1977 National Provincial Championship

The 1977 season was the second year of the National Provincial Championship (NPC), a provincial rugby union competition in New Zealand. Canterbury were the winners of Division 1, thus claiming the title of national champions. Division 1 Relegated to Division Two Pos Team Pld W D L PF PA PD TF Pts1Canterbury y10100019081+10930202Counties y1080225494+16042163Auckland y10604166164+220124Manawatu y1060415295+5720125Hawke's Bay y10505160174−1420106Taranaki y10505142123+1914107Wellington y10505155146+925108Otago y10406149171−221789Southland y10406131132−113810Bay of Plenty y10208144283−13918411Marlborough y10001090270−180120 Results May 25 May 1977 Marlborough y 3–12 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Canterbury y Ray Gordon (1/4) Scott CartwrightAndy JefferdAlex Wyllie Richard Wilson (0/3) Richard Wilson (0/4) Lansdowne Park, Blenheim Graeme Harrison (Wellington) 28 May 1977 Wellington y 15–12 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Manawatu y Warwick ProcterPaul Quinn Richard Cleland (2/2) Richard Cleland (1/1) Mark DonaldsonBrian Morris Kenneth Granger (2/2) Athletic Park, Wellington 31 May 1977 Auckland y 24–19 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Hawke's Bay y Mike RichardsMaurice Trapp Steve Watt (2/2) Steve Watt (4/4) Bruce DunstanKen Taylor Hepa Paewai (1/2) Hepa Paewai (2/2) Hepa Paewai (1/1) Eden Park, Auckland June 6 June 1977 Marlborough y 12–27 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Wellington y Lucky Macdonald Kevin Sutherland (1/1) Kevin Sutherland (2/2) Bernie Fraser (2)Ian MayClive Currie Richard Cleland (4/4) John Dougan (1/1) Lansdowne Park, Blenheim 14 June 1977 Taranaki y 18–10 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Wellington y Ross FraserJohn O'Sullivan Stephen Davidson (2/2) Stephen Davidson (2/2) Andy Leslie Clive Currie (0/1) Clive Currie (2/2) Hicks Park, Hāwera 25 June 1977 Counties y 24–3 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Hawke's Bay y Patrick YatesAlan DawsonMark CodlinAndy Dalton Mark Codlin (1/3) Mark Codlin (2/2) Murray Tocker (1/1) Pukekohe Stadium, Pukekohe July 2 July 1977 Canterbury y 4–3 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Manawatu y John Ashworth Richard Wilson (0/1) Doug Rollerson (1/1) Lancaster Park, Christchurch 5 July 1977 Auckland y 10–14 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Counties y Andy Haden Barry Riley (0/1) Barry Riley (1/1) Perry Parlane (1/1) Peter GoldsmithPeter Clotworthy Mark Codlin (0/2) Mark Codlin (1/1)Buff Milner (1/1) Eden Park, Auckland 16 July 1977 Manawatu y 21–22 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Auckland y Paul BroederlowGary Knight Mike Banks (2/2) Mike Banks (3/3) Tim Twigden (2)Bryan Williams Steve Watt (2/2) Steve Watt (2/2) Showgrounds Oval, Palmerston North 20 July 1977 Taranaki y 37–4 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Marlborough y Stephen DavidsonPeter WhitePeter FlemingGraham MourieRoss Fraser Stephen Davidson (4/5) Stephen Davidson (3/3) Brian Ford Steve Marfell (0/1) Rugby Park, New Plymouth 23 July 1977 Bay of Plenty y 29–20 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Marlborough y Alan McNaughtonPeter KingiEddie StokesGreg RowlandsTony Compton Greg