Updated NPC Round Five Preview: Southland vs Hawkes Bay
This preview has been updated on 10 September 2026 ahead of round five of the NPC. Southland vs Hawkes Bay is the standout fixture of the weekend, with the two sides meeting at Invercargill Rugby Park.
The table tells its own story going in. Hawkes Bay arrive as the form side of the competition, while Southland are still searching for the consistency to match them.
Hawkes Bay Arrive in Invercargill on Perfect Four-Match Winning Run
Hawkes Bay come into round five unbeaten. Four wins from four matches have carried them to the top of the NPC table.
Every one of those wins has come with a bonus point attached. That maximum haul makes them the benchmark side in this year’s competition, and it will take a big performance from Southland to knock them off their perch at Rugby Park.
Southland Aim to Build on Seven-Point Start at Rugby Park
Southland’s campaign has been steadier than spectacular. One win from their opening rounds has brought them seven points on the table.
It leaves them well adrift of the leaders. A home fixture against the competition’s only unbeaten side is a demanding way to close that gap, but it also gives Southland the chance to test themselves against the standard Hawkes Bay have set.
Southland vs Hawkes Bay Head-to-Head History
Recent history is firmly in Hawkes Bay’s favour. They have won 10 of the last 11 meetings between the two sides, with Southland’s only victory in that stretch coming back in 2020.
That record puts round five in context. Southland have found a way past Hawkes Bay before, but it has happened only once in over a decade of recent fixtures, and the visitors’ current form suggests another difficult afternoon for the home side.
What Happens Next in the NPC Title Race
Hawkes Bay’s perfect start keeps them clear favourites in the race for the NPC title. A fifth straight win at Invercargill would extend that lead and pile more pressure on the chasing pack.
Southland, meanwhile, need points on the board to stay in touch. Anything they take from this game, even a losing bonus point, would be a useful step after a slow start to the season.
Readers wanting more from the wider competition can catch up with our rugby union news summary and the latest domestic rugby news. Full detail on how this fixture was first shaping up is available in our original preview of the match.
