2006 Air New Zealand Cup

2006 Air New Zealand Cup season
2006 Air New Zealand Cup season
Countries	New Zealand
Date	28 July – 21 October 2006
Champions	Waikato
Runners-up	Wellington
Matches played	70
Tries scored	374 ; (average 5.3 per match)
Top point scorer	Jimmy Gopperth (Wellington); 121 points
Top try scorer	Richard Kahui (Waikato); 8 tries
Official website
	allblacks.com
	2007 →

The 2006 Air New Zealand Cup was the inaugural season of the Air New Zealand Cup, contested by teams from New Zealand. The season ran from July to October 2006. At the end of the regular season, the top team from Repechage A and B joined with teams from the Top Six who entered the quarter-finals, with the winners going through to the semi-finals.^[1] The winner of each semi-final qualified for the final, which was contested between Waikato and Wellington, with Waikato winning 37–31 to win the first Air New Zealand Cup title.^[2]

This season was the first of the expanded competition, which has succeeded the First Division of the National Provincial Championship. It also saw the introduction of four new teams, Hawke's Bay, Counties Manukau, Manawatu and the newly formed Tasman (a merger of Nelson Bays and Marlborough).^[3] On 3 June 2006, the Commerce Commission accepted the NZRU proposal of a salary cap for the Air New Zealand Cup. This was mainly so that the talent pool of players could be spread between the 14 rugby unions.^[4]

Competition format[edit]

Covering ten weeks, the schedule featured a total of 70 matches. The fourteen unions were grouped by the top three places in each pool, they advanced and secured a spot in the top six. Auckland secured the top position at the start of the second round. Competition points from round one carried over to round two, and teams were seeded according to total points won. If necessary of a tiebreaker, when two or more teams finish on equal points, the union who defeated the other in a head-to-head gets placed higher. In case of a draw between them, the side with the biggest points deferential margin will get rights to be ranked above. If they are tied on points difference, it is then decided by a highest scored try count or a coin toss.^[5]

Three teams receive two home fixtures in Round Two:

The first-place teams in each pool (Auckland in Pool A, Waikato in Pool B).
The higher-ranked of the two second-place teams (Canterbury, which won a tiebreaker by virtue of a better point differential than North Harbour).

The remaining three teams receive only one home fixture apiece.

Similarly, the top two teams in each repechage pool, based on competition points earned in Round one (with tiebreakers applied as needed), earn two home fixtures in Round two, with the other teams receiving one apiece. Bay of Plenty and Counties Manukau earned the extra home fixture in Repechage A, while Southland and Taranaki earned this privilege in Repechage B.

In Round two saw each team in the competition played three fixtures in this round. In the Top Six, each team played the three teams that it did not play in Round one. Each team in the repechage pools played the other teams in its pool once.

For the teams in the Top Six, competition points carried over from Round one. All Top Six teams advanced to the quarterfinals, with their seedings determined by their positions at the end of Round two.

In the two repechage pools, competition points did not carry over from Round one. The top team in each pool at the end of Round two advanced to the quarterfinals. The two repechage winners received the seventh and eighth seeds, determined based on competition points at the end of Round two.

At the end of Week 9, Auckland, Waikato and North Harbour secured home quarter-finals. Bay of Plenty secured the top spot in Repechage A. In Repechage B, Taranaki dropped out of contention for the top spot.

After defeating Manawatu in Week 10, Bay of Plenty clinched the higher placing of the two repechage quarter-final slots. Also in Week 10, Otago's loss to Wellington placed Otago at the bottom of the Top 6 going into the quarter-finals. The fourth home quarter-final went to Wellington; although Canterbury defeated Auckland, they did not earn the bonus point they needed to pass Wellington on the table. Wellington's victory over Canterbury in Week 8 gave them the advantage in the tiebreaker.

Southland earned the top spot in Repechage B by means of a 19-12 bonus-point loss to Northland, putting them one point ahead of the Taniwha.

The battle for the top overall seed came down to the final match in pool play. Waikato claimed the top seed by defeating North Harbour. Regardless of the Waikato-Harbour result, Auckland was assured of no worse than the second seed they eventually received. Harbour received the third seed.

Standings[edit]

Pool A
#	Team	GP	W	D	L	PF	PA	PD	BP	PTS
1	Auckland	6	5	0	1	195	63	+132	5	25
2	North Harbour	6	5	0	1	142	92	+50	3	23
3	Wellington	6	5	0	1	121	90	+31	1	21

4	Bay of Plenty	6	3	0	3	116	129	-13	1	13
5	Taranaki	6	2	0	4	86	128	-42	1	9
6	Tasman	6	1	0	5	133	163	-30	4	8
7	Manawatu	6	0	0	6	46	174	-128	1	1

Pool B
#	Team	GP	W	D	L	PF	PA	PD	BP	PTS
1	Waikato	6	5	0	1	187	124	+63	4	24
2	Canterbury	6	5	0	1	170	87	+93	3	23
3	Otago	6	5	0	1	153	76	+77	3	23

4	Southland	6	2	0	4	88	123	-35	2	10
5	Counties Manukau	6	1	0	5	130	158	-28	5	9
6	Hawke's Bay	6	1	1	4	109	192	-83	2	8
7	Northland	6	1	1	4	104	181	-77	0	6

Overall
#	Team	GP	W	D	L	PF	PA	PD	BP	PTS
1	Waikato	9	7	1	1	277	182	+95	6	36
2	Auckland	9	6	1	2	287	119	+168	8	34
3	RS – North Harbour	9	7	0	2	206	158	+48	3	31
4	Wellington	9	7	0	2	189	165	+24	1	29
5	Canterbury	9	6	0	3	238	156	+82	5	29
6	Otago	9	5	0	4	192	173	+19	4	24

7	Bay of Plenty	3	3	0	0	100	34	+66	2	14
8	Southland	3	2	0	1	55	50	+5	1	9

9	Hawke's Bay	3	2	0	1	63	74	-11	1	9
10	Northland	3	2	0	1	57	85	-28	0	8
11	Taranaki	3	1	0	2	76	60	+16	3	7
12	Tasman	3	1	0	2	87	80	+7	1	5
13	Counties Manukau	3	0	1	2	65	93	-28	3	5
14	Manawatu	3	0	1	2	51	78	-27	0	2