Rowlands (3/5) John Brake (1/1) Brian FordMark BestRoss Rendel Steve Marfell (1/1) Steve Marfell (1/1) Brian Hunter (1/1) Rugby Park, Rotorua 27 July 1977 Bay of Plenty y 0–22 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Manawatu y Kenneth GrangerMurray WattsMark Wright Mike Banks (2/3) Mike Banks (2/2) Tauranga Domain, Tauranga August 2 August 1977 Southland y 22–7 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Marlborough y Steven PokereSam Anderson Brian McKechnie (1/2) Brian McKechnie (3/3)Jeffrey Gardiner (1/1) Bill Stephenson Kevin Sutherland (0/1) Kevin Sutherland (1/1) Rugby Park, Invercargill 6 August 1977 Hawke's Bay y 25–17 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Manawatu y Ricky AllenHepa PaewaiGraham Wiig Richard Cox (2/2) Richard Cox (2/2) Richard Cox (1/1) Kenneth GrangerMurray WattsGeorge Hawkins Mike Banks (1/3) Mike Banks (1/1) McLean Park, Napier 6 August 1977 Marlborough y 7–51 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Counties y Mark Best Steve Marfell (0/1) Steve Marfell (1/1) Bob Lendrum (2)Richard Palmer (2)Bill CummingsBuff MilnerRoy CraigBruce RobertsonRobert Kururangi John Hughes (4/7)Bob Lendrum (2/2) John Hughes (1/1) Lansdowne Park, Blenheim 6 August 1977 Otago y 4–13 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Southland y Simon Thompson Bevan Wilson (0/1) Steven PokereEvan Maclellan Brian McKechnie (1/2) Brian McKechnie (1/1) Carisbrook, Dunedin 17 August 1977 Hawke's Bay y 19–32 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Canterbury y Murray SmithTim Carter Richard Cox (1/2) Richard Cox (3/3) Murray McEwan (2)Randall ScottRichard Wilson Richard Wilson (2/2) Richard Wilson (2/2) Doug Bruce (2/2) Nelson Park, Hastings 18 August 1977 Marlborough y 17–25 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Otago y Ian McAlpineSteve Marfell Kevin Sutherland (0/2) Kevin Sutherland (2/2) Brian Hunter (1/1) Robert RoySimon ThompsonBevan Wilson Bevan Wilson (2/3) Bevan Wilson (2/2) Lansdowne Park, Blenheim 20 August 1977 Counties y 4–9 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Canterbury y Alan Dawson Mark Codlin (0/1) Richard Wilson (2/2) Richard Wilson (1/1) Pukekohe Stadium, Pukekohe 20 August 1977 Taranaki y 13–6 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Hawke's Bay y Peter White Stephen Davidson (0/1) Stephen Davidson (3/3) Murray Smith Murray Tocker (1/1) Rugby Park, New Plymouth 20 August 1977 Wellington y 17–13 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Otago y Paul Quinn (2)Warwick Procter Richard Cleland (1/3) Richard Cleland (1/1) Tim Burcher Bevan Wilson (0/1) Bevan Wilson (3/3) Athletic Park, Wellington 20 August 1977 Southland y 26–6 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Bay of Plenty y Brian McKechnie (2)Sam Anderson Brian McKechnie (1/3) Brian McKechnie (3/3) Brian McKechnie (1/1) Greg Rowlands (2/2) Rugby Park, Invercargill 24 August 1977 Otago y 33–30 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Bay of Plenty y Simon ThompsonGraeme ElvinWayne Graham Bevan Wilson (0/3) Bevan Wilson (6/6) Lyn Jaffray (1/1) Graeme MooreMark TaylorMike ConnorJim Helmbright John Brake (4/4) John Brake (1/1)Greg Rowlands (1/1) Carisbrook, Dunedin 24 August 1977 Southland y 6–13 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Auckland