2009 Air New Zealand Cup

2009 rugby union competition in New Zealand December 2021 2009 Air New Zealand Cup 180px New Zealand 30 July – 7 November Canterbury Wellington 91 420 Matt Berquist (159) Zac Guildford (13) 2008 2010 The 2009 Air New Zealand Cup was the 33rd provincial rugby union competition, the fourth since the competition's reconstruction in 2006, involving the top 14 provincial unions in New Zealand. It ran for 15 weeks from 30 July to 7 November. It was also the last edition of the provincial competition to use the Air New Zealand Cup name, as the competition's sponsorship contract with Air New Zealand ended after that season. The 2010 competition will be held under a new name, the ITM Cup. Unlike previous seasons the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup did not have quarterfinals in their finals format, instead going straight to the semifinals with the top four teams rather than the top eight."Air New Zealand Cup schedule for 2009 released" https://web.archive.org/web/20090822084209/http://allblacks.com/anzcnews/9460/Air-New-Zealand-Cup-schedule-for-2009-released 22 August 2009 , allblacks.com, 19 February 2009. Retrieved 27 July 2009. Canterbury were the eventual champions, winning their second title in a row and their seventh overall, it was the first time Canterbury had gone back-to-back in the provincial championship. They beat Wellington, 28–20, at Lancaster Park in Christchurch on 7 November. Wellington were down 18–3 at halftime but came back to close the scores to 25–20 in Canterbury's favour, but a late penalty goal by Stephen Brett put Wellington out of reach and gave Canterbury the win and the championship. Doubts were raised throughout the season with serious support coming from the four teams likely to be axed, Counties Manukau, Northland, Manawatu, and Tasman, and their supporters, while the financial sustainability of the two unions who were to be promoted to the new first division was questioned.Knowler, Richard. "Money matters top of agenda", The Press, 20 November 2009. Retrieved 11 December 2009. On 11 December the New Zealand Rugby Union decided to stick with the 14 team Air New Zealand Cup and the 12 team Heartland Championship format through 2010.Johnstone, Duncan. "NZRU decides against provincial rugby changes", stuff.co.nz, 11 December 2009. Retrieved 11 December 2009. 3 Round robin The round robin was the first phase of the competition, which consisted of 91 games over 13 weeks from 30 July to 25 October. The rugby union bonus points system was used to determine which four teams were to go on to the finals. There were seven games in each round. After the round robin Hawke's Bay, Southland, Wellington and Canterbury came out on top to advance to the finals. Semifinalist (RS) Ranfurly Shield holders Standings The top four teams from the round robin advanced to the semifinals."2009 Domestic Competitions Regulations" https://web.archive.org/web/20110719102703/http://files.allblacks.com/comms/2009_Domestic_Competitions_Regulations.pdf 19 July 2011 , New Zealand Rugby Union. Retrieved 3 November 2009. Pos.TeamPldWDLPFPAPDBP1BP2Pts1Canterbury13100336923113843472Wellington1390436223712552433Southland (RS)139132601897121414Hawke's Bay1381437225611661415Auckland138052722234934396Waikato13805285297−1240367Bay of Plenty13706268267113328Taranaki13616252251111289Tasman13607243260−17222810Otago13508260283−23252711Manawatu13409305362−57352412North Harbour13409244320−76042013Northland13319226341−115021614Counties Manukau132011235436−2012212 In the event of a two-team tie on points the ranking of teams is decided by: (1) the winner of the round robin match between the two provinces; then (2) highest point difference; then (3) most tries scored; then (4) a coin toss. In the event of a three-team or more tie on points the rankings of teams is decided by: (1) the province with the most wins against other tied provinces in the Round Robin; then (2) if two teams remain tied they shall be ranked according to the criteria listed above, but if more than two teams remain tied, they shall be ranked according to criteria (2) to (4) only. Results grid AuckBoPCantCMHBManaNorHNorthOtagoSouthTaraTasWaiWgtnAuckland29–1416–2237–1413–4723–2014–1632–1322–1827–1310–08–1226–1815–16Bay of Plenty14–2919–1732–919–2228–277–2819–1417–2612–1924–3024–1332–1621–17Canterbury22–1617–1928–1727–2050–2619–2231–2136–163–929–1725–2146–1336–14Counties Manukau14–379–3217–288–5431–3619–2837–2119–226–1433–2115–518–3019–62Hawke's Bay47–1322–1920–2754–835–3034–1732–1332–109–1824–2428–2622–3013–21Manawatu20–2327–2826–5036–3130–3542–1618–2519–1225–2310–1215–3422–3015–43North Harbour16–1428–722–1928–1917–3416–4223–269–2922–2413–1715–1922–3313–37Northland13–3214–1921–3121–3713–3225–1826–237–2915–1529–1616–2119–277–41Otago18–2226–1716–3622–1910–3212–1929–929–719–2610–3821–029–3519–23Southland13–2719–129–314–618–923–2524–2215–1526–1929–1341–016–613–32Taranaki0–1030–2417–2921–3324–2412–1017–1316–2938–1013–2921–914–1529–16Tasman12–813–2421–2551–1526–2834–1519–1521–160–210–419–2123–914–22Waikato18–2616–3213–4630–830–2230–2233–2227–1935–296–1615–149–2323–18Wellington16–1517–2114–3662–1921–1343–1537–1341–723–1932–1316–2922–1418–23 