1976 National Provincial Championship

July 2024 The 1976 season was the inaugural year of the National Provincial Championship (NPC), also known for sponsorship reasons as the Radio New Zealand National Championship, a provincial rugby union competition in New Zealand. Bay of Plenty were the winners of Division 1, while Taranaki and South Canterbury were the winners of Division 2 North Island and Division 2 South Island respectively. Division 1 Standings Pos Team Pld W D L PF PA PD TF Pts1Bay of Plenty y10811195112+8325172Manawatu y (RS)10712142104+3817153Auckland y10613160133+2719134Canterbury y10604153118+3520125Counties y10604118107+1120126Wellington y10514165122+4320117Otago y10424106148+4211108Hawke's Bay y10406125130−51889Marlborough y10307146192−4619610Southland y10217105161−5613511North Auckland y1001976164−8881 Results May 12 May 1976 Hawke's Bay y 7–10 Auckland y Robbie Stuart Roger Whinham Tua Mose Saseve Steve Watt Mark Sisam McLean Park, Napier Bill Adlam (Wanganui) 19 May 1976 Canterbury y 23–9 Marlborough y Scott CartwrightTerry MitchellMurray McEwanJohn Phillips Doug Heffernan (2) Doug Heffernan Steve Marfell (3) Lancaster Park, Christchurch Dave Millar (Otago) June 7 June 1976 Manawatu y 23–13 Wellington y Doug Rollerson (2)Kenneth Granger Doug Rollerson Doug Rollerson (2) Geoff Skipper Clive Currie (2) Brian Cederwall Showgrounds Oval, Palmerston North Colin Patrick Gregan (Waikato) 16 June 1976 Counties y 12–19 Auckland y John HughesAndy DaltonPatrick Yates Terry Morrison (2) Steve Watt Steve Watt (2) Perry Parlane The Stadium, Pukekohe Ian James Clarke (Waikato) 26 June 1976 North Auckland y 3–12 Auckland y Chippy Semenoff Dave Palmer Steve Watt Steve Watt Joe Whiu Okara Park, Whangārei Kevin Hugh Lynch (Poverty Bay) 26 June 1976 Counties y 4–15 Wellington y Patrick Yates Grant Griffith Clive Currie Clive Currie (3) The Stadium, Pukekohe Mike Farnworth (Auckland) July 3 July 1976 Bay of Plenty y 9–10 Counties y Tuck Waaka (2) John Brake Richard PalmerHenk Habraken Graeme Taylor The Stadium, Rotorua D. Cooper (Poverty Bay) 8 July 1976 Manawatu y 19–6 North Auckland y Murray WattsMark DonaldsonGrant Bowater Doug Rollerson (2) Doug Rollerson Brian McCarroll (2) Showgrounds Oval, Palmerston North Brian Walter Duffy (Taranaki) 10 July 1976 Wellington y 13–0 North Auckland y Stu WilsonKevin Phelan Clive Currie Clive Currie Athletic Park, Wellington Barry Williams (West Coast) 13 July 1976 Marlborough y 24–17 North Auckland y Dave Neal (2)Brian Dwyer Kevin Sutherland (3) Kevin Sutherland Ray Gordon Phil Halse (2)David Haynes Brian McCarroll Brian McCarroll Lansdowne Park, Blenheim Norm Thomas (Manawatu) 17 July 1976 Southland y 9–23 Manawatu y Ron Davis Geoff Valli Geoff Valli Paul BroederlowKen MahareyMark WrightDoug Rollerson Doug Rollerson (2) Doug Rollerson Rugby Park, Invercargill Lester Te Au (South Canterbury) 20 July 1976 Otago y 0–0 Manawatu y Carisbrook Ground, Dunedin John Gordon Macdonald(North Otago) 20 July 1976 Marlborough y 15–25 Auckland y Dave NealMark Best Kevin Sutherland (2) Kevin Sutherland Terry MorrisonJoe WhiuBarry AshworthGlenn Rich Steve