Round-by-round[edit]

Team	Points by Round																				Total		Average
Team	1		2		3		4		5		6		7		8		9		10		Total		Average
Auckland	41	10	46	6	29	3	45	27	11	14	23	3			22	22	48	7	22	27	287	119	31.88	13.22
Bay of Plenty			6	11	7	25	27	45	33	15	23	17	20	16	38	11	35	7	27	16	216	163	24	18.11
Canterbury	45	0	25	11	22	36	24	7			22	17	32	16	24	26	17	21	27	22	238	156	26.44	17.33
Counties Manukau	19	23			29	51	17	21	20	23	29	8	16	32	11	38	25	25	29	30	195	251	21.66	27.88
Hawke's Bay	0	45	0	37	51	29			24	24	23	42	11	15	26	10	7	35	30	29	172	266	19.11	29.55
Manawatu	10	41			0	43	12	18	15	33	3	11	6	28	10	26	25	25	16	27	97	252	10.77	28
North Harbour	33	27	22	13	25	7	31	16			3	23	28	6	28	18	21	17	15	31	206	158	22.88	17.55
Northland	21	36	11	25	6	37	21	17	24	24			21	42	23	17	15	56	19	12	161	266	17.88	29.55
Otago	23	19	37	0	37	6	24	21	15	8	17	22			18	28	7	48	14	21	192	173	21.33	19.22
Southland	36	21	14	23			7	24	8	15	8	29	15	11	23	14	20	17	12	19	143	173	15.88	19.22
Taranaki	14	30	13	22	3	29	18	12	22	15			16	20	17	23	17	20	42	17	162	188	18	20.88
Tasman	27	33	6	46	43	0			15	22	17	23	25	39	14	23	56	15	17	42	220	243	24.44	27
Waikato			23	14	36	22	21	24	23	20	42	23	42	21	22	22	37	21	31	15	235	182	26.11	20.22
Wellington	30	14	11	6			16	31	14	11	11	3	39	25	26	24	21	37	21	14	189	165	21	18.33

For	Against

Team	Tries by Round																				Total		Average
Team	1		2		3		4		5		6		7		8		9		10		Total		Average
Auckland	7	1	8	0	4	0	6	3	1	2	2	0			4	3	6	1	1	3	39	13	4.33	1.44
Bay of Plenty			0	1	1	3	3	6	3	2	2	2	1	1	4	1	5	1	3	1	22	18	2.44	2
Canterbury	6	0	4	1	3	5	2	1			3	2	4	1	2	2	2	3	3	1	29	16	3.22	1.77
Counties Manukau	1	2			4	7	2	3	2	3	5	1	1	4	1	4	3	3	4	3	23	30	2.55	3.33
Hawke's Bay	0	6	0	5	7	4			3	2	3	5	1	0	4	1	1	5	3	4	22	32	2.44	3.55
Manawatu	1	7			0	6	2	2	2	3	0	1	0	5	1	4	3	3	1	3	10	34	1.11	3.77
North Harbour	5	3	2	1	3	1	4	1			0	2	5	0	3	2	3	2	2	4	27	16	3	1.77
Northland	2	4	1	4	0	4	3	2	2	3			2	6	2	3	2	7	3	0	17	33	1.88	3.66
Otago	2	1	5	0	4	0	3	2	2	1	2	3			2	3	1	6	1	3	22	19	2.44	2.11
Southland	4	2	2	2			1	2	1	2	1	5	0	1	2	1	2	2	0	3	13	20	1.44	2.22
Taranaki	1	3	1	2	0	4	2	2	3	2			1	1	3	2	2	2	5	2	18	20	2	2.22
Tasman	3	5	0	8	6	0			2	3	2	2	3	5	1	2	7	2	2	5	26	32	2.88	3.55
Waikato			2	2	5	3	2	3	3	2	5	3	6	2	3	4	5	3	4	2	35	24	3.88	2.66
Wellington	3	1	1	0			1	4	2	1	1	0	5	3	2	2	3	5	3	1	21	17	2.33	1.88

For	Against

Regular season[edit]

Confirmed fixture matches for 2006 season as follows:

Round 1[edit]

	28 July 2006	Hawke's Bay	0–45	Canterbury	McLean Park, Napier
	19:35 NZST		Report	Try: Cameron McIntyre (2), Mose Tuiali'i (2), Stephen Brett, Campbell Johnstone Con: Ben Blair (6) Pen: Ben Blair	Referee: Paul Honiss

	29 July 2006	Manawatu	10–41	Auckland	FMG Stadium, Palmerston North
	14:00 NZST	Try: Rob Foreman Con: Graham Smith Pen: Graham Smith	Report	Try: Jamie Helleur (2), Brad Mika, Lachie Munro, Saimone Taumoepeau, Joe Tekori, Brent Ward Con: Brent Ward (2), Isa Nacewa	Referee: Keith Brown

	29 July 2006	Counties Manukau	19–23	Otago	Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland
	16:00 NZST	Try: Kristian Ormsby Con: Blair Feeney Pen: Blair Feeney (4)	Report	Try: Josh Blackie, Callum Bruce Con: Nick Evans (2) Pen: Nick Evans (3)	Referee: Jonathon White

	29 July 2006	Taranaki	14–30	Wellington	Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
	18:05 NZST	Try: Matt Harvey Pen: Miah Nikora (3)	Report	Try: Lome Fa'atau, Jimmy Gopperth, Cory Jane Con: Jimmy Gopperth (3) Pen: Jimmy Gopperth (3)	Referee: Kelvin Deaker

	30 July 2006	Northland	21–36	Southland	ITM Stadium, Whangarei
	14:35 NZST	Try: David Holwell, Rene Ranger Con: David Holwell Pen: David Holwell (3)	Report	Try: Dion Bates, Hoani MacDonald, Pehi Te Whare, Kane Thompson Con: Blair Stewart (2) Pen: Blair Stewart (4)	Referee: Steve Walsh