Home gameAway game Statistics 2009 Air New Zealand Cup statistics Team The lists of how many tries and points each team has scored in the 2009 Air NZ Cup Round Robin. Hawke's Bay scored the most points this season with 372 points while Southland had the best defensive record with 189 points scored against them.https://www.rugbydatabase.co.uk/competition/index.php?competitionId=203 2009 Air New Zealand Cup statistics Rugby Database 4 September 2026 Hawke's Bay also scored, along with Canterbury and Wellington, the most tries this season with 40. Southland gave up the fewest tries as well of points with only 15 tries scored against them. Points The table shows how many points were scored by each team (white) and how many points each team was scored against them (grey) in the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup. Hawke's Bay scored the most points this season with 372 points with an average of 28.6 points per game while Southland had the best defensive record with 189 points scored against them at an average of 14.5 points per game. TeamPoints by roundTotalAVG12345678910111213 Auckland1347162232131516291422182320141681227131003714261827222320.917.2 Bay of Plenty 1914 329 2117 3216 1429 1917 1219 2413 1726 1922 728 2827 2430 268267 20.620.5 Canterbury 1922 2216 4613 2521 3614 1719 3616 2917 3121 2817 5026 2720 39 369231 28.417.8Counties Manukau 3136 932 1551 3321 830 1962 3721 614 1928 1728 854 1437 1922 235436 18.133.5 Hawke's Bay 4713 1321 2424 918 2826 2230 3417 3210 3530 2219 548 2027 3213 372283 28.621.8 Manawatu 3631 2230 2523 1912 1012 1534 2023 1825 3035 1543 2650 2728 4216 305362 23.527.8 North Harbour 2219 1519 929 2326 2224 1317 1734 1614 2819 2233 287 1337 1642 244320 18.824.6 Northland 1419 2916 1332 2623 729 1515 2137 2518 2131 1621 741 1927 1332 226341 17.426.2 Otago 1923 1926 299 1219 297 1822 1636 1032 2617 1038 2935 210 2219 260283 2021.8 Southland 166 2619 2325 189 2422 1515 1912 146 1332 1327 410 2913 93 260189 2014.5 Taranaki 219 1629 2424 2133 1210 1713 2916 1729 1415 3810 010 1329 3024 252251 19.419.3 Tasman 921 1915 5115 2125 2628 3415 239 1324 128 2116 041 021 1422 243260 18.720Waikato 616 3022 1346 1632 308 3022 923 2318 1514 3322 3529 2719 1826 285297 21.922.8 Wellington 2319 2113 1721 1615 1436 6219 1629 1823 3213 4315 417 3713 2214 362237 27.818.2 ForAgainst Tries Canterbury, Hawke's Bay and Wellington all scored the most tries during the round robin with 40 each. North Harbour, Northland and Taranaki all scored the fewest tries with only 20 tries each. Southland gave up the fewest tries with 15 while Counties Manukau gave up the most with 48. TeamTotalTries by round12345678910111213Auckland292215114122413222111231104222Bay of Plenty242211302121141101312211133343Canterbury401911115132321151413231843100 Counties Manukau304855032632133952013323172431Hawke's Bay402551122202323353414311711341Manawatu354745343332102523033427483351North Harbour203711010422141135113334311415Northland203811211422142325302312151414Otago233322124023412315142214342013Southland281510213320413210101413702100Taranaki202220122223011121141041011234Tasman262702206223225220132121070221 Waikato282701431512323302200143434122Wellington402422211222239312024172514112 ForAgainst Disciplinary cards Bay of Plenty were issued the most yellow cards with five while North Harbour were issued the only red card of the season. TeamTotalCards by round10px10px12345678910111213 Auckland200000001 10px000001 10px Bay of Plenty501 10px0000002 10px1 10px1 10px000 Canterbury1001 10px00000000000Counties Manukau1000001 10px00000000 Hawke's Bay40001 10px00001 10px1 10px0001 10px Manawatu3000000001 10px1 10px01 10px00 North Harbour11000000001 10px01 10px00 Northland301 10px00001 10px0000001 10px Otago10000000000001 10px0 Southland100000001 10px000000 Taranaki3001 10px1 10px01 10px00000000 Tasman2000000001 10px0001 10px0Waikato30001 10px00001 10px001 10px00 Wellington3001 10px00001 10px01 10px0000 Player A total of 3,953 points were scored, including 406 tries, with a total of 218 players scoring points. Top 10 points scorers Matt Berquist scored the most with 156 points and an average of 14.2 points per game. PlayerTeamTotalAvgPoints per roundDetails12345678910111213Matt Berquist Hawke's Bay15614.222814913DNPDNP12151719151234 pen; 2 dg; 24 conMike Delany Bay of Plenty14912.414171122914129719213DNP1 try; 38 pen; 15 conLachlan Munro Northland14611.29248212516101111214134 try; 32 pen; 15 conCallum BruceWaikato1259.6610811181591312130081 try; 30 pen; 15 conWillie Ripia Taranaki11510.511DNPDNP995191291808151 try; 29 pen; 1 dg; 10 conRobbie Robinson Southland11110.1111686DNPDNP14988616929 pen; 12 conMichael Harris North Harbour10810.81715013DNPDNPDNP111371381128 pen; 12 conAndrew Goodman Tasman1068.4331911169587110042 try; 19 pen; 1 dg; 18 conDaniel Carter Canterbury9816.3142219DNP21DNPDNPDNPDNPDNP517DNP3 try; 21 pen; 10 conDaniel Kirkpatrick Wellington958.66860018111812412DNPDNP1 try; 20 pen; 15 con Top try scorers Zac Guildford scored the most tries during the season with 13. PlayerTeamTotalTries by round12345678910111213Zac Guildford Hawke's Bay13100011203131DNPHosea Gear Wellington11110114DNPDNPDNPDNP210Sean Maitland Canterbury81001000222000Ben Smith Otago6001110002010DNPJared Payne Northland60011120100100Jason Hona Bay of Plenty50200000000012Jason Shoemark Hawke's Bay50010100200100Sona Taumalolo Hawke's Bay51100000010101Sosene AnesiWaikato50100010100020Many4Various Finals The 2009 Air New Zealand Cup Finals contained two semifinals that were played on 30 and 31 October while the grand final was played on 7 November. Canterbury were crowned champions after beating Wellington 28–20 in the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup Final. 