Watt (3) Steve Watt Lansdowne Park, Blenheim Allan Creighton (Otago) 24 July 1976 Hawke's Bay y 33–10 Marlborough y Robbie Hunter (3)Ian GrantRoger Bremmer Richard Cox (2) Richard Cox (3) Mark Best Kevin Sutherland Ray Gordon Nelson Park, Hastings D. R. Buckland (Wellington) 27 July 1976 Counties y 10–6 Marlborough y Richard Palmer Bob Lendrum Bob Lendrum Steve Marfell Kevin Sutherland The Stadium, Pukekohe Bob Francis (Wairarapa Bush) 31 July 1976 Marlborough y 13–24 Bay of Plenty y Philip Neal Kevin Sutherland (3) Eddie Stokes (2)Barry SpryAllan McNaughtonGraham Moore Greg Rowlands Lansdowne Park, Blenheim Nelson Burton Whittaker (Manawatu) August 4 August 1976 Wellington y 18–18 Bay of Plenty y Geoff Skipper Brian Cederwall Brian Cederwall (4) Greg Rowlands (4)Tuck Waaka Greg Rowlands Athletic Park, Wellington Mike Farnworth (Auckland) 7 August 1976 Manawatu y 9–28 Bay of Plenty y Doug Rollerson (2)Sheridan Martin Murphy Eddie StokesMark TaylorJimmy KamizonaLawrence Keepa Greg Rowlands (3) Greg Rowlands (2) Showgrounds Oval, Palmerston North Bob Watson (North Auckland) 7 August 1976 Southland y 9–10 Otago y Geoff Valli (2) John Polson Kenneth Mitchell Bevan Wilson Bevin Guthrie Rugby Park, Invercargill Tom Doocey (Canterbury) 11 August 1976 Otago y 6–18 Hawke's Bay y Bevan Wilson (2) Tim CarterPat RyanJock McCarroll Richard Cox (3) Carisbrook Ground, Dunedin Barry Williams (West Coast) 11 August 1976 Manawatu y 15–10 Canterbury y Paul Broederlow Doug Rollerson Doug Rollerson (2) Brian Morris Vance StewartDoug Heffernan Doug Heffernan Showgrounds Oval, Palmerston North Bill Adlam (Wanganui) 14 August 1976 Southland y 6–7 Hawke's Bay y Geoff Valli (2) Robbie Stuart Richard Cox Rugby Park, Invercargill Jeff Walker (Otago) 14 August 1976 North Auckland y 13–21 Canterbury y Mike Gunson Brian McCarroll (2)David Laurie Scott Cartwright (2)John PhillipsAndy Jefferd Doug Heffernan Doug Heffernan Okara Park, Whangārei Jim Innes (Counties) 17 August 1976 Bay of Plenty y 12–6 Canterbury y Graham Moore Greg Rowlands Greg Rowlands John Brake Richard Wilson (2) The Domain, Tauranga Kevin Hugh Lynch (Poverty Bay) 18 August 1976 Auckland y (RS) 9–9 Southland y Steve Watt (3) Dave Saunders Geoff Valli Geoff Valli Eden Park, Auckland Brian Walter Duffy (Taranaki) 21 August 1976 Auckland y (RS) 10–12 Manawatu y Andy HadenTerry Morrison Steve Watt Doug Rollerson Duncan Hales Doug Rollerson Doug Rollerson Eden Park, Auckland Colin Patrick Gregan (Waikato) 21 August 1976 Canterbury y 13–6 Hawke's Bay y Alex WyllieScott Cartwright Doug Heffernan Doug Heffernan Richard Cox (2) Lancaster Park, Christchurch Graeme Harrison (Wellington) 21 August 1976 Bay of Plenty y 27–12 Southland y Eddie Stokes (2)Peter HorrocksTony BrownGraham Moore Greg RowlandsTuck Waaka Greg Rowlands Leicester Rutledge Geoff Valli Geoff Valli (2) The Domain, Whakatāne John Pring (Auckland) 24 August 1976 Counties y 12–14 Manawatu y Patrick Yates (2) Mark Codlin (2) Kenneth GrangerDoug RollersonMurray Watts Duncan Hales The Stadium, Pukekohe L. Paul (Counties) 24 August 1976 North Auckland y 9–15 Southland y Murray Dyer Brian McCarroll