	30 July 2006	Tasman	27–33	North Harbour	Lansdowne Park, Blenheim
	16:35 NZST	Try: Kahn Fotuali'i, Tristan Moran, Peter Playford Con: Ben Gollings (3) Pen: Ben Gollings (2)	Report	Try: Francis Stowers (2), Adrian Donald, Tusi Pisi, Viliame Waqaseduadua Con: Tusi Pisi (4)	Referee: Lyndon Bray

Bye/s: Bay of Plenty, Waikato

Round 2[edit]

	4 August 2006	Wellington	11–6	Bay of Plenty	Westpac Stadium, Wellington
	19:35 NZST	Try: Cory Jane Pen: Jimmy Gopperth (2)	Report	Pen: Murray Williams (2)	Attendance: 16,471

	5 August 2006	Northland	11–25	Canterbury	ITM Stadium, Whangarei
	14:35 NZST	Try: Marshall Milroy Pen: Daniel Bowden (2)	Report	Try: Tim Bateman, Kevin O'Neill, Isaac Ross, Kevin Senio Con: Stephen Brett Pen: Cameron McIntyre	Referee: Jonathon White

	5 August 2006	North Harbour	22–13	Taranaki	North Harbour Stadium, Albany
	17:30 NZST	Try: Adrian Donald, James Hinchco Pen: Luke McAlister (4)	Report	Try: Andrew Hore Con: Miah Nikora Pen: Miah Nikora (2)	Referee: Gary Wise

	5 August 2006	Southland	14–23	Waikato	Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill
	19:35 NZST	Try: Jimmy Cowan, Iona Sipa Con: Blair Stewart (2)	Report	Try: Stephen Donald, Sitiveni Sivivatu Con: Stephen Donald (2) Pen: Stephen Donald (3)	Referee: Chris Pollock

	6 August 2006	Auckland	46–6	Tasman	Eden Park, Auckland
	14:35 NZST	Try: Doug Howlett (2), Ben Atiga, Andrew Blowers, Isa Nacewa, David Smith, Isaia Toeava, Brent Ward Con: Brent Ward (3)	Report	Pen: Ben Gollings (2)	Referee: Chris Rooney

	6 August 2006	Otago	37–0	Hawke's Bay	Carisbrook, Dunedin
	16:35 NZST	Try: Alando Soakai (2), Craig Clare, Tom Donnelly, Ben Smith Con: Nick Evans (3) Pen: Nick Evans (2)	Report		Referee: Keith Brown

Bye/s: Manawatu, Counties Manukau

Round 3[edit]

	11 August 2006	Waikato	36–22	Canterbury	Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
	19:35 NZST	Try: Richard Kahui (2), Stephen Donald, Liam Messam, Sitiveni Sivivatu Con: Stephen Donald (4) Pen: Stephen Donald	Report	Try: Casey Laulala (2), Caleb Ralph Con: Ben Blair (2) Pen: Ben Blair	Referee: Kelvin Deaker

	12 August 2006	Tasman	43–0	Manawatu	Lansdowne Park, Blenheim
	14:35 NZST	Try: Robbie Malneek (3), Ben Gollings, Ti'i Paulo, Jonathan Poff Con: Ben Gollings (5) Pen: Ben Gollings	Report		Referee: Keith Brown

	12 August 2006	Taranaki	3–29	Auckland	Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
	17:30 NZST	Pen: Miah Nikora	Report	Try: Doug Howlett, Taniela Moa, Joe Rokocoko, Sam Tuitupou Con: Brent Ward (3) Pen: Brent Ward	Referee: Chris Pollock

	12 August 2006	Bay of Plenty	7–25	North Harbour	Blue Chip Stadium, Mt Maunganui
	19:35 NZST	Try: James Afoa Con: Mike Delany	Report	Try: Roger Dustow, George Pisi, Viliame Waqaseduadua Con: Luke McAlister (2) Pen: Luke McAlister (2)	Referee: Chris White

	13 August 2006	Hawke's Bay	51–29	Counties Manukau	McLean Park, Napier
	14:35 NZST	Try: Bryn Evans, Ryan Glover, Michael Johnson, Danny Lee, Lote Raikabula, Tom Symes, Joe Wright Con: Aayden Clarke (5) Pen: Matt Berquist, Aayden Clarke	Report	Try: Lelia Masaga (2), Simon Lemalu, Troy Nathan Con: Blair Feeney (3) Pen: Blair Feeney	Referee: Lyndon Bray

	13 August 2006	Otago	37–6	Northland	Carisbrook, Dunedin
	16:35 NZST	Try: Neil Brew, Nick Evans, Chris King, Greg Zampach Con: Nick Evans (4) Pen: Nick Evans (3)	Report	Pen: Daniel Bowden (2)	Referee: Paul Honiss

Bye/s: Southland, Wellington

Round 4[edit]

	18 August 2006	Canterbury	24–7	Southland	Jade Stadium, Christchurch
	19:35 NZST	Try: Ben Blair, Craig Clarke Con: Cameron McIntyre Pen: Cameron McIntyre (4)	Report	Try: Hale T-Pole Con: Blair Stewart	Referee: Lyndon Bray

	19 August 2006	Manawatu	12–18	Taranaki	FMG Stadium, Palmerston North
	12:00 NZST	Try: Nathan Kemp, Hayden Triggs Con: Ryan Bambry	Report	Try: Laurence Corlett, Brendan Haami Con: Miah Nikora Pen: Miah Nikora (2)	Referee: Josh Noonan

	19 August 2006	Otago	24–21	Waikato	Carisbrook, Dunedin
	14:00 NZST	Try: Josh Blackie, Filipo Levi, Greg Zampach Con: Nick Evans (3) Pen: Nick Evans	Report	Try: Brendon Leonard, Liam Messam Con: Stephen Donald Pen: Stephen Donald (3)	Referee: Gary Wise

	20 August 2006	Counties Manukau	17–21	Northland	Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland
	12:30 NZST	Try: Blair Feeney, Niva Ta'auso Con: Blair Feeney (2) Pen: Blair Feeney	Report	Try: David Holwell, Josh Levi, Jake Paringatai Con: David Holwell (3)	Referee: Chris Pollock

