October 31 - 2009 NPC Finals
Since 2006, when the format of New Zealand provincial championship changed from three divisions to a 14 team premiership and 12 team Heartland competition, the shape of both has altered as the NZRU has struggled to find the best format.
In both 2009 and 2010 a full round robin of 13 matches was played in the premiership, at that time played for the Air New Zealand Cup. The effect was to prolong the season, with, in 2009, the Air New Zealand Cup semi-finals and both the Meads and Lochore Cup finals played on the 30 and 31st October.
2009
October 30.
Air NZ semi-final. At AMI Stadium, Christchurd:
Canterbury 20. S Whitelock, Ross, Brett tries. Brett, conversion and pen. goal.
Hawkes Bay 3. Berquist pen. goal.
October 31.
Air NZ semi-final. At Westpac Stadiun, Wellington:
Wellington 34. Coles (2), D Smith tries. Weepu 2 conversions, 5 pen. goals.
Southland 21. Rutledge, S Cowan, Lynn tries. Robinson 3 conversions.
Meads Cup final. At Rugby Park Christchurch:
Wanganui 34. Hammond, Tikoirotuma, Ulukuta, Peraka tries. Tyrell 4 conversion and pen. goal.Mason dropped goal.
Mid Canterbury 13. Fridd try. K Lindsay conversion and 2 pen. goals.
Note. Mid Canterbury, top qualifier, were unable to play the final on their usual ground, the Ashburton Showgrounds as they were required for the local A & P show. After considering other options Mid Canterbury elected to play the final on Rugby Park in Christchurch.
Lochore Cup final. At Rugby Park, Greymouth:
North Otago 21. Breen, Fonua tries. Waenga conversion and 2 pen. goals. Forrest pen. goal.
West Coast 13. Tora try. Cornish conversion and 2 pen. goals.
Also on this date the All Blacks defeated Australia 32 – 19 in a Bledisloe Cup match played in Tokyo.
The Air New Zealand Cup final on November 7 saw Canterbury 28 beat Wellington 20 in Christchurch.