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

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

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

Team	Points by Round																				Total		Average
	1		2		3		4		5		6		7		8		9		10
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

Team	Tries by Round																				Total		Average
	1		2		3		4		5		6		7		8		9		10
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

Regular season

Confirmed fixture matches for 2006 season as follows:

Round 1

	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

	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

	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

	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

	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

	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

	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

	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

	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

	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

Quarter-finals

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

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

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 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.