	20 August 2006	Auckland	45–27	Bay of Plenty	Eden Park, Auckland
	14:35 NZST	Try: Steve Devine (2), David Smith (2), Brent Ward (2) Con: Brent Ward (3) Pen: Brent Ward (2)	Report	Try: Cory Aporo (2), Nili Latu Con: Mike Delany (3) Pen: Mike Delany (2)	Referee: Steve Walsh

	20 August 2006	North Harbour	31–16	Wellington	North Harbour Stadium, Albany
	16:35 NZST	Try: Viliami Maʻafu, George Pisi, Anthony Tuitavake, Viliame Waqaseduadua Con: Tusi Pisi (4) Pen: Tusi Pisi	Report	Try: Ross Filipo Con: Jimmy Gopperth Pen: Jimmy Gopperth (3)	Referee: Paul Honiss

Bye/s: Tasman, Hawke's Bay

Round 5[edit]

	25 August 2006	Southland	8–15	Otago	Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill
	19:35 NZST	Try: Clarke Dermody Drop: Blair Stewart	Report	Try: Ben Smith, Adam Thomson Con: Nick Evans Pen: Nick Evans	Referee: Jonathon White

	26 August 2006	Bay of Plenty	33–15	Manawatu	Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua
	14:35 NZST	Try: Charles Baxter (2), Jamie Nutbrown Con: Mike Delany (3) Pen: Mike Delany (4)	Report	Try: Nick Crosswell, Penalty try Con: Ryan Bambry Pen: Ryan Bambry	Referee: Gary Wise

	26 August 2006	Waikato	23–20	Counties Manukau	Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
	17:30 NZST	Try: Sosene Anesi, Mark Burman, Roger Randle Con: Stephen Donald Pen: Stephen Donald (2)	Report	Try: Siale Piutau, Taiasina Tuifu'a Con: Blair Feeney (2) Pen: Blair Feeney (2)	Referee: Bryce Lawrence

	26 August 2006	Wellington	14–11	Auckland	Westpac Stadium, Wellington
	19:35 NZST	Try: Ross Filipo, Ben Herring Con: Tamati Ellison (2)	Report	Try: Onosai Tololima-Auva'a Pen: Brent Ward (2)	Attendance: 10,406 Referee: Kelvin Deaker

	27 August 2006	Taranaki	22–15	Tasman	Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
	14:35 NZST	Try: Lifeimi Mafi, Paul Perez, Tomasi Soqeta Con: Miah Nikora (2) Pen: Miah Nikora	Report	Try: Mark Bright, Kahn Fotuali'i Con: Tim Taylor Pen: Tim Taylor	Referee: Chris Pollock

	27 August 2006	Northland	24–24	Hawke's Bay	ITM Stadium, Whangarei
	16:35 NZST	Try: Jake Paringatai, Hayden Taylor Con: David Holwell Pen: David Holwell (4)	Report	Try: Nathan Mauger (2), Tafai Ioasa Con: Aayden Clarke (3) Pen: Aayden Clarke	Referee: Steve Walsh

Bye/s: Canterbury, North Harbour

Round 6[edit]

	1 September 2006	Auckland	23–3	North Harbour	Eden Park, Auckland
	19:35 NZST	Try: Daniel Braid, Chris Heard Con: Brent Ward (2) Pen: Brent Ward (3)	Report	Pen: Tusi Pisi	Referee: Gary Wise

	2 September 2006	Tasman	17–23	Bay of Plenty	Lansdowne Park, Blenheim
	14:35 NZST	Try: Ben Gollings, Aaron Kimura Pen: Tim Taylor	Report	Try: Jamie Nutbrown, Anthony Tahana Con: Mike Delany (2) Pen: Mike Delany (3)	Referee: Keith Brown

	2 September 2006	Manawatu	3–11	Wellington	FMG Stadium, Palmerston North
	17:30 NZST	Pen: Graham Smith	Report	Try: Conrad Smith Pen: Tamati Ellison (2)	Referee: Kelvin Deaker

	2 September 2006	Canterbury	22–17	Otago	Jade Stadium, Christchurch
	19:35 NZST	Try: Campbell Johnstone, Cameron McIntyre, Mose Tuiali'i Con: Ben Blair (2) Pen: Ben Blair	Report	Try: Josh Blackie, Greg Zampach Con: Nick Evans (2) Pen: Nick Evans	Referee: Bryce Lawrence

	3 September 2006	Hawke's Bay	23–42	Waikato	McLean Park, Napier
	14:35 NZST	Try: Tukulua Lokotui, Nathan Mauger, Lote Raikabula Con: Aayden Clarke Pen: Matt Berquist, Aayden Clarke	Report	Try: Sosene Anesi, Sione Lauaki, Liam Messam, Willie Ripia, Stephen Setephano Con: David Hill (4) Pen: David Hill (3)	Referee: Matt Stanish

	3 September 2006	Counties Manukau	29–8	Southland	Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland
	16:35 NZST	Try: Ben Meyer (2), Kristian Ormsby (2), Lelia Masaga Con: Blair Feeney (2)	Report	Try: Blair Stewart Pen: Blair Stewart	Referee: Paul Honiss

Bye/s: Northland, Taranaki

Round 7[edit]

	8 September 2006	North Harbour	28–6	Manawatu	North Harbour Stadium, Albany
	19:35 NZST	Try: Anthony Tuitavake (2), George Pisi, Nick Williams, Rudi Wulf Pen: Tusi Pisi	Report	Pen: Graham Smith (2)	Referee: Jonathon White

	9 September 2006	Waikato	42–21	Northland	Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
	14:35 NZST	Try: Richard Kahui (3), Roy Kinikinilau, Liam Messam, Dwayne Sweeney Con: David Hill (6)	Report	Try: Daniel Bowden, David Gibson Con: David Holwell Pen: David Holwell (3)	Referee: Keith Brown

	9 September 2006	Southland	15–11	Hawke's Bay	Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill
	17:30 NZST	Pen: Blair Stewart (5)	Report	Try: Danny Lee Pen: Matt Berquist (2)	Referee: Bryce Lawrence

	9 September 2006	Bay of Plenty	20–16	Taranaki	Blue Chip Stadium, Mt Maunganui
	19:35 NZST	Try: Anthony Tahana Pen: Mike Delany (5)	Report	Try: Scott Waldrom Con: Miah Nikora Pen: Miah Nikora (3)	Referee: Kelvin Deaker