y Brian McKechnie (2/2) Tua Saseve Steve Watt (0/1) Steve Watt (3/3) Rugby Park, Invercargill 27 August 1977 Manawatu y 15–10 Howitt McDonald 1977 88 Counties y Jim Carroll Doug Rollerson (1/1) Mike Banks (2/2) Doug Rollerson (1/2) Peter Clotworthy Bob Lendrum (0/1) Bob Lendrum (2/2) Showgrounds Oval, Palmerston North 15,000 Colin Gregan (Waikato) 27 August 1977 Wellington y 6–10 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Hawke's Bay y Paul Quinn Richard Cleland (1/1) Murray Tocker Roger Whinham (0/1) Roger Whinham (2/2) Athletic Park, Wellington 27 August 1977 Canterbury y 30–12 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Bay of Plenty y Shane Gibbons (2)David ThompsonGraeme HigginsonJohn Phillips Richard Wilson (2/2) Richard Wilson (2/2) Graham MooreEddie Stokes Greg Rowlands (2/2) Lancaster Park, Christchurch 27 August 1977 Otago y 18–24 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Auckland y Peter McLeod Bevan Wilson (1/1) Bevan Wilson (4/4) Bryan Williams (2)Colin Farrell Steve Watt (1/1) Steve Watt (3/3) Mike Richards (1/1) Carisbrook, Dunedin 31 August 1977 Southland y 10–13 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Canterbury y Dave Shanks Brian McKechnie (0/1) Brian McKechnie (2/2) Shane Gibbons Richard Wilson (0/1) Richard Wilson (1/1) Doug Bruce (2/2) Rugby Park, Invercargill September 3 September 1977 Counties y 36–3 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Bay of Plenty y Mark CodlinBuff MilnerRobert KururangiRichard PalmerHenk HabrakenBob Lendrum Mark Codlin (3/6) Mark Codlin (3/3) Greg Rowlands (1/1) Pukekohe Stadium, Pukekohe 3 September 1977 Manawatu y 21–7 Howitt McDonald 1977 89 Marlborough y Kevin Maharey (2)John Callesen Doug Rollerson (0/3) Doug Rollerson (3/3) Brian Ford Brian Hunter (0/1) Brian Hunter (1/1) Showgrounds Oval, Palmerston North 7,000 Peter McDavitt (Wellington) 3 September 1977 Wellington y 11–3 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Southland y Brendan Gard'nerWarwick Procter Brian Cederwall (0/2) John Dougan (1/1) Brian McKechnie (1/1) Athletic Park, Wellington 3 September 1977 Otago y 9–14 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Canterbury y Tim Burcher Bevan Wilson (1/1) Bevan Wilson (1/1) Shane GibbonsRandall ScottRichard Wilson Richard Wilson (1/3) Carisbrook, Dunedin 7 September 1977 Bay of Plenty y 6–19 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Taranaki y Greg Rowlands (2/2) Paul MartinWally Mahura Stephen Davidson (1/2) Stephen Davidson (3/3) Rugby Park, Rotorua 7 September 1977 Manawatu y 18–6 Howitt McDonald 1977 90 Southland y Alan InnesKenneth GrangerJohn Loveday Doug Rollerson (0/3) Doug Rollerson (1/1) Doug Rollerson (1/1) Brian McKechnie (1/1) Brian McKechnie (1/1) Showgrounds Oval, Palmerston North 11,000 Keith Lawrence (Bay of Plenty) 10 September 1977 Taranaki y 12–21 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Counties y Stephen Davidson (4/4) Mark CodlinBob Lendrum Mark Codlin (2/2) Mark Codlin (2/2) Rugby Park, New Plymouth 11 September 1977 Hawke's Bay y 23–16 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Southland y Robbie Stuart (2)Pat Ryan Richard Cox (1/3) Richard Cox (3/3) Brian McKechnie Brian McKechnie (0/1) Brian McKechnie (2/2) Brian