30 October – Christchurch Canterbury 20 Hawke's Bay 3 31 October – Wellington Wellington 34 Southland 21 7 November – Christchurch Canterbury 28 Wellington 20 Semifinals Final 170 50 Semifinals After the top four teams were determined from the round robin the semifinals were played on 30 and 31 October. Canterbury beat Hawke's Bay 20–3 in the first semifinal on 30 October.Leggat, David. "Rugby: Canterbury's red and black wall", The New Zealand Herald, 21 October 2009. Retrieved 3 November 2009. Canterbury had their best defensive performance of the season (points wise) against Hawke's Bay which was subsequently their worst offensive performance of the season. Canterbury gained their second final berth in a row and their first home final since 2001 while Hawke's Bay were knocked out of the competition from the semifinals in the third year in a row. Wellington beat Southland 34–21 in the second semi.http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/3018875/Wellington-end-Southlands-Cinderella-year Wellington end Southland's Cinderella year 31 October 2009 Stuff New Zealand 14 September 2011 Wellington were leading 19–7 at halftime but Southland made comeback early in the second scoring two converted tries in the first ten minutes. Wellington recovered though with two second half tries to replacement Dane Coles and a fifth penalty by Piri Weepu gave Wellington the win and a fourth straight place in the final. Southland were knocked out for the second time in a row by Wellington in the semifinals. Final The 2009 Air New Zealand Cup Final was played on 7 November at Lancaster Park in Christchurch between Canterbury and Wellington. It was Wellington's eighth final in eleven years while Canterbury were playing their first home final since 2001."NPC Results 1976–2006" https://web.archive.org/web/20091207225230/http://www.thesilverfern.com/index.php/air-nz-cup-mainmenu-57/results-1976-2005-mainmenu-145 7 December 2009 , The Silver Fern, 12 May 2006. Retrieved 8 November 2009. Canterbury scored 2 tries in the first half, both coming to Colin Slade, in the 2nd and 35th minute and went into halftime with an 18–3 lead. Wellington came back in the second, reducing the deficit to 5 in the final 5 minutes but a late penalty goal by Stephen Brett in the 78th minute gained Canterbury back-to-back titles for the first time in the 33-year history of the competition, winning 28–20. Wellington, however, have now lost the final for the fourth time in a row, losing all previous Air New Zealand Cup finals."Canterbury makes it two in a row" https://web.archive.org/web/20091108122433/http://www.allblacks.com/news/11556/Canterbury-makes-it-two-in-a-row 8 November 2009 , allblacks.com, 7 November 2009. Retrieved 8 November 2009. Ranfurly Shield Ranfurly Shield in 2009 The Ranfurly Shield went through 10 challenges this season and changed hands twice, from Wellington to Canterbury in round 5, then from Canterbury to Southland in the last round of the round robin. Wellington held off Wairarapa Bush 90–19 in a convincing first up match and 61–6 game against Wanganui.http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/local-sport/2559916/Ranfurly-Shield-Lions-record-try-haul Ranfurly Shield: Lions' record try haul Worthington, Sam 2 July 2009 The Dominion Post 14 September 2011http://tvnz.co.nz/rugby-news/wellington-keep-shield-in-safe-keeping-2836670 Wellington keep Shield in safe keeping 9 July 2009 Television New Zealand 14 September 2011 Wellington beat Otago 23–19 on 31 July in a match at Wellington Regional Stadium, and then Auckland 16–15 on 22 August.http://www.3news.co.nz/Shaky-Wellington-hang-on-to-shield/tabid/415/articleID/114744/cat/70/Default.aspx Shaky Wellington hang on to shield 31 July 2009 3 News 14 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120406084038/http://www.3news.co.nz/Shaky-Wellington-hang-on-to-shield/tabid/415/articleID/114744/cat/70/Default.aspx 6 April 2012 dead "Vodafone Wellington Lions v Auckland match report" https://web.archive.org/web/20100524225425/http://wellingtonlions.co.nz/news/367-vodafone-wellington-lions-v-auckland-match-report- 24 May 2010 , Wellington Lions. Retrieved 3 November 2009. Wellington lost the shield the next week though losing to Canterbury 36–14.http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/sport/2814900/Canterbury-crush-Wellington-to-win-Ranfurly-Shield Canterbury crush Wellington to win Ranfurly Shield 29 August 2009 The Press 14 September 2011 Canterbury won their first challenge against Otago on 12 September, when they won 36 points to 