Brian McCarroll Leicester RutledgeAsh McGregor Geoff Valli (2) Geoff Valli Okara Park, Whangārei Keith Harold Lawrence (Bay of Plenty) 28 August 1976 Auckland y 28–31 Bay of Plenty y Terry MorrisonDenis ThornGlenn Rich Steve Watt (2) Steve Watt (3) Mike Richards Tony BrownMark TaylorGraham Moore Greg Rowlands (2) Greg Rowlands (4) John Brake Eden Park, Auckland Dave Millar (Otago) 28 August 1976 Hawke's Bay y 25–16 North Auckland y Jock McCarroll (2)Peter Durham (2)Robbie Hunter Richard Cox Richard Cox Harley SowmanDavid HaynesMike Gunson Brian McCarroll (2) McLean Park, Napier Alan Bailey (Wellington) 28 August 1976 Otago y 16–6 Counties y Tim Burcher Bevan Wilson (3) Bevan Wilson Mark Codlin (2) Carisbrook Ground, Dunedin Alan Ralph Taylor (Canterbury) 28 August 1976 Wellington y 14–15 Canterbury y Stu Wilson (2) Richard Cleland (2) Paul MacfieDon Stewart Doug Heffernan (2) Doug Heffernan Athletic Park, Wellington Bill Adlam (Wanganui) September 1 September 1976 Southland y 10–19 Counties y Murray Arthur MitchellGeoff Valli Geoff Valli Bob LendrumPeter ClotworthyJoe Rawiri Bob Lendrum (2) Bob Lendrum Rugby Park, Invercargill S. C. Miller (South Canterbury) 4 September 1976 Auckland y 16–26 Otago y Lin CollingGlenn Rich Steve Watt Steve Watt (2) Lindsay ClarkMerv JaffrayAlistair BartonBevan Wilson Bevan Wilson (2) Bevan Wilson (2) Eden Park, Auckland Peter Alan McDavitt (Wellington) 4 September 1976 Hawke's Bay y 13–25 Wellington y Junior ParahaPeter Durham Richard Cox Richard Cox Warwick Procter (2)Stu Wilson (2) Richard Cleland (3) Richard Cleland Nelson Park, Hastings Kevin Hugh Lynch (Poverty Bay) 4 September 1976 Canterbury y 6–11 Counties y Doug Heffernan (2) Patrick Yates (2) Bob Lendrum Lancaster Park, Christchurch Barry McKay Dawson (Southland) 4 September 1976 Marlborough y 28–12 Southland y Brian FordRay GordonJohn DavieDave Neal Kevin Sutherland (3) Kevin Sutherland Kerry Ross Hodges Leicester Rutledge (2) Geoff Valli (2) Lansdowne Park, Blenheim John Gordon Macdonald (North Otago) 4 September 1976 North Auckland y 3–17 Bay of Plenty y David Laurie Graham MooreMark TaylorGreg Rowlands Greg Rowlands Greg Rowlands Okara Park, Whangārei Colin Patrick Gregan (Waikato) 8 September 1976 North Auckland y 3–3 Otago y David Laurie Bevan Wilson Okara Park, Whangārei Bob Watson (North Auckland) 12 September 1976 Canterbury y 16–7 Southland y Geoff Brain Doug Heffernan (4) Ron Davis Brian McKechnie Lancaster Park, Christchurch Dave Millar (Otago) 12 September 1976 Manawatu y (RS) 15–3 Hawke's Bay y Murray WattsAlan Campbell Innes Doug Rollerson (2) Doug Rollerson Richard Cox Showgrounds Oval, Palmerston North John Pring (Auckland) 12 September 1976 Wellington y 9–12 Auckland y Geoff Skipper Richard Cleland Richard Cleland Terry MorrisonAndy Haden Steve Watt (2) Athletic Park, Wellington Norm Thomas (Manawatu) 13 September 1976 Bay of Plenty y 19–6 Otago y Jimmy KamizonaPeter HorrocksJohn Brake Greg Rowlands (2) Greg Rowlands Bevan Wilson (2) The Stadium, Rotorua Bill Adlam (Wanganui) 15 September 1976 Counties y 15–6 North Auckland y Ean McRobbieBob Lendrum Mark Codlin (2) Mark