	10 September 2006	Canterbury	32–16	Counties Manukau	Jade Stadium, Christchurch
	14:35 NZST	Try: Stephen Brett, Scott Hamilton, Kieran Read, Isaac Ross Con: Cameron McIntyre (3) Pen: Cameron McIntyre (2)	Report	Try: Andrew van der Heijden Con: Blair Feeney Pen: Blair Feeney (3)	Referee: Chris Pollock

	10 September 2006	Wellington	39–25	Tasman	Westpac Stadium, Wellington
	16:35 NZST	Try: Tamati Ellison, Cory Jane, Alby Mathewson, Jeremy Thrush, Tana Umaga Con: Jimmy Gopperth (4) Pen: Jimmy Gopperth (2)	Report	Try: Cory Holdaway, James King, Peter Playford Con: Tim Taylor (2) Pen: Tim Taylor (2)	Attendance: 11,200 Referee: Matt Stanish

Bye/s: Auckland, Otago

Round 8[edit]

	15 September 2006	Taranaki	17–23	Northland	Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
	18:05 NZST	Try: Miah Nikora, Lifeimi Mafi, Michael Tagicakibau Con: Miah Nikora	Report	Try: Tony Coughlan, Dan Goodwin Con: David Holwell (2) Pen: David Holwell (3)	Referee: Vinny Munro

	15 September 2006	Hawke's Bay	26–10	Manawatu	McLean Park, Napier
	20:05 NZST	Try: Israel Dagg, Jacob Kennedy, Danny Lee, Tukulua Lokotui Con: Matt Berquist (2), Aayden Clarke	Report	Try: Leon Lubbe Con: Graham Smith Pen: Graham Smith	Referee: Matt Stanish

	16 September 2006	Southland	23–14	Tasman	Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill
	14:35 NZST	Try: Watisoni Lotawa, Kendrick Lynn Con: Blair Stewart (2) Pen: Blair Stewart (3)	Report	Try: Robbie Malneek Pen: Ben Gollings (3)	Referee: Kelvin Deaker

	16 September 2006	Bay of Plenty	38–11	Counties Manukau	Blue Chip Stadium, Mt Maunganui
	17:30 NZST	Try: Nili Latu, Aaron Rameka, Hayden Reid, Murray Williams Con: Murray Williams (3) Pen: Murray Williams (4)	Report	Try: James Maher Pen: Blair Feeney, Troy Nathan	Referee: Jonathon White

	16 September 2006	Auckland	22–22	Waikato	Eden Park, Auckland
	19:35 NZST	Try: Kurtis Haiu, Brad Mika, David Smith, Saimone Taumoepeau Con: Ben Atiga	Report	Try: Roy Kinikinilau, Liam Messam, Dwayne Sweeney Con: David Hill (2) Pen: David Hill	Referee: Chris Pollock

	17 September 2006	North Harbour	28–18	Otago	North Harbour Stadium, Albany
	14:35 NZST	Try: James Rodley, Anthony Tuitavake, Nick Williams Con: Tusi Pisi (2) Pen: Tusi Pisi (3)	Report	Try: Neil Brew (2) Con: Nick Evans Pen: Nick Evans (2)	Referee: Bryce Lawrence

	17 September 2006	Wellington	26–24	Canterbury	Westpac Stadium, Wellington
	16:35 NZST	Try: Cory Jane, Ma'a Nonu Con: Jimmy Gopperth (2) Pen: Jimmy Gopperth (4)	Report	Try: Stephen Brett, Casey Laulala Con: Cameron McIntyre Pen: Cameron McIntyre (3) Drop: Andy Ellis	Attendance: 14,310 Referee: Paul Honiss

Round 9[edit]

	21 September 2006	Southland	20–17	Taranaki	Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill
	19:05 NZST	Try: Watisoni Lotawa (2) Con: Blair Stewart (2) Pen: Blair Stewart (2)	Report	Try: Census Johnston, Scott Waldrom Con: Kurt Morath, Miah Nikora Pen: Miah Nikora	Referee: Gary Wise

	22 September 2006	Bay of Plenty	35–7	Hawke's Bay	Blue Chip Stadium, Mt Maunganui
	18:05 NZST	Try: Charles Baxter, Garrick Cowley, Simms Davison, Lance MacDonald, Murray Williams Con: Murray Williams (2) Pen: Murray Williams (2)	Report	Try: Sona Taumalolo Con: Aayden Clarke	Referee: Chris Pollock

	22 September 2006	Counties Manukau	25–25	Manawatu	Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland
	20:05 NZST	Try: Grant Henson, Lelia Masaga, Andrew van der Heijden Con: Troy Nathan (2) Pen: Troy Nathan (2)	Report	Try: Francisco Bosch, Graham Smith, Tane Tuʻipulotu Con: Matty James (2) Pen: Matty James (2)	Referee: Brent Murray

	23 September 2006	Tasman	56–15	Northland	Lansdowne Park, Blenheim
	14:35 NZST	Try: Peter Playford (4), Rico Gear, Lucky Mulipola, Jonathan Poff Con: Aaron Kimura (6) Pen: Aaron Kimura (3)	Report	Try: Justin Collins, Tim Dow Con: David Holwell Pen: David Holwell	Referee: Lyndon Bray

	23 September 2006	Waikato	37–21	Wellington	Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
	17:30 NZST	Try: Sitiveni Sivivatu (2), Byron Kelleher, Brendon Leonard, Liam Messam Con: David Hill (3) Pen: David Hill (2)	Report	Try: Jimmy Gopperth, Ben Herring, Cory Jane Con: Jimmy Gopperth (3)	Referee: Steve Walsh

	23 September 2006	Auckland	48–7	Otago	Eden Park, Auckland
	19:35 NZST	Try: Andrew Blowers, Tasesa Lavea, Taniela Moa, Lachie Munro, Isa Nacewa, Isaia Toeava Con: Brent Ward (4), Ben Atiga (2) Pen: Brent Ward (2)	Report	Try: Greg Zampach Con: Nick Evans	Referee: Paul Honiss

