring fresh energy to a side looking for a response after a heavy defeat to Canterbury sees them rooted at the foot of the table and still searching for their first victory in 2026.

Kick off: 7:10pm Saturday 19 September, Hnry Stadium, Wellington.

Watch live on Sky Sport NZ / Free-to-air on TVNZ and catch up with post-match highlights here.

Siale Lauak tour summary: Lauaki played in all four non-Test matches, the most of this group. He came off the bench against the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls before starting at loosehead prop against the Lions. That sequence gave the 23-year-old a substantial introduction to the All Blacks environment: first as an impact player, then with the responsibility of starting at Ellis Park. The Lions tested New Zealand’s scrum, making his final appearance a tough assignment. Lauaki finished the tour without points or a Test cap, but with four matches of experience against strong South African provincial opposition. Stormers Match Report | Sharks Match Report | Bulls Match Report | Lions Match Report

All Blacks Siale Lauaki during the All Blacks v Lions match, Rugbys Greatest Rivalry, Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa, Tuesday, 25 August 2026. (Photo by Anton Geyser / action press).

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour Appearances

Each of the four will welcome some extended game time after spending the Tests series in training mode, with all of their tour appearances coming in the earlier provincial games.

Hilux NPC Round 8 Fixtures:

Thursday 17 September:

Counties Manukau v Otago, 7:10pm

Friday 18 September:

Tasman vs Auckland, 7:10pm

Saturday 19 September:

Bay of Plenty v Hawkes Bay, 2:05pm 

Waikato v Manawatu, 5:05pm

Wellington v Northland, 7:10pm

Sunday 20 September:

North Harbour v Canterbury, 2:05pm

Taranaki v Southland, 5:05pm

RD 7 HIGHLIGHTS: Manawatū v Taranaki (Hilux NPC 2026)

Catch up on Round Seven from Palmerston North as Manawatū host Taranaki in a nail-biter under the lights at Central Energy Trust Arena on Thursday.