16.http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/sport/2009/09/12/1245c7af11cf Canterbury beat Otago in first defence of new Ranfurly Shield run 12 September 2009 Radio New Zealand 14 September 2011 They won their next challenge 29–17 against Taranaki on 18 September.Bidwell, Hamish. "Patchy Canty dismiss Taranaki", The Press, 19 September 2009. Retrieved 3 November 2009. Their next challenge was against Northland on 26 September, which they won 31 points to 21."Canterbury survive fright from Taniwha" https://web.archive.org/web/20091027101504/http://www.canterburyrugby.co.nz/match-report/canterbury-survive-fright-from-taniwha/168/match-report.aspx 27 October 2009 , Canterbury Rugby Football Union, 26 September 2009. Retrieved 3 November 2009. They successfully defended the shield for the fourth time against Manawatu winning 50–26.http://tvnz.co.nz/rugby-news/canterbury-retain-shield-in-style-3065264 Canterbury retain Shield in style 9 October 2009 Television New Zealand 14 September 2011 In their fifth and final challenge of the season, Canterbury lost the Ranfurly Shield to Southland on 22 October 9 points to 3.http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/2992068/Southland-end-50-years-without-Shield Southland end 50 years without Shield 22 October 2009 Stuff New Zealand 14 September 2011 Southland will not have their first challenge until next season. Fixtures DateHolderScoreChallengerVenueAttendance 2 July Wellington 90–19 Wairarapa Bush Memorial Park, Masterton 5,000 9 July Wellington 61–6 Wanganui Cook's Garden, Wanganui unknown 31 July Wellington 23–19 Otago Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington 11,261 22 August Wellington 16–15 Auckland Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington 13,466 29 August Wellington 14–36 Canterbury Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington 18,511 12 September Canterbury 36–16 Otago Lancaster Park, Christchurch 16,500 18 September Canterbury 29–17 Taranaki Lancaster Park, Christchurch 8,800 26 September Canterbury 31–21 Northland Lancaster Park, Christchurch unknown 9 October Canterbury 50–26 Manawatu Lancaster Park, Christchurch unknown 22 October Canterbury 3–9 Southland Lancaster Park, Christchurch 10,500 Season highlights Provincial rugby reconstruction In June 2009, New Zealand Rugby Union announced that the domestic provincial rugby competition would be revamped for the 2010 season, with the Air New Zealand Cup being replaced by a tiered system. The Air New Zealand Cup would be replaced by a ten-team premier division, a six-team Division One, and a continued form of the Heartland Championship reduced from 12 to 10 teams below that.NZ rugby competition structure revamped https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/all/14143/nz-rugby-competition-structure-revamped RNZ 21 June 2009 en-nz 4 September 2026 The proposal quickly faced scrutiny, with critics raising "serious doubts being raised about the ability of two Heartland provinces to join the proposed "second-tier" competition for 2010,"Cleaver Dylan https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby/rugby-14-team-npc-likely-for-2010/CUPJJRTPTI4VOOZBRTBILIJGZY/ 14-team NPC likely for 2010 New Zealand Herald 7 November 2009 8 November 2009 while teams proposed for relegation had threatened legal action in response to the move.Air NZ Cup retains 14-team format https://www.espn.com/rugby/story/_/id/15295198/air-nz-cup-retains-14-team-format www.espn.com 4 September 2026 11 December 2009 In December 2009, NZRU announced that the existing format for the Air New Zealand Cup and Heartland Championship would be retained for the 2010 season. Tasman's inclusion The Tasman Rugby Union was in doubt for inclusion 2009 Air New Zealand Cup, stating financial problems as the cause of their potential downfall. But in December 2008, the New Zealand Rugby Union confirmed that they were able to compete in the 2009 competition after new funding arrangements were put in place for Tasman in 2009.http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/4796221a1823.html NZRU confirms Tasman in Air NZ Cup 17 December 2008 Stuff New Zealand 14 September 2011 11 December 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241211043348/https://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/4796221a1823.html dead Bay of Plenty coaching changes The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union terminated head coach Greg Smith's contract by mutual agreement in August, two weeks into the competition. Technical adviser Sean Horan took his place for the remainder of the season as Steve Miln remained assistant coach. Smith was appointed as Kevin Schuler's successor in March this year, but stood down before the Air NZ Cup competition began on 30 July amid claims of a player revolt and a breakdown with management. A statement released by the Bay of Plenty rugby Union said the termination of Smith's contract was due to "breakdown in certain aspects of the relationship"."New coach appointed to BOP" https://web.archive.org/web/20090813140838/http://www.allblacks.com/anzcnews/10761/New-coach-appointed-to-BOP 13 August 2009 , allblacks.com, 12 August 2009. Retrieved 9 November 2009. Hawke's Bay 125th anniversary In 2009, the Hawke's Bay Rugby Union celebrated their 125th anniversary.http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/2906740/Hawkes-Bay-celebrate-special-night-just Hawke's Bay celebrate special night – just 26 September 2009 Stuff New Zealand 14 September 2011 First founded in 1884 the Hawke's Bay Rugby Union became only the sixth team to celebrate 125 years in New Zealand Rugby."Member Unions", New Zealand Rugby Union. Retrieved 3 November 2009. Rugby in Hawke's Bay began in 1875 when the Napier Football Club changed and adopted rugby rules. By 1878 Napier, calling itself Hawke's Bay arranged matches with Gisborne on a regular basis. The Hawke's Bay union was formed at a meeting of delegates of four clubs inside the region: Napier, Union, Hastings, and Petane. Hawke's Bay were one of the founding members of the New Zealand Rugby Football Union in 1982, and their administrators, Ernest Hoben, became the first secretary and Logan, became a member of the inaugural three-man appeal committee who also served as the first New Zealand selectors."Hawke's Bay – Our History" https://web.archive.org/web/20100126182058/http://www.hbru.co.nz/ContentPages/Content.aspx?pid=31 26 January 2010 , Hawke's Bay Rugby Union. Retrieved 5 November 2009. Hawke's Bay have contributed 48 players to the New Zealand national team throughout their history including George Nēpia, Maurice and Cyril Brownlie, Kel Tremain and Norm Hewitt. Hawke's Bay was also part of a period during New Zealand Rugby history which came to be known as 'shield fever'. The revival of the Ranfurly Shield's interest was helped by Hawke's Bay's tenure between 1922 and 1927 under head coach Norman McKenzie. They also had another lengthy period from 1967 to 1969 under Colin Le Quesne. Hawke's Bay have won the National Provincial Championship 2nd division 7 times: in 1979, 1988, 1990, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004; and since being promoted up to the Air New Zealand Cup in 2006, have been semifinalists in 2007, 2008, and 2009."Past NPC Champions" https://web.archive.org/web/20091008115420/http://www.thesilverfern.com/index.php/air-nz-cup-mainmenu-57/past-champions-mainmenu-58 8 October 2009 , The Silver Fern, 14 June 2005. Retrieved 5 November 2009. Canterbury win the Ranfurly Shield For more information click here. Canterbury won the Ranfurly Shield off Wellington on 29 August. They won 36–14 in a one-sided affair in which Wellington only scored in the last ten minutes. It was the first time they won the shield since 2007 and the 13th time they have won the shield overall."Ranfurly Shield History" https://web.archive.org/web/20110903042719/http://www.canterburyrugby.co.nz/content/history/ranfurly-shield-history.aspx 3 September 2011 , Canterbury Rugby Football Union. Retrieved 3 November 2009. Canterbury were leading 26–0 at halftime thanks to tries by George Whitelock and Tim Bateman as well as 2 conversions and 4 penalty goals from Daniel Carter. Canterbury increased their lead to 36 with 15 minutes left while two late tries by Wellington was only a consolation as the challengers cut the holders shield tenure to 6. Southland win the Ranfurly Shield For more information click here. Southland won the Ranfurly Shield off Canterbury when they beat them 9 points to 3 on 22 October. It was the first time they have won the 'shield' since 1959, 50 years from tenures. Defense was evident during the game with the only scoring coming from a dropkick by Stephen Brett for Canterbury and 3 penalty goals by Robbie Robinson for Southland. At 3–3 after the halftime break Robinson kicked his second penalty goal 7 minutes in and secured the game with another in the 71st minute of play. Kerikeri Kerikeri hosted its first ever provincial rugby match on 16 August at the Kerikeri Domain when the home team, Northland, lost 32 to 13 to Auckland in front of 6,000 people.Lewis, Paul. "Auckland's class players prove vital", The New Zealand Herald, 16 August 2009. Retrieved 4 November 2009.Leggat, David."Kerikeri ready for its big day", The New Zealand Herald, 15 August 2009. Retrieved 4 November 2009. It was also the first time Northland have played a home game inside the province outside of Whangārei."Kerikeri to host Air New Zealand Cup match" https://archive.today/20090811194541/http://allblacks.com/anzcnews/10186/Kerikeri-to-host-Air-New-Zealand-Cup-match 11 August 2009 , allblacks.com, 5 June 2009. Retrieved 3 November 2009. New Zealand Rugby Union CEO Steve Tew said the shift was agreed to given the redevelopment work taking place at Whangārei's Okara Park ahead of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Truck and trailer units were used as corporate boxes, a marquee was set up to feed 200 people and a temporary stand was put up that could seat 3000 people. More than 6000 tickets were pre sold and a crowd of 7000 was expected. Taranaki coach quits Taranaki coach Adrian Kennedy quit on 11 November saying the province is too parochial and closed to new ideas."Taranaki coach Kennedy