	24 September 2006	Canterbury	17–21	North Harbour	Jade Stadium, Christchurch
	16:35 NZST	Try: Scott Hamilton, Cameron McIntyre Con: Cameron McIntyre (2) Pen: Cameron McIntyre	Report	Try: Viliame Waqaseduadua (2), Rua Tipoki Con: Luke McAlister (3)	Referee: Kelvin Deaker

Round 10[edit]

	28 September 2006	Manawatu	16–27	Bay of Plenty	FMG Stadium, Palmerston North
	19:05 NZST	Try: Francisco Bosch Con: Graham Smith Pen: Matty James (3)	Report	Try: Cory Aporo, Jamie Nutbrown, Warren Smith Con: Murray Williams (3) Pen: Murray Williams (2)	Referee: Gary Wise

	29 September 2006	Otago	14–21	Wellington	Carisbrook, Dunedin
	19:35 NZST	Try: Josh Blackie Pen: Nick Evans (3)	Report	Try: Cory Jane, Ma'a Nonu, Tana Umaga Con: Jimmy Gopperth (3)	Referee: Kelvin Deaker

	30 September 2006	Counties Manukau	29–30	Hawke's Bay	Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland
	14:35 NZST	Try: Lance Easton, Kane Hancy, Grant Henson, Nigel Watson Con: Troy Nathan (3) Pen: Troy Nathan	Report	Try: Danny Lee, Karl Lowe, Daniel Waenga Con: Matt Berquist (2), Aayden Clarke Pen: Matt Berquist (3)	Referee: Josh Noonan

	30 September 2006	Taranaki	42–17	Tasman	Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
	17:30 NZST	Try: Paul Perez (2), Census Johnston, Asalemo Malo, Tony Penn Con: Kurt Morath (4) Pen: Kurt Morath (3)	Report	Try: Rico Gear, Lucky Mulipola Con: Aaron Kimura (2) Pen: Aaron Kimura	Referee: Paul Honiss

	30 September 2006	Canterbury	27–22	Auckland	Jade Stadium, Christchurch
	19:35 NZST	Try: Craig Clarke, Wyatt Crockett, Scott Hamilton Con: Dan Carter (3) Pen: Dan Carter (2)	Report	Try: Sam Tuitupou Con: Ben Atiga Pen: Ben Atiga (3), Brent Ward (2)	Referee: Steve Walsh

	1 October 2006	Northland	19–12	Southland	ITM Stadium, Whangarei
	14:35 NZST	Try: Justin Collins, Dan Goodwin, David Holwell Con: David Holwell (2)	Report	Pen: Blair Stewart (4)	Referee: Lyndon Bray

	1 October 2006	Waikato	31–15	North Harbour	Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
	16:35 NZST	Try: Sitiveni Sivivatu (2), Richard Kahui, Byron Kelleher Con: Stephen Donald (4) Pen: Stephen Donald	Report	Try: Luke McAlister, Ngarimu Simpkins Con: Luke McAlister Pen: Luke McAlister	Referee: Bryce Lawrence

Play-offs[edit]

Quarter-finals			Semi-finals			Final

4	Wellington	36

5	Canterbury	23
			2	Auckland	15

			4	Wellington	30
2	Auckland	46

7	Bay of Plenty	14
						1	Waikato	37

						4	Wellington	31
1	Waikato	24

8	Southland	12
			1	Waikato	44

			6	Otago	15
3	North Harbour	21

6	Otago	56

Quarter-finals[edit]

6 October 2006
19:35 NZST

Wellington	36–23	Canterbury
Try: Collins (2) M. Schwalger Smith Tialata Con: Gopperth (4) Drop: Gopperth	Report	Try: Carter Paterson Con: Carter (2) Pen: Carter (3)

Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Attendance: 17,641
Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)

7 October 2006
17:30 NZST

Auckland	46–14	Bay of Plenty
Try: Haiu Heard Howlett Kaino Mika Rokocoko Con: Atiga (3) Nacewa (2) Pen: Atiga (2)	Report	Try: Aporo Nutbrown Con: Williams (2)

Eden Park, Auckland
Referee: Lyndon Bray (New Zealand)

7 October 2006
19:35 NZST

Waikato	24–12	Southland
Try: Anesi de Malmanche Muliaina Con: Hill (3) Pen: Hill	Report	Try: Wilson (2) Con: Wilson

Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Referee: Steve Walsh (New Zealand)

8 October 2006
16:35 NZST

North Harbour	21–56	Otago
Try: Tipoki Tuitavake Wulf Con: Pisi (3)	Report	Try: Bruce Clare Hesketh Morland Ryan Saunders Thomson Con: Evans (4) Bruce (2) Pen: Bruce (2) Evans

North Harbour Stadium, Albany
Referee: Paul Honiss (New Zealand)

Semi-finals[edit]

13 October 2006
19:35 NZST

Auckland	15–30	Wellington
Try: Nacewa Toeava Con: Atiga Pen: Atiga	Report	Try: Collins Smith Tialata Umaga Con: Gopperth (2) Pen: Gopperth (2)

Eden Park, Auckland
Referee: Paul Honiss (New Zealand)

14 October 2006
19:35 NZST

Waikato	44–15	Otago
Try: Anesi (2) Bates Kahui Leonard Sivivatu Con: Hill (4) Pen: Hill (2)	Report	Try: Blackie Boys Con: Evans Pen: Evans

Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)

Final[edit]

21 October 2006
19:35 NZST

Waikato	37–31	Wellington
Try: Kahui 15' c Kelleher (2) 27' c, 42' c Leonard 70' c Con: Hill (4/4) 16', 28', 43', 71' Pen: Hill (3/3) 37', 54', 77'	Report	Try: Nonu (2) 32' c, 72' m Umaga 79' c Con: Gopperth (2/3) 33', 79' Pen: Gopperth (4/5) 8', 19', 50', 69'

Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Attendance: 25,000
Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)