Codlin Ross McAllister (2) The Stadium, Pukekohe Brian Walter Duffy (Taranaki) 16 September 1976 Southland y 16–13 Wellington y John Wayne EllisRoger RamseyDave Saunders Geoff Valli (2) Geoff SkipperWarwick Procter Richard Cleland Clive Currie Rugby Park, Invercargill Barry Williams (West Coast) 18 September 1976 Auckland y 19–9 Canterbury y Denis ThornJon McLachlan Steve Watt Steve Watt (3) Doug Heffernan (3) Eden Park, Auckland Nelson Burton Whittaker (Manawatu) 18 September 1976 Otago y 7–29 Wellington y John Colling Bevan Wilson Ian Stevens (2)Paul QuinnStu Wilson Clive Currie (2) Clive Currie (2) John Dougan Carisbrook Ground, Dunedin Lester Te Au (South Canterbury) 18 September 1976 Marlborough y 13–12 Manawatu y John DavieBrian Ford Kevin Sutherland Kevin Sutherland Doug Rollerson (3) Brent Wright Lansdowne Park, Blenheim G. L. Harrison (Wellington) 18 September 1976 Bay of Plenty y 10–7 Hawke's Bay y Greg Rowlands Greg Rowlands (2) Jock McCarroll Richard Cox The Stadium Rotorua Jim Innes (Counties) 22 September 1976 Otago y 20–14 Marlborough y Tim BurcherAlistair BartonMerv Jaffray Bevan Wilson Bevan Wilson Bevan Wilson Brian FordBruce Kenny Kevin Sutherland (2) Carisbrook Ground, Dunedin Barry McKay Dawson (Southland) 25 September 1976 Canterbury y 34–12 Otago y Donald James Stewart (2)John MunroAndy JefferdJohn Ashworth Doug Heffernan (4) Doug Heffernan Terry Mehrtens Rob Roy Bevan Wilson Bevan Wilson (2) Lancaster Park, Christchurch Alan Bailey (Wellington) 25 September 1976 Wellington y 16–14 Marlborough y Stu WilsonWarwick Procter Clive Currie Clive Currie (2) Alan Sutherland (3) Kevin Sutherland Athletic Park, Wellington Bob Francis (Wairarapa Bush) 25 September 1976 Hawke's Bay y 6–19 Counties y Roger Whinham (2) Buff Milner (2)Patrick YatesOwen Trevor Burnside Bob Lendrum McLean Park, Napier Peter Alan McDavitt (Wellington) Division 2 (North Island) Standings Pos Team Pld W D L PF PA PD TF Pts1Taranaki y880020949+16028162Wanganui y870121687+12931143King Country y8413110144−34994Poverty Bay y840492115−231185Waikato y840417376+972886Wairarapa Bush y840498107−91387East Coast y820641214−173648Thames Valley y811670128−58639Horowhenua y810794183−89152 Results May 8 May 1976 Horowhenua y 11–12 East Coast y Mike NuttingLindsay Robinson Lindsay Robinson Vic Takarangi (4) Park Domain Oval, Levin Colin John Pedley (Wanganui) June 7 June 1976 Wanganui y 12–32 Taranaki y Brent Dallison Bob Barrell Bob Barrell (2) Alistair Scown (2)John O'SullivanPaul WharehokaHerbie Kowhai Paul Martin (2)Steve Davidson Paul MartinIan Snook Spriggens Park, Wanganui Norm Thomas (Manawatu) 16 June 1976 Waikato y 23–3 Thames Valley y Peter Gilbert (2)Alan ClarkDick Myers Andy Baker (2) Andy Baker Graham Bax Rugby Park, Hamilton Harry Innes (North Auckland) 19 June 1976 Wanganui y 45–4 Horowhenua y Bruce Middleton (2)Bob Barrell (2)Francis HillBrent DallisonRob Manson Bob Barrell (4) Bob Barrell (3) Michael Brodie Spriggins Park, Wanganui Keith Harold Lawrence (Bay of Plenty) 26 June 1976 Thames Valley y 4–12 East Coast y David Strange Charlie KeelanWayne TrumanJerry McClutchie Rugby Park, Waihi