quits" https://web.archive.org/web/20091121050617/http://www.allblacks.com/anzcnews/11608/Taranaki-coach-Kennedy-quits 21 November 2009 , allblacks.com, 12 November 2009. Retrieved 15 November 2009. He was the first outsider to coach the team and finished eighth in both his seasons in charge, his winning percentage was below 50%. His tenure was also plagued by bad off-field behaviour from players. Five players were stood down this season after an all-night public drinking binge.http://tvnz.co.nz/rugby-news/drunken-taranaki-players-stood-down-3044398 Drunken Taranaki players stood down 1 October 2009 Television New Zealand 14 September 2011 Milestones The list of milestones of players and teams who celebrated a significant moment during the 2009 season. Firsts The moments in the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup where it happened for the first time. Hawke's Bay beat Auckland On 1 August the Hawke's Bay Magpies beat Auckland 47–13, this was their first Air New Zealand/NPC win over them and their first win over the Aucklanders since 1974.http://tvnz.co.nz/content/2882153/2422001/article.html?cfb3=3 Auckland put to the sword by Hawke's Bay 1 August 2009 Television New Zealand 14 September 2011 Hawke's Bay scored their first of five tries after 25 minutes of play which went wing Zac Guildford who ran down the left-hand touchline after a midfield turnover. After a try just before halftime by flanker Karl Lowe, Hawke's Bay scored three more tries in the second while Auckland couldn't add onto their 13 points scored in the first. 22 points from the boot of first five-eighth Matt Berquist along with five tries gave Hawke's Bay their first win over Auckland in 35 years. Tasman beat North Harbour Tasman beat North Harbour 19–15 on 7 August, it was the first time in Tasman's short history that they have beaten North Harbour."Air NZ Cup Preview: North Harbour vs. Tasman" https://web.archive.org/web/20100515164541/http://www.allblacks.com/index.cfm?layout=displayNews&newsArticle=10703 15 May 2010 , allblacks.com, 5 August 2009. Retrieved 3 November 2009. North Harbour were Tasman's first ever Air New Zealand Cup opponent back in 2006 which North Harbour won 33–27 in Blenheim. North Harbour's points all came from the boot of first five Mike Harris with 5 penalty goals while Tasman were able to score two tries and two penalties to win their first game of the season.Rugby Game Details Results, Team Lists & Scoring Records Rugby Database https://www.rugbydatabase.com.au/game.php?gameId=4380 www.rugbydatabase.com.au 4 September 2026 Tasman beat Auckland Auckland went down to Tasman, 12–8, for the first time in their two previous meetings.http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/2907466/David-overcomes-Goliath-as-Tasman-beat-Auckland David overcomes Goliath as Tasman beat Auckland 27 September 2009 Stuff New Zealand 14 September 2011 The first time they met Auckland won 46–6."Auckland and Canterbury show the way", nzcity.co.nz, 7 August 2006. Retrieved 4 November 2009. Tasman gained the halftime lead with a try and conversion from Andrew Goodman while Auckland could only score a penalty goal by Ash Moeke. Soon after the break Tasman scored their second try when Blair Cook took advantage of a blindside which Auckland failed to cover. Tasman were out 12–3 with five minutes before winger Atieli Pakalani made a break through the Tasman defense then passed to hooker Pat Leafa to score the try. The conversion was missed and Tasman held on to win 12 points to 8 with their best defensive performance of the season. Tasman vs Counties Manukau When Tasman and Counties Manukau played each other on 16 August, it was the first time these two teams have faced off in Tasman's 4-year history."Air NZ Cup Preview: North Harbour vs. Tasman" https://web.archive.org/web/20100515173619/http://www.allblacks.com/index.cfm?layout=displayNews&newsArticle=10783 15 May 2010 , allblacks.com, 14 August 2009. Retrieved 3 November 2009. Tasman scored 51 points to Counties Manukau 15 including 6 tries. Both Blair Cook and James Kamana of Tasman scored two tries each while Andrew Goodman converted five of those as well as kicking three penalty goals. Sione Halani and Kade Poki scored the other tries while Matty James kicked a conversion. Counties Manukau only managed two tries to Mark Selwyn and Sherwin Stowers as well as one conversion and penalty goal."Tasman dominate in wet" https://web.archive.org/web/20090819091523/http://www.allblacks.com/anzcnews/10793/Tasman-dominate-in-wet 19 August 2009 , allblacks.com, 16 August 2009. Retrieved 16 November 2009. Taranaki beat Wellington When Taranaki beat Wellington 29 points to 16, it was the first time they have beaten them in a NPC or Air New Zealand Cup match since 1989."Taranaki trounce Wellington" https://web.archive.org/web/20090914142350/http://www.keo.co.za/2009/09/10/taranaki-trounce-wellington/ 14 September 2009 , keo.co.za, 10 September 2009. Retrieved 3 November 2009. Taranaki outscored Wellington two tries to one as they ended their 20-year losing streak to their Hurricanes partners. Willie Ripia scored 19 points of the boot by converting both tries and kicking five penalty goals. Daniel