McKechnie (1/1)Graeme Anderson (1/1) McLean Park, Napier 11 September 1977 Canterbury y 17–0 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Wellington y Alex WyllieMurray McEwanTerry Mitchell Richard Wilson (1/1) Richard Wilson (1/1) Lancaster Park, Christchurch 14 September 1977 Counties y 24–9 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Southland y Mike SherbourneMac McCallionGraeme TaylorHenk Habraken Mark Codlin (1/4) Mark Codlin (1/1) Mark Codlin (1/1) Brian McKechnie Brian McKechnie (1/1) Brian McKechnie (1/1) Pukekohe Stadium, Pukekohe 14 September 1977 Bay of Plenty y 9–54 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Auckland y Eddie StokesMark TaylorRoger Dallison Greg Rowlands (3/3) Greg Rowlands (2/2) Greg Thaggard Steve Watt (1/1) Steve Watt (2/2) Rugby Park, Rotorua 17 September 1977 Auckland y 9–6 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Wellington y Steve Watt (3/3) Brian Cederwall (2/2) Eden Park, Auckland 17 September 1977 Hawke's Bay y 3–8 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Otago y Richard Cox (1/1) Kenneth Mitchell (2) Bevan Wilson (0/2) McLean Park, Napier 17 September 1977 Manawatu y 6–3 Howitt McDonald 1977 91 Taranaki y Kevin Maharey Doug Rollerson (1/1) Stephen Davidson (1/1) Showgrounds Oval, Palmerston North 22,000 John Pring (Auckland) 21 September 1977 Counties y 27–17 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Otago y John SpiersRobert KururangiRichard PalmerBruce RobertsonHenk Habraken Mark Codlin (2/5) Mark Codlin (1/1) Barry ReeveKen Mitchell Bevan Wilson (0/2) Bevan Wilson (3/3) Pukekohe Stadium, Pukekohe 21 September 1977 Canterbury y 22–3 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Taranaki y Alex WyllieMark RomansAlwyn HarveyRandall Scott Richard Wilson (3/4) Stephen Davidson (1/1) Lancaster Park, Christchurch 24 September 1977 Bay of Plenty y 9–54 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Wellington y Greg Rowlands (3/3) Warwick Procter (2)Paul Quinn (3)Stu Wilson (2)Brian CederwallMurray MextedAndy LeslieBernie Fraser Brian Cederwall (5/11) Rugby Park, Rotorua 24 September 1977 Manawatu y 17–3 Howitt McDonald 1977 93 Otago y Hugh BlairJohn Callesen Doug Rollerson (0/2) Doug Rollerson (2/2) Jim Carroll (1/1) Bevan Wilson (1/1) Showgrounds Oval, Palmerston North 15,000 Alan Taylor (Canterbury) 24 September 1977 Canterbury y 37–18 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Auckland y Barry Thompson (2)Shane GibbonsLyn DavisMurray McEwanScott Cartwright Richard Wilson (5/6) Richard Wilson (1/1) Bryan WilliamsColin FarrellTerry MorrisonBruce Gemmell Colin Farrell (1/4) Lancaster Park, Christchurch 28 September 1977 Otago y 19–9 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Taranaki y Merv JaffraySimon ThompsonBarry Reeve Bevan Wilson (2/3) Bevan Wilson (1/1) Tony Brown Stephen Davidson (1/1) Stephen Davidson (1/1) Carisbrook, Dunedin October 1 October 1977 Auckland y 25–4 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Marlborough y Bryan Williams (2)Greg ThaggardAndy HadenStu Conn Steve Watt (1/5) Steve Watt (1/1) Ross Rendel Steve Marfell (0/1) Eden Park, Auckland 1 October 1977 Hawke's Bay y 31–25 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Bay of Plenty y Murray TockerPat RyanJames