Gary Arthur Urbahn (North Auckland) July 3 July 1976 East Coast y 0–22 Poverty Bay y George Newlands Glenn Ross (5) Glenn Ross Uawa Domain, Tolaga Bay Lawrence Robert Woodgate (Bay of Plenty) 14 July 1976 Thames Valley y 9–9 King Country y Graham Bax (3) Murray Kidd Jim Barr Jim Barr Sports Domain, Te Aroha Ian Burrell (Bay of Plenty) 24 July 1976 Wanganui y 28–9 King Country y Richard MurrayBrent DallisonPeter BaileyRay StaffordBruce Middleton Bob Barrell (4) Jim Barr (3) Spriggens Park, Wanganui Graeme Anderson (Nelson Bays) 28 July 1976 King Country y 6–3 Wairarapa Bush y Paul Bowen Jim Barr Neil Kjestrup The Domain, Taumarunui Garry Klatt (Counties) 31 July 1976 Waikato y 7–8 Wairarapa Bush y Kevin Greene Andy Baker Kevin Wayne Carter (2) Rugby Park, Hamilton Basil Marsh (Hawke's Bay) August 7 August 1976 Horowhenua y 11–16 Thames Valley y Mike NuttingMichael Brodie Michael Brodie Pita CherringtonDavid Strange Kerry Moloney Kerry Moloney (2) Park Domain Oval, Levin Ian Diprose (Buller) 10 August 1976 Wairarapa Bush y 20–11 Thames Valley y Alistair John O'Neill Neil Kjestrup Neil Kjestrup (2) David StrangeDonald George McMillan Allen Henry Fisher Memorial Park, Masterton Alan Bailey (Wellington) 12 August 1976 Poverty Bay y 13–6 Thames Valley y Glenn RossMichael Whitehead Glenn Ross Glenn Ross Kerry Moloney (2) Rugby Park, Gisborne Len Watkins (Hawke's Bay) 14 August 1976 Wairarapa Bush y 18–4 East Coast y Alistair John O'NeillRitchie Robertson Neil Kjestrup (2) Neil Kjestrup (2) Ray Falcon Rugby Park, Pahiatua Warwick Bringans (Wellington) 14 August 1976 Taranaki y 16–6 King Country y John O'SullivanGraham Mourie Steve Davidson Steve Davidson (2) Murray Kidd Sam Pye Rugby Park, New Plymouth Norm Thomas (Manawatu) 17 August 1976 Thames Valley y 12–20 Wanganui y Graham Bax (4) Rob MansonBrent DallisonBruce Patrick Bob Barrell Bob Barrell (2) The Domain, Paeroa E. G. Pennell (Auckland) 18 August 1976 King Country y 9–8 Poverty Bay y David Flavell Sam Pye Malcolm Fluker Philip DuncanGrant Allen Island Reserve, Ōtorohanga Lawrence Robert Woodgate (Bay of Plenty) 19 August 1976 East Coast y 3–54 Wanganui y Terry Roberts Richard Murray (3)Bruce Patrick (2)Douglas PatchettRob MansonJohn Knofflockpenalty try Bob Barrell (6) Bob Barrell (2) Whakarua Park, Ruatoria Kevin Hugh Lynch (Poverty Bay) 21 August 1976 Poverty Bay y 7–17 Wanganui y Robbie Newlands John Whittle John KnofflockDouglas Patchett Bob Barrell (2) Les Stowell Rugby Park, Gisborne Paul Anthony Arthur (Auckland) 21 August 1976 King Country y 13–47 Waikato y Murray KiddJim Tarrant Jim Barr Jim Barr Roger Litt (2)Kevin MagillMurray TaylorAlan ClarkDick MyersPeter Gilbert Andy Baker (5) Andy Baker (3) The Domain, Taumarunui Hugh Miller (Counties) 21 August 1976 Taranaki y 6–3 Horowhenua y Steve Davidson (2) Michael Brodie Rugby Park, New Plymouth Colin Aitken (Nelson Bays) 26 August 1976 East Coast y 0–41 Taranaki y Stephen BrophyDennis AvisonBryce McEldowneyIan EliasonJohn O'SullivanAlistair Scown Dennis Avison (4) Dennis Avison (3) Whakarua Park, Ruatoria Gordon Way (Thames Valley) 28 August 1976 Poverty Bay y 6–43 Taranaki