Kirkpatrick kicked the remaining 11 points for Wellington but it was not enough to win."Taranaki breaks its Wellington hoodoo" https://web.archive.org/web/20100520004405/http://www.allblacks.com/index.cfm?layout=displayNews&newsArticle=11044 20 May 2010 , allblacks.com, 10 September 2009. Retrieved 16 November 2009. Player List of significant moments by players in the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup. David Holwell's 100th game David Holwell, of Northland, celebrated his 100th game for the province on 11 October. However the team could not pull off the upset against his old province Wellington.http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/local-sport/2950324/David-Holwell-hits-the-ton-for-Northland David Holwell hits the ton for Northland 10 October 2009 The Dominion Post 14 September 2011 Holwell became Northland's 22nd centurion since their formation in 1920. He debuted for Northland in 1995 as 20-year-old against North Harbour. Before his hundredth game Holwell had played 254 first class games where he scored 2181 points including 36 tries, 450 conversion, 365 penalty goals and 2 drop goals. Hosea Gear vs. Counties Manukau When Wellington beat Counties Manukau on 4 September, winger Hosea Gear equaled the record for most tries by a player in an Air New Zealand Cup game with 4, 3 of them in the first 30 minutes."The Records", Rugby News| volume=40| issue=23, p. 35. Retrieved 3 November 2009."Wellington bounces back in style" https://web.archive.org/web/20110707113741/http://allblacks.com/index.cfm?layout=displayNews&newsArticle=10981 7 July 2011 , allblacks.com, 4 September 2009. Retrieved 16 November 2009. He now holds the record with Peter Playford from Tasman who scored four tries against Northland in 2006. The overall New Zealand provincial rugby record is five on six occasions. Fa'atonu Fili, drop goal record When Wellington beat Auckland 16–15, fly-half Fa'atonu Fili kicked his third drop goal of the season, an Air New Zealand Cup record. He also made his team the holder of most drop goals in a season by a team in the Air New Zealand Cup overtaking Southland in 2007 and Counties Manukau and Hawke's Bay, both in 2008. The overall New Zealand provincial rugby record is 4 by Ron Preston from Bay of Plenty against Waikato in 1985. Andre Taylor vs North Harbour Manawatu's Andre Taylor equaled the record for most points scored in an Air New Zealand Cup match with 27. He scored 2 tries and was given kicking duties where he scored 4 conversions, 2 penalty goals and 1 drop goal."Turbos finish strongly" https://web.archive.org/web/20110707113609/http://allblacks.com/index.cfm?layout=displayNews&newsArticle=11414 7 July 2011 , allblacks.com, 24 October 2009. Retrieved 4 November 2009. He now shares the record with Jimmy Gopperth from North Harbour who scored 27 points against Counties Manukau in 2008. The overall New Zealand provincial rugby record is held by Ben Blair from Canterbury when he scored 37 points against Counties Manukau in 1999. Player suspensions In total, there were eight player suspensions throughout the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup with only three of them being cleared of any suspension. The largest ban went to Kurt Baker, who was suspended for eight weeks for abusing and threatening a referee. Player Team Date Offence PenaltyPaul WilliamsAuckland8 AugustDangerous play1 week banWinston StanleyAuckland8 AugustFoul playclearedJordan SmilerWaikato14 AugustDangerous tackle1 week banKahn Fotuali'iTasman28 AugustDangerous chargeclearedAndrew MaileiNorth Harbour25 SeptemberDangerous tackle2 week banKurt BakerManawatu16 SeptemberReferee abuse8 week banLuke BraidBay of Plenty26 SeptemberDangerous tackle2 week banJoe WheelerTasman17 OctoberStampingclearedReferences:Rugby: Mixed results for Auckland at judiciary https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby/npc/rugby-mixed-results-for-auckland-at-judiciary/IPPTFL5MKL4PHKKVOXHDGBY5NY/ 4 September 2026 NZ Herald NZPA 13 August 2009 en-NZhttp://www.nzherald.co.nz/jordan/news/article.cfm?l_id=58&objectid=10591609 Rugby: Waikato flanker suspended 18 August 2009 The New Zealand Herald 14 September 2011"Judicial finding – Kahn Fotuali'i" https://web.archive.org/web/20251005202411/http://allblacks.com/anzcnews/10961/Judicial-finding---Kahn-Fotualii 5 October 2025 , allblacks.com, 2 September 2009. Retrieved 9 November 2009."Judicial Findings – Andrew Mailei and Luke Braid" https://web.archive.org/web/20251009210404/http://www.allblacks.com/anzcnews/11207/Judicial-Findings---Andrew-Mailei-and-Luke-Braid 9 October 2025 , allblacks.com, 29 September 2009. Retrieved 9 November 2009.http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10600612 Rugby: Trio banned for abusing match officials 1 October 2009 The New Zealand Herald 14 September 2011"Judicial findings – Joe Wheeler" https://web.archive.org/web/20091023205903/http://www.allblacks.com/anzcnews/11393/Judicial-findings---Joe-Wheeler-and-Joss-Tua-Davidson 23 October 2009 , allblacks.com, 22 October 2009. Retrieved 9 November 2009. Pre-season fixtures 2009 pre-season games including two Ranfurly Shield matches for