HalbertRobbie Stuart Richard Cox (3/4) Richard Cox (3/3) Eddie Stokes (2)Mike ConnorRoger Dallison Greg Rowlands (2/4) Greg Rowlands (1/1) McLean Park, Napier 1 October 1977 Wellington y 43–9 Howitt McDonald 1977 99-101 Counties y Warwick Procter Brian Cederwall (1/1) Brian Cederwall (1/1) Robert KururangiBruce RobertsonAlan DawsonRichard PalmerGraeme TaylorPeter Williams Mark Codlin (3/5)Buff Milner (1/1) Bob Lendrum (1/1) Athletic Park, Wellington Division 2 (North Island) Pos Team Pld W D L PF PA PD TF Pts1North Auckland y880023832+20640162Waikato y 860220370+13329123Poverty Bay y8512132101+3117114Wanganui y 8512160134+2624115Wairarapa Bush y84049079+111086King Country y830575149−741067Thames Valley y821599158−591458East Coast y 811674203−1291239Horowhenua y800848193−14560 Results May 7 May 1977 Horowhenua y 11–17 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 King Country y Mike NuttingMidge O'Donnell Michael Brodie (0/1) Michael Brodie (1/1) Murray Kidd (2)Graham Tibby Sam Pye (1/3) Maraku Cribb (1/1) Levin Domain, Levin 10 May 1977 Wairarapa Bush y 13–9 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 King Country y Neville Taylor Neil Kjestrup (0/1) Neil Kjestrup (2/2) Barry Donovan Maraku Cribb (1/1) Maraku Cribb (1/1) Rugby Park, Pahiatua 21 May 1977 King Country y 4–13 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 Wanganui y Barry Donovan Maraku Cribb (0/1) Murdoch McKenzie Francis Hill (0/1) Francis Hill (3/3) Taumarunui Domain, Taumarunui June 6 June 1977 Poverty Bay y 23–18 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 East Coast y Kevin GaukrodgerJody WaltersCharlie Keelan Willie Nikora (1/3) Willie Nikora (3/3) Boydie DonaldRay FalconMarty Charteris Terry Roberts (3/3) Rugby Park, Gisborne 25 June 1977 King Country y 10–6 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 Thames Valley y Murray Kidd James Poutu (0/1) James Poutu (1/1)John Wereta (1/1) Graham Bax (2/2) Island Reserve, Ōtorohanga 25 June 1977 Horowhenua y 7–28 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 Wanganui y Robbie Puklowski Maihi Marino (0/1) Maihi Marino (1/1) Murdoch McKenzieLarry GrahamTrevor OlneyRob Manson Peter Te Huna (2/3)Murdoch McKenzie (1/1) Peter Te Huna (1/1)Murdoch McKenzie (1/1) Levin Domain, Levin July 2 July 1977 North Auckland y 42–0 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 Thames Valley y Eddie DunnJoe PilcherPhil HalseCharles GoingPeter SloaneJoe MorganDavid Haynes Arnold Morgan (4/7) Arnold Morgan (2/2) Okara Park, Whangārei 14 July 1977 Poverty Bay y 23–4 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 Horowhenua y Graeme Torrie (2)Brett Sherriff Wayne Muir (1/3) Wayne Muir (2/2)Graeme Torrie (1/1) Jock Free Keith McCreedy (0/1) Rugby Park, Gisborne 16 July 1977 East Coast y 16–15 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 Horowhenua y Wilson Walker (2)Wayne Truman Lance Rickard (2/3) Keith McCreedy (5/5) Whakarua Park, Ruatoria 16 July 1977 Poverty Bay y 21–3 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 King Country y Lawrie Knight (2)Graeme TorriePaul Tocker Willie Nikora (1/4) Willie Nikora (1/1) John Lang (1/1) Rugby Park, Gisborne 19 July 1977 Thames Valley y 16–4 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 Horowhenua y Graham Bax (2)Don