FB	15	Mils Muliaina
RW	14	Sosene Anesi
OC	13	Richard Kahui
IC	12	David Hill
LW	11	Sitiveni Sivivatu
FH	10	Stephen Donald
SH	9	Byron Kelleher	68'
N8	8	Sione Lauaki	40'
OF	7	Marty Holah
BF	6	Steven Bates (c)
RL	5	Keith Robinson
LL	4	Jono Gibbes
TP	3	Nathan White
HK	2	Tom Willis
LP	1	Craig West	60'
Replacements:
HK	16	Scott Linklater
PR	17	Aled de Malmanche	60'
LK	18	Toby Lynn
FL	19	Liam Messam	40'
SH	20	Brendon Leonard	68'
CE	21	Dwayne Sweeney
WG	22	Roy Kinikinilau


FB	15	Shannon Paku	60'
RW	14	Ma'a Nonu
OC	13	Conrad Smith
IC	12	Tana Umaga (c)
LW	11	Cory Jane
FH	10	Jimmy Gopperth
SH	9	Piri Weepu	66'
N8	8	Rodney So'oialo
OF	7	Ben Herring	43'
BF	6	Jerry Collins
RL	5	Luke Andrews
LL	4	Ross Filipo
TP	3	John Schwalger
HK	2	Mahonri Schwalger	68'
LP	1	Joe McDonnell	20'
Replacements:
HK	16	Luke Mahoney	68'
PR	17	Anthony Perenise	20'
LK	18	Jeremy Thrush
FL	19	Chris Masoe	43'
SH	20	Alby Mathewson	66'
FH	21	Miah Nikora
WG	22	Lome Fa'atau	60'

Points scorers[edit]

Overall Points Scorers
Player	Team	Total	Details
Player	Team	Total	Tries	Conversions	Penalties	Drop Goals
Brent Ward	Auckland	70	4	13	8	0
Nick Evans	Otago	68	1	15	11	0
Mike Delany	Bay of Plenty	62	0	9	14	0
Blair Feeney	Counties Manukau	60	1	11	11	0
Stephen Donald	Waikato	51	2	8	9	0
Jimmy Gopperth	Wellington	51	1	8	10	0
David Holwell	Northland	49	2	6	10	0
Blair Stewart	Southland	48	1	5	10	1
Miah Nikora	Taranaki	46	0	5	12	0
Cameron McIntyre	Canterbury	44	3	4	7	0
Ben Gollings	Tasman	41	2	8	5	0
Ben Blair	Canterbury	34	1	10	3	0
Tusi Pisi	North Harbour	30	1	8	3	0
David Hill	Waikato	29	0	10	3	0
Aayden Clarke	Hawke's Bay	27	0	9	3	0
Richard Kahui	Waikato	25	5	0	0	0
Luke McAlister	North Harbour	22	0	2	6	0
Tim Taylor	Tasman	21	0	3	5	0
Liam Messam	Waikato	20	4	0	0	0
Daniel Bowden	Northland	17	1	0	4	0
Doug Howlett	Auckland	15	3	0	0	0
David Smith	Auckland	15	3	0	0	0
Mose Tuiali'i	Canterbury	15	3	0	0	0
Lelia Masaga	Counties Manukau	15	3	0	0	0
Kristian Ormsby	Counties Manukau	15	3	0	0	0
Nathan Mauger	Hawke's Bay	15	3	0	0	0
George Pisi	North Harbour	15	3	0	0	0
Anthony Tuitavake	North Harbour	15	3	0	0	0
Viliame Waqaseduadua	North Harbour	15	3	0	0	0
Josh Blackie	Otago	15	3	0	0	0
Greg Zampach	Otago	15	3	0	0	0
Robbie Malneek	Tasman	15	3	0	0	0
Tamati Ellison	Wellington	15	1	2	2	0
Cory Jane	Wellington	15	3	0	0	0
Graham Smith	Manawatu	14	0	1	4	0
Stephen Brett	Canterbury	12	2	1	0	0
Matt Berquist	Hawke's Bay	12	0	0	4	0
Steve Devine	Auckland	10	2	0	0	0
Jamie Helleur	Auckland	10	2	0	0	0
Cory Aporo	Bay of Plenty	10	2	0	0	0
Charles Baxter	Bay of Plenty	10	2	0	0	0
Jamie Nutbrown	Bay of Plenty	10	2	0	0	0
Anthony Tahana	Bay of Plenty	10	2	0	0	0
Campbell Johnstone	Canterbury	10	2	0	0	0
Casey Laulala	Canterbury	10	2	0	0	0
Isaac Ross	Canterbury	10	2	0	0	0
Ben Meyer	Counties Manukau	10	2	0	0	0
Danny Lee	Hawke's Bay	10	2	0	0	0
Lote Raikabula	Hawke's Bay	10	2	0	0	0
Adrian Donald	North Harbour	10	2	0	0	0
Francis Stowers	North Harbour	10	2	0	0	0
Jake Paringatai	Northland	10	2	0	0	0
Ben Smith	Otago	10	2	0	0	0
Alando Soakai	Otago	10	2	0	0	0
Kahn Fotuali'i	Tasman	10	2	0	0	0
Peter Playford	Tasman	10	2	0	0	0
Sosene Anesi	Waikato	10	2	0	0	0
Sitiveni Sivivatu	Waikato	10	2	0	0	0
Ross Filipo	Wellington	10	2	0	0	0
Isa Nacewa	Auckland	7	1	1	0	0
Ryan Bambry	Manawatu	7	0	2	1	0
Murray Williams	Bay of Plenty	6	0	0	2	0
Ben Atiga	Auckland	5	1	0	0	0
Andrew Blowers	Auckland	5	1	0	0	0
Daniel Braid	Auckland	5	1	0	0	0
Chris Heard	Auckland	5	1	0	0	0
Brad Mika	Auckland	5	1	0	0	0
Taniela Moa	Auckland	5	1	0	0	0
Lachie Munro	Auckland	5	1	0	0	0
Joe Rokocoko	Auckland	5	1	0	0	0
Saimone Taumoepeau	Auckland	5	1	0	0	0
Joe Tekori	Auckland	5	1	0	0	0
Isaia Toeava	Auckland	5	1	0	0	0
Onosai Tololima-Auva'a	Auckland	5	1	0	0	0
Sam Tuitupou	Auckland	5	1	0	0	0
James Afoa	Bay of Plenty	5	1	0	0	0
Nili Latu	Bay of Plenty	5	1	0	0	0
Tim Bateman	Canterbury	5	1	0	0	0
Craig Clarke	Canterbury	5	1	0	0	0
Scott Hamilton	Canterbury	5	1	0	0	0
Kevin O'Neill	Canterbury	5	1	0	0	0
Caleb Ralph	Canterbury	5	1	0	0	0
Kieran Read	Canterbury	5	1	0	0	0
Kevin Senio	Canterbury	5	1	0	0	0
Simon Lemalu	Counties Manukau	5	1	0	0	0
Troy Nathan	Counties Manukau	5	1	0	0	0
Siale Piutau	Counties Manukau	5	1	0	0	0
Niva Ta'auso	Counties Manukau	5	1	0	0	0
Taiasina Tuifu'a	Counties Manukau	5	1	0	0	0
Andrew van der Heijden	Counties Manukau	5	1	0	0	0
Bryn Evans	Hawke's Bay	5	1	0	0	0
Ryan Glover	Hawke's Bay	5	1	0	0	0
Tafai Ioasa	Hawke's Bay	5	1	0	0	0
Michael Johnson	Hawke's Bay	5	1	0	0	0
Tukulua Lokotui	Hawke's Bay	5	1	0	0	0
Tom Symes	Hawke's Bay	5	1	0	0	0
Joe Wright	Hawke's Bay	5	1	0	0	0
Nick Crosswell	Manawatu	5	1	0	0	0
Rob Foreman	Manawatu	5	1	0	0	0
Nathan Kemp	Manawatu	5	1	0	0	0
Hayden Triggs	Manawatu	5	1	0	0	0
Roger Dustow	North Harbour	5	1	0	0	0
James Hinchco	North Harbour	5	1	0	0	0
Viliami Maʻafu	North Harbour	5	1	0	0	0
Nick Williams	North Harbour	5	1	0	0	0
Rudi Wulf	North Harbour	5	1	0	0	0
David Gibson	Northland	5	1	0	0	0
Josh Levi	Northland	5	1	0	0	0
Marshall Milroy	Northland	5	1	0	0	0
Rene Ranger	Northland	5	1	0	0	0
Hayden Taylor	Northland	5	1	0	0	0
Neil Brew	Otago	5	1	0	0	0
Callum Bruce	Otago	5	1	0	0	0
Craig Clare	Otago	5	1	0	0	0
Tom Donnelly	Otago	5	1	0	0	0
Chris King	Otago	5	1	0	0	0
Filipo Levi	Otago	5	1	0	0	0
Adam Thomson	Otago	5	1	0	0	0
Dion Bates	Southland	5	1	0	0	0
Jimmy Cowan	Southland	5	1	0	0	0
Clarke Dermody	Southland	5	1	0	0	0
Hoani MacDonald	Southland	5	1	0	0	0
Iona Sipa	Southland	5	1	0	0	0
Hale T-Pole	Southland	5	1	0	0	0
Pehi Te Whare	Southland	5	1	0	0	0
Kane Thompson	Southland	5	1	0	0	0
Laurence Corlett	Taranaki	5	1	0	0	0
Brendan Haami	Taranaki	5	1	0	0	0
Matt Harvey	Taranaki	5	1	0	0	0
Andrew Hore	Taranaki	5	1	0	0	0
Lifeimi Mafi	Taranaki	5	1	0	0	0
Paul Perez	Taranaki	5	1	0	0	0
Tomasi Soqeta	Taranaki	5	1	0	0	0
Scott Waldrom	Taranaki	5	1	0	0	0
Mark Bright	Tasman	5	1	0	0	0
Cory Holdaway	Tasman	5	1	0	0	0
Aaron Kimura	Tasman	5	1	0	0	0
James King	Tasman	5	1	0	0	0
Tristan Moran	Tasman	5	1	0	0	0
Ti'i Paulo	Tasman	5	1	0	0	0
Jonathan Poff	Tasman	5	1	0	0	0
Mark Burman	Waikato	5	1	0	0	0
Roy Kinikinilau	Waikato	5	1	0	0	0
Brendon Leonard	Waikato	5	1	0	0	0
Sione Lauaki	Waikato	5	1	0	0	0
Roger Randle	Waikato	5	1	0	0	0
Willie Ripia	Waikato	5	1	0	0	0
Stephen Setephano	Waikato	5	1	0	0	0
Dwayne Sweeney	Waikato	5	1	0	0	0
Lome Fa'atau	Wellington	5	1	0	0	0
Ben Herring	Wellington	5	1	0	0	0
Alby Mathewson	Wellington	5	1	0	0	0
Conrad Smith	Wellington	5	1	0	0	0
Jeremy Thrush	Wellington	5	1	0	0	0
Tana Umaga	Wellington	5	1	0	0	0