y Glenn Ross (2) Ross Fraser (2)Stephen Brophy (2)Paul Wharehoka Dennis Avison Dennis Avison (3) Ian Snook (4) Rugby Park, Gisborne Ian Burrell (Bay of Plenty) 28 August 1976 Horowhenua y 12–23 Wairarapa Bush y Robbie PuklowskiMichael Brodie Michael Brodie (2) Michael Barnes (2)Brian McConnochieBruce Bernard Patrick Neil Kjestrup (2) Neil Kjestrup Park Domain Oval, Levin Lyall Daines (Marlborough) 28 August 1976 Wanganui y 21–7 Waikato y Rob MansonGrant Mitchinson Bob Barrell (2) Bob Barrell (3) Michael Deane Andy Baker Spriggins Park, Wanganui Tom Doocey (Canterbury) September 4 September 1976 Poverty Bay y 15–14 Waikato y Nigel ShanksSimon Spence John Whittle (2) John Whittle Clive OrmsbyDick Myers Murray Taylor (2) Rugby Park, Gisborne Nelson Burton Whittaker (Manawatu) 4 September 1976 Taranaki y 42–10 Wairarapa Bush y Stephen Brophy (2)John O'Sullivan (2)Graham MourieDave LoveridgeIan Eliason Dennis Avison (4) Dennis Avison Paul Martin Nigel Sargent Neil Kjestrup (2) Rugby Park, New Plymouth Colin John Pedley (Wairarapa Bush) 7 September 1976 East Coast y 0–39 Waikato y Murray Taylor (2)Roger Litt (2)Kevin MagillPeter GilbertGraeme IrwinRoss McGlashan Andy Baker (2) Andy Baker Whakarua Park, Ruatoria Vic Thurston (Hawke's Bay) 8 September 1976 King Country y 29–23 Horowhenua y Murray Kidd (3)Graham PotakaSam PyeDavid Flavell John Lang (3) John Lang Paul Lucas Martin (2)Mike NuttingJohn William Luoni Michael Brodie (2) Michael Brodie Rugby Park, Te Kūiti Colin William Alford (King Country) 11 September 1976 Waikato y 33–7 Horowhenua y Clive Ormsby (2)Kevin Greene (2)John O'Rourke Roger Litt (2) Roger Litt (3) Mike Nutting Michael Brodie Rugby Park, Hamilton Peter Richard Harpur (King Country) 11 September 1976 Wairarapa Bush y 3–6 Poverty Bay y Neil Kjestrup George Newlands John Whittle Memorial Park, Masterton Jeremy Gilbert Oakley Stubbs (King Country) 15 September 1976 Horowhenua y 23–15 Poverty Bay y Mike Nutting (3)Geoffrey Wilfred Hobson Michael Brodie (2) Michael Brodie Graeme ThompsonBrett Sherriff Glenn Ross (2) Glenn Ross Park Domain Oval, Levin John Luckin (Taranaki) 16 September 1976 Thames Valley y 9–20 Taranaki y Huia Martin Graham Bax Graham Bax (3) Dave LoveridgeJohn O'Sullivan Dennis Avison (3) Ian Snook Rugby Park, Waihi Keith Harold Lawrence (Bay of Plenty) 18 September 1976 Wairarapa Bush y 13–19 Wanganui y Bruce Bernard Patrick Neil Kjestrup (3) Bob BarrellRichard Murray Bob Barrell Bob Barrell (3) Memorial Park, Masterton Larry Auckram (Horowhenua) 18 September 1976 Waikato y 3–9 Taranaki y Andy Baker Graham Mourie Dennis Avison Paul Martin Rugby Park, Hamilton Bob Watson (North Auckland) 18 September 1976 King Country y 25–10 East Coast y Barry Donovan (2)Murray KiddRod Takiari John Lang (3) Alan McDonald Jimmy MoriceHenry Reedy Terry Roberts Island Reserve, Ōtorohanga Lawrence Robert Woodgate (Bay of Plenty) Division 2 (South Island) Standings Pos Team Pld W D L PF PA PD TF Pts1South Canterbury y540110339+641482Buller y53026440+24963Nelson Bays y53027277−51164Mid Canterbury y52125055−5655West Coast y51135963−4636North Otago y510441115−7462 Results