McMillan Colin Barlow (2/3) Paul Lucas Martin Keith McCreedy (0/1) Rugby Park, Waihi 19 July 1977 East Coast y 10–17 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 King Country y Wilson Walker Terry Roberts (0/1) Terry Roberts (2/2) Murray Kidd (2)Don Milham John Lang (1/3) John Lang (1/1) Whakarua Park, Ruatoria 31 July 1977 Wanganui y 16–6 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 Wairarapa Bush y Trevor OlneyBob Barrell Bob Barrell (1/2) Bob Barrell (2/2) Hona Huriwai Neil Kjestrup (1/1) Cooks Gardens, Wanganui August 6 August 1977 East Coast y 0–28 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 Wairarapa Bush y Ritchie RobertsonJimmy CotterBruce Patrick Neil Kjestrup (2/3) Neil Kjestrup (3/3) Jimmy Cotter (1/1) Whakarua Park, Ruatoria 9 August 1977 Thames Valley y 22–12 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 Wairarapa Bush y Brian DugganChris EllisDon McMillan Colin Barlow (2/3) Colin Barlow (2/2) Ritchie Robertson Tony Brown (1/1) Tony Brown (2/2) Paeroa Domain, Paeroa 11 August 1977 Waikato y 28–9 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 East Coast y Thomas Hiriaki (3)Trevor IrwinJohn O'Rourke Trevor Irwin (1/5) Trevor Irwin (2/2) Chris Waru Terry Roberts (1/1) Terry Roberts (1/1) Rugby Park, Hamilton 14 August 1977 North Auckland y 51–7 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 East Coast y David Haynes (2)Alan Martin (2)Lloyd Roberts (2)Steve GriffinPhil HalseEddie DunnMike Gunson Eddie Dunn (3/9)Mike Gunson (1/1) Mike Gunson (1/1) John Maddever Terry Roberts (0/1) Terry Roberts (1/1) Okara Park, Whangārei 20 August 1977 Poverty Bay y 20–11 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 Wairarapa Bush y Kevin GaukrodgerPaul Tocker Wayne Muir (0/2) Wayne Muir (4/4) Bill RowlandsDallas Spowart Jimmy Cotter (0/2) Jimmy Cotter (1/1) Rugby Park, Gisborne 20 August 1977 Waikato y 59–12 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 King Country y John O'Rourke (4)Paul Anderson (2)Dick MyersMatt Deane Trevor Irwin (6/8) Trevor Irwin (5/5) Laurie Sands John Lang (1/1) John Lang (2/2) Rugby Park, Hamilton 20 August 1977 East Coast y 10–10 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 Thames Valley y Boydie DonaldPeter McGrannachan Terry Roberts (1/2) Tony Jackson Colin Barlow (0/1) Colin Barlow (2/2) Whakarua Park, Ruatoria 27 August 1977 Thames Valley y 9–19 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 Waikato y Reg Hennessy Allen Fisher (1/1) Allen Fisher (1/1) Miah MelsomMatt Deane Trevor Irwin (2/2) Ross McGlashan (1/1) Boyd Park, Te Aroha 27 August 1977 Wanganui y 15–15 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 Poverty Bay y Bruce MiddletonRob Manson Murdoch McKenzie (2/2) Peter Te Huna (1/1) Laurie Holmes (4/4) Graeme Thompson (1/1) Cooks Gardens, Wanganui 27 August 1977 Wairarapa Bush y 6–0 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 Horowhenua y Neil Kjestrup (2/2) Memorial Park, Masterton 31 August 1977 North Auckland y 52–6 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 Wanganui y Sid Going (2)Joe Pilcher (2)Maihi Mahanga (2)Charles GoingToni WaakaHarley SowmanDavid HaynesWuzz Phillips Mike Gunson (4/11) Murdoch McKenzie (2/2) Central Ground, Kaikohe September 3 September 1977 Waikato y 21–11 