Updated: 10 September 2006

References[edit]

^ "air new zealand cup 2006 • competition structure" (PDF). 5 July 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 February 2012. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
^ "Waikato win Air NZ Cup final". Stuff. 21 October 2006.^{[permanent dead link]}
^ "Air New Zealand Cup launched in grand style". Air New Zealand. Archived from the original on 22 May 2010. Retrieved 13 July 2006.
^ Commerce Commission New Zealand (21 October 2006). "Rugby Union salary cap authorised for six years". Archived from the original on 28 January 2015. Retrieved 19 August 2013.
^ "NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION Competition Regulations Handbook 2016" (PDF). New Zealand Rugby. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 July 2019. Retrieved 1 September 2017.

[1] "air new zealand cup 2006 • competition structure" (PDF). 5 July 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 February 2012. Retrieved 9 March 2013.

[2] "Waikato win Air NZ Cup final". Stuff. 21 October 2006.^{[permanent dead link]}

[3] "Air New Zealand Cup launched in grand style". Air New Zealand. Archived from the original on 22 May 2010. Retrieved 13 July 2006.

[4] Commerce Commission New Zealand (21 October 2006). "Rugby Union salary cap authorised for six years". Archived from the original on 28 January 2015. Retrieved 19 August 2013.

[5] "NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION Competition Regulations Handbook 2016" (PDF). New Zealand Rugby. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 July 2019. Retrieved 1 September 2017.

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