Wellington against Wairarapa Bush and Wanganui.Katterns Tanya City or the Bush https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/2557305/City-or-the-Bush 4 September 2026 Stuff 2 July 2009 enRobson Toby Wellington Lions too strong for spirited Wanganui https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/2580091/Wellington-Lions-too-strong-for-spirited-Wanganui/ 4 September 2026 Stuff 9 July 2009 en Date Home Score Away Venue 1 July North Otago 3–79 Otago Centennial Park, Oamaru 2 July Wairarapa Bush 19–90 Wellington (RS) Memorial Park, Masterton 3 July Manawatu 13–22 Taranaki FMG Stadium, Palmerston North 8 July North Harbour 16–13 Waikato Moire Park, Massey 8 July North Otago 18–50 Southland Centennial Park, Oamaru 9 July Wanganui 6–61 Wellington (RS) Cook's Garden, Wanganui 10 July Hawke's Bay 35–13 Manawatu McLean Park, Napier 10 July Taranaki 26–18 Bay of Plenty Yarrow Stadium, Taranaki 11 July Mid Canterbury 0–85 Otago Ashburton Showgrounds, Ashburton 11 July Counties Manukau 0–14 Auckland Growers Stadium, Pukekohe 15 July Northland 7–10 North Harbour Lindvart Park, Kaikohe 17 July Taranaki 28–30 Hawke's Bay TET Stadium, Inglewood 17 July Auckland 17–12 Waikato Douglas Field, Waitakere 17 July Manawatu 38–19 Wellington FMG Stadium, Palmerston North 17 July Bay of Plenty 28–19 Counties Manukau Rugby Park, Whakatane 17 July Southland 19–7 Canterbury Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill 18 July Tasman 32–33 Otago Trafalgar Park, Nelson 23 July North Harbour 6–17 Auckland North Harbour Stadium Outer Oval, North Shore 24 July Wellington 31–24 Canterbury Porirua Park, Wellington 24 July Waikato 28–24 Taranaki Waikato Stadium, Waikato 24 July Counties Manukau 3–10 Northland Growers Stadium, Pukekohe 24 July Southland 19–14 Otago Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill 24 July Bay of Plenty 7–35 Hawke's Bay Tauranga Domain, Tauranga Stadiums Team Stadium Location Capacity Auckland Eden Park Kingsland 45,4721 Bay of Plenty Bay Park Stadium Mount Maunganui 19,800 Rotorua International Stadium Rotorua 34,000 Canterbury Lancaster Park Christchurch 36,0001 Counties Manukau Growers Stadium Pukekohe 18,000 Hawke's Bay McLean Park Napier 22,000 Manawatu FMG Stadium Palmerston North 18,000 North Harbour North Harbour Stadium Albany 25,000 Northland Okara Park Whangārei 25,000 Kerikeri Domain Kerikeri 6,5002 Otago Carisbrook Dunedin 29,000 Southland Rugby Park Stadium Invercargill 17,000 Taranaki Yarrow Stadium New Plymouth 25,000 Tasman Lansdowne Park Blenheim 15,000 Trafalagar Park Nelson 20,080 Waikato Waikato Stadium Hamilton 25,800 Wellington Wellington Regional Stadium Wellington 34,500 1Construction being applied 2Estimate Referees The list of referees who have officiated in the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup. Garratt Williamson has refereed the most games this season with 12. Nathan Pearce officiated the Hawke's Bay, Taranaki game on 15 August, he was the first referee from outside the country to referee an Air New Zealand Cup match, he was followed by fellow Australian Andrew Lees on 11 September and Englishman Wayne Barnes on 24 September."Air New Zealand Cup referee appointments, weeks 1 to 6" https://web.archive.org/web/20110718095238/http://rugbyreferee.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/airnzcup2707.pdf 18 July 2011 , Rugby Referee New Zealand, 27 July 2009. Retrieved 3 November 2009."Air New Zealand Cup referee appointments, weeks 7 to 9" https://web.archive.org/web/20110718095259/http://rugbyreferee.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/air-nz-cup-2009-weeks-7-9.pdf 18 July 2011 , Rugby Referee New Zealand, 7 September 2009. Retrieved 3 November 2009.Remaining referee appointments can be found here, "Air New Zealand Cup Previews" https://web.archive.org/web/20100113045625/http://allblacks.com/index.cfm?layout=anzcPreviewsReviews 13 January 2010 , allblacks.com. Retrieved 3 November 2009. RefereeUnion of governanceNo. of games officiatedGarratt WilliamsonWellington Rugby Football Union12Vinny MunroCanterbury Rugby Football Union10Keith BrownSouthland Rugby Football Union9Josh NoonanCanterbury Rugby Football Union8Jonathan WhiteAuckland Rugby Football Union8Chris PollockWellington Rugby Football Union7Kane McBrideCanterbury Rugby Football Union7Mike FraserWellington Rugby Football Union5Glenn NewmanNorth Harbour Rugby Union4Ben SkeenAuckland Rugby Football Union4Matthew StanishAuckland Rugby Football Union4Bryce LawrenceBay of Plenty Rugby Union4James McPhailCanterbury Rugby Football Union3Shane McDermottBay of Plenty Rugby Union2Nathan PearceAustralian Rugby Union2Andrew LeesAustralian Rugby Union2Wayne BarnesRugby Football Union1Chris MorrisonTaranaki Rugby Football Union1"Strong Taranaki second half sinks Otago" https://web.archive.org/web/20100519213433/http://www.allblacks.com/index.cfm?layout=displayNews&newsArticle=11242 19 May 2010 , allblacks.com, 3 October 2009. Retrieved 3 November 2009. See also 2009 Heartland Championship 2009 New Zealand Women's Rugby Competition References Category:National Provincial Championship seasons Air New Zealand Cup Air New Zealand Cup