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 Wanganui y John O'RourkePaul Anderson Trevor Irwin (2/2) Trevor Irwin (2/2) Ross McGlashan (1/1) Larry GrahamRay Stafford Murdoch McKenzie (0/2) Murdoch McKenzie (1/1) Rugby Park, Hamilton 3 September 1977 Horowhenua y 0–36 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 North Auckland y Sid GoingMike GunsonJohn BeltonToni WaakaEddie DunnDarcy Ruddell Mike Gunson (3/6) Mike Gunson (2/2) Levin Domain, Levin 6 September 1977 Wairarapa Bush y 7–9 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 North Auckland y Hona Huriwai Neil Kjestrup (0/1) Neil Kjestrup (1/1) Charles Going Mike Gunson (1/1) Mike Gunson (1/1) Memorial Park, Masterton 8 September 1977 Horowhenua y 7–51 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 Waikato y Danny Ryland Keith McCreedy (0/1) Keith McCreedy (1/1) Matt Deane (2)Brian Morrissey (2)Trevor IrwinRon LockwoodKit FawcettNorm MorrowMiah MelsomThomas Hiriaki Trevor Irwin (3/9)Kit Fawcett (1/1) Trevor Irwin (1/1) Levin Domain, Levin 10 September 1977 King Country y 3–16 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 North Auckland y Sam Pye (1/1) Mike GunsonJohn Belton John Belton (1/2) John Belton (1/1) Turangitukua Park, Tūrangi 10 September 1977 Thames Valley y 11–21 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 Poverty Bay y Tuk SheehanGreg Harris Graham Bax (0/2) Graham Bax (1/1) Jody WaltersLeslie BarbaraGraham Barbara Laurie Holmes (1/3) Laurie Holmes (1/1) Boyd Park, Te Aroha 10 September 1977 Wanganui y 31–4 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 East Coast y Murdoch McKenzie (2)Nig Paki PakiRichard MurrayRob MansonRay Stafford Murdoch McKenzie (2/6) Bill Osborne (1/1) Tom Wilson Terry Roberts (0/1) Cooks Gardens, Wanganui 10 September 1977 Wairarapa Bush y 7–3 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 Waikato y John Tuckerman Neil Kjestrup (0/1) Ian Barry Blake (1/1) Kit Fawcett (1/1) Memorial Park, Masterton 17 September 1977 Waikato y 16–6 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 Poverty Bay y Trevor IrwinKevin Greene Trevor Irwin (1/2) Trevor Irwin (1/1) Ross McGlashan (1/1) Ian Kirkpatrick Laurie Holmes (1/1) Rugby Park, Hamilton 10 September 1977 Wanganui y 40–25 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 Thames Valley y Richard Murray (3)Bill Osborne (2)Rob MansonKerry O'Hara Bob Barrell (2/6)Murdoch McKenzie (1/1) Bob Barrell (2/2) Don McMillan (2)Brian DugganReg Hennessy Graham Bax (3/4) Graham Bax (1/1) Cooks Gardens, Wanganui 21 September 1977 North Auckland y 23–3 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 Poverty Bay y Charles Going (2)Toni Waaka Mike Gunson (2/2)John Belton (1/1) Laurie Holmes (1/1) Okara Park, Whangārei 24 September 1977 North Auckland y 9–6 Howitt McDonald 1977 102-103 Waikato y Mike Gunson (2/2) Eddie Dunn (1/1) Trevor Irwin (2/2) Okara Park, Whangārei Division 2 (South Island) Pos Team Pld W D L PF PA PD TF Pts1South Canterbury y550011121+9017102Mid Canterbury y54018736+511583Nelson Bays y53025663−7664West Coast y52036581−16945North Otago y51044399−56526Buller y50051880−6220 Results June 6 June 1977 South Canterbury y 17–4 Howitt McDonald 1977 105 Mid Canterbury y Ian Palmer (2)Neville Richards Doug Nicol (1/3) Doug Nicol (1/1) Paul