June 7 June 1976 Buller y 9–14 Nelson Bays y Calvin Cochrane Gerald Hart Gerald Hart Stewart RobertsonPaul BurgessBob Neighbours Merrin Hodgson Victoria Square, Westport John Gordon Macdonald (North Otago) July 17 July 1976 Nelson Bays y 17–14 Mid Canterbury y Colin Haigh (2) Bill Lucre (3) Peter MacGregorMichael Tapley Michael Tapley (2) Trafalgar Park, Nelson Larry Auckram (Horowhenua) 21 July 1976 Buller y 6–7 Mid Canterbury y Gerald Hart (2) Michael Tapley Michael Tapley Victoria Square, Westport Keith Armstrong (Canterbury) 24 July 1976 West Coast y 9–9 Mid Canterbury y Gavin Cook Russell Nelson Russell Nelson Michael Tapley Cass Square, Hokitika Peter Richard Harpur (King Country) 31 July 1976 West Coast y 6–16 Buller y Russell Nelson Alec FussellPaddy Alexander Gerald Hart Gerald Hart (2) Rugby Park, Greymouth Gordon Way (Thames Valley) August 7 August 1976 Nelson Bays y 24–3 North Otago y Stewart RobertsonBill LucreColin HaighGary Organ Bill Lucre Bill Lucre (2) Paddy Whyte Rugby Park, Motueka Robin Brown (Wairarapa Bush) 14 August 1976 Mid Canterbury y 17–13 North Otago y Alan Grieve (2)Michael Tapley Michael Tapley Michael Tapley Richard MayPaddy Whyte Paddy Whyte Paddy Whyte Showgrounds, Ashburton Laurie Craven (Marlborough) 14 August 1976 South Canterbury y 15–9 West Coast y Robin Heron Doug Nicol Doug Nicol (3) Colin Skates Russell Nelson Russell Nelson Fraser Park, Timaru Kevin McLoughlin (Otago) 17 August 1976 North Otago y 16–7 West Coast y Peter JohnsonPaddy WhyteBill Cooper Paddy Whyte (2) Bruce Davidson Russell Nelson Centennial Park, Oamaru Murray Jarvis (Southland) 21 August 1976 Buller y 14–7 South Canterbury y Tony Mundy (2)John Dickson Gerald Hart Robin Heron Doug Nicol Victoria Square, Westport Bob Francis (Wairarapa Bush) 24 August 1976 Nelson Bays y 10–23 South Canterbury y Greg Lummis Bill Lucre (2) Peter GrantRobin HeronAlan McLaren Doug Nicol Doug Nicol (3) Trafalgar Park, Nelson Baden George Whale (Wairarapa Bush) September 4 September 1976 Mid Canterbury y 3–10 South Canterbury y Michael Tapley Robin Heron Doug Nicol Tony Goddard Showgrounds, Ashburton Allan Creighton (Otago) 4 September 1976 Nelson Bays y 7–28 West Coast y Colin Haigh Bill Lucre Gavin Cook (2)Jim Steffens Russell Nelson (2) Russell Nelson (2) Russell NelsonGavin Cook Trafalgar Park, Nelson Allan Lilley (Mid Canterbury) 11 September 1976 South Canterbury y 48–3 North Otago y Robin Heron (2)Geoff Hannan (2)Ian PalmerAlan McLarenNeville RichardsPaul Hewitson Doug Nicol (5) Doug Nicol (2) Paddy Whyte Fraser Park, Timaru Murray Jarvis (Southland) 18 September 1976 North Otago y 6–19 Buller y Richard McNamara Barry Simpson Tony Mundy (2)Lindsay Kearns Tom Aldridge Tom Aldridge (2) Centennial Park, Oamaru Arthur Gormack (Southland) Promotion/relegation matches As North Auckland came last in Division 1, the unbeaten winners of Division 2 (North Island), Taranaki, were promoted to Division 1 to replace them. South Canterbury won Division 2 (South Island), giving them a promotion play-off against Southland; they lost the game 24–11 remained in Division 2. References thesilverfern.co.nz 1976 1