Williams Fraser Park, Timaru 6 June 1977 Nelson Bays y 10–3 Howitt McDonald 1977 105 Buller y Stewart Robertson Jim Speedy (0/1) Jim Speedy (2/2) Rex Mumm (1/1) Trafalgar Park, Nelson 11 June 1977 Buller y 3–12 Howitt McDonald 1977 105 West Coast y Alan Ireland (1/1) Peter Teen Gavin Cook (1/1) Gavin Cook (1/1)Kelvin McBride (1/1) Victoria Square, Westport July 23 July 1977 Mid Canterbury y 20–0 Howitt McDonald 1977 105 Buller y Geoff BryantJohn GreensladeAlan GrieveAlan Edge Murray Straight (2/4) Ashburton Showgrounds, Ashburton 26 July 1977 South Canterbury y 26–6 Howitt McDonald 1977 105 Buller y Ian Palmer (3)Doug NicolTony GoddardBarry Gallagher Doug Nicol (1/6) Piet Groot Rex Mumm (1/1) Fraser Park, Timaru August 6 August 1977 West Coast y 4–11 Howitt McDonald 1977 105 Nelson Bays y Ken Beams Stewart Robertson (2) Jim Speedy (0/2) Jim Speedy (1/1) Rugby Park, Greymouth 6 August 1977 Buller y 6–12 Howitt McDonald 1977 105 North Otago y Rex Mumm Rex Mumm (1/1) Gary Fairbanks Barry Simpson (1/1) Barry Simpson (2/2) Victoria Square, Westport 9 August 1977 West Coast y 35–13 Howitt McDonald 1977 105 North Otago y Peter Teen (3)Bruce DavidsonKen Beams Stephen Boon (3/5) Stephen Boon (2/2) Stephen Boon (1/1) Gary FairbanksPhil Winter Barry Simpson (1/2) Barry Simpson (1/1) Rugby Park, Greymouth 25 August 1977 North Otago y 15–22 Howitt McDonald 1977 105 Nelson Bays y Graham Johnston (2) Barry Simpson (2/2) Barry Simpson (1/1) Stewart RobertsonGraham Rogers Jim Speedy (1/2) Jim Speedy (4/4) Centennial Park, Oamaru 27 August 1977 South Canterbury y 12–0 Howitt McDonald 1977 105 Nelson Bays y Doug Nicol (2/2) Doug Nicol (1/1)Tony Goddard (1/1) Fraser Park, Timaru 30 August 1977 Mid Canterbury y 29–13 Howitt McDonald 1977 105 Nelson Bays y Geoff Bryant (5) Ian McLenaghen (0/5) Ian McLenaghen (1/1) Murray Roulston (1/1) Colin Haigh Jim Speedy (0/1) Jim Speedy (2/8) Jim Speedy (1/1) Ashburton Showgrounds, Ashburton September 3 September 1977 North Otago y 3–27 Howitt McDonald 1977 105 South Canterbury y Barry Simpson (1/1) Ian PalmerDoug NicolBill AndersonRobin Heron Doug Nicol (1/4) Doug Nicol (3/3) Centennial Park, Oamaru 3 September 1977 Mid Canterbury y 25–6 Howitt McDonald 1977 105 West Coast y Geoff Bryant (3)Alan Grieve (2) Ian McLenaghen (1/5) Ian McLenaghen (1/1) David Curtain (2/2) Ashburton Showgrounds, Ashburton 17 September 1977 West Coast y 8–29 Howitt McDonald 1977 105 South Canterbury y Ken Beams Russell Johns (1/1) Neville RichardsRobin HeronPeter WalshDoug Nicol Doug Nicol (2/4) Doug Nicol (3/3) Rugby Park, Greymouth 17 September 1977 North Otago y 0–9 Howitt McDonald 1977 105 Mid Canterbury y Jock Ross (1/1) Murray Roulston (2/2) Centennial Park, Oamaru Promotion/Relegation Bay of Plenty and Marlborough finished in the bottom two of Division 1. The winners of Division 2 North, North Auckland, were automatically promoted to Division 1; Bay of Plenty were relegated, just one season after they won the National Championship. The winners of Division 2 South, South Canterbury, played Marlborough and won 13–9 to earn promotion to Division 1; Marlborough were relegated to Division 2. Citations References Howitt Bob McDonald Sandy DB Rugby Annual 1977 1977 Moa Auckland 0 908570 15 5 thesilverfern.co.nz (Archived 2009-05-06) 1977 1