2018 Mitre 10 Cup season
Countries	New Zealand
Date	16 August – 27 October
Champions	Auckland
Runners-up	Canterbury
Promoted	Waikato
Relegated	Taranaki
Matches played	76
Tries scored	590 (average 7.8 per match)
Top point scorer	Fletcher Smith (Waikato) 130 points
Top try scorer	Sevu Reece (Waikato) 14 tries
Official website
www.provincial.rugby

The 2018 Mitre 10 Cup season was the thirteenth season of New Zealand's provincial rugby union competition since it turned professional in 2006. The regular season began on August 16, when North Harbour hosted Northland. It involved the top fourteen rugby unions of New Zealand. For sponsorship reasons, the competition was known as the Mitre 10 Cup and it was the third season under the lead sponsor. The winner of the Championship, Waikato was promoted to the Premiership, the seventh placed Premiership team, Taranaki was relegated to the Championship.

Format

The Mitre 10 Cup standings were sorted by a competition points system. Four points were awarded to the winning team, a draw equaled two points, whilst a loss amounted to zero points. Unions could also win their side a respectable bonus point. To receive a bonus point, they must have scored four tries or more or lose by seven or fewer points or less.^[1] Each team was placed on their total points received. 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 got placed higher. In case of a draw between them, the side with the biggest points deferential margin got rights to be ranked above. If they were tied on points difference, it was then decided by a highest scored try count or a coin toss.^[2] This seeding format was implemented since the beginning of the 2006 competition.

The competition included a promotion-relegation process with the winner of the Championship receiving automatic promotion to the Premiership, replacing the seventh-placed team in the Premiership which was relegated to the Championship for the following year. The regular season consisted of two types of matches. The internal division matches were when each team played the other six unions in their division once, home or away. The cross-division matches were when each team played four teams from the other division, thus missing out on three teams, each from the opposite division. Each union played home or away games against teams from the other division, making a total of ten competition games for each union.^[3] The finals format allowed the top four teams from each division move on to the semi-finals. The top two division winners, based on table points, received a home semi-final. In the first round of the finals, the semi-finals, the second division winner hosted the third division winner, and the first division winner hosted the fourth division winner. The final was hosted by the top remaining seed.^[4]

Standings

Source: Mitre 10 Cup standings 2018^[5]

Regular season

The 2018 Mitre 10 Cup played across nine weeks with every team playing one Wednesday night fixture in a double-up round where they played twice that week. The competition started on Thursday August 16, with North Harbour taking on Northland at QBE Stadium. The opening round saw a repeat of the Premiership final with Tasman against the then current champions Canterbury.^[6]

Week 1

	16 August 2018	North Harbour	21–20	Northland	QBE Stadium, Albany
	19:35 NZST	Try: Dillon Hunt  32' Tevita Li  50' Con: Bryn Gatland (0/1) Bryn Hall (1/1)  51' Pen: Bryn Gatland (3/4)  15', 25', 75'	Report	Try: Tom Robinson  7' Jono Kitto  59' Con: Jack Debreczeni (2/2)  8', 60' Pen: Jack Debreczeni (2/3)  41', 67' Cards: Tom Robinson 57' to 67'	Referee: Nick Briant (New Zealand)

	17 August 2018	Tasman	25–17	Canterbury	Lansdowne Park, Blenheim
	19:35 NZST	Try: Levi Aumua  18' Quinten Strange  42' Solomon Alaimalo  48' Con: Mitchell Hunt (2/3)  19', 49' Pen: Mitchell Hunt (2/2)  5', 65' Cards: Blair Prinsep  70'	Report	Try: Greg Pleasants-Tate  71', 77' Con: Brett Cameron (2/2)  72', 78' Pen: Brett Cameron (1/2)  40'	Referee: Richard Kelly (New Zealand)

	18 August 2018	Manawatu	24–19	Waikato	Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North
	14:35 NZST	Try: Junior Laloifi  37', 75' Faalelei Sione  49' Rob Thompson  56' Con: Jade Te Rure (1/2)  50' Sam Malcolm (1/2)  57' Pen: Sam Malcolm (0/1)	Report	Try: Sevu Reece  2' Samisoni Taukei'aho  8' Declan O'Donnell  60' Con: Fletcher Smith (2/3)  3', 61'	Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)

	18 August 2018	Auckland	23–19	Counties Manukau	Eden Park, Auckland
	17:05 NZST	Try: Salesi Rayasi  11' Blake Gibson  27' Melani Nanai  36' Con: Harry Plummer (1/3)  28' Pen: Harry Plummer (2/4)  31', 59'	Report	Try: Kalolo Tuiloma  3' Sam Henwood  18' Howard Sililoto  52' Con: Latiume Fosita (2/3)  4', 19'	Attendance: 10,700 Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)

	18 August 2018	Bay of Plenty	30–10	Taranaki	Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua
	19:35 NZST	Try: Liam Polwart  12' Kane Le'aupepe  29' Aaron Carroll  53' Con: Mike Delany (3/3)  13', 30', 54' Pen: Mike Delany (3/3)  64', 74', 78'	Report	Try: Seta Tamanivalu  15' Con: Beaudein Waaka (1/1)  16' Pen: Beaudein Waaka (1/2)  20'	Referee: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)

	19 August 2018	Wellington	34–16	Otago	Westpac Stadium, Wellington
	14:05 NZST	Try: Wes Goosen  2', 6' Malo Tuitama  58', 76' Con: Jackson Garden-Bachop (4/4)  3', 7', 59', 77' Pen: Jackson Garden-Bachop (2/2)  10', 47'	Report	Try: Kurt Hammer  62' Con: Sio Tomkinson (1/1)  63' Pen: Finn Hart-Strawbridge (3/3)  23', 28', 45'	Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)

	19 August 2018	Southland	10–31	Hawke's Bay	Rugby Park, Invercargill
	16:35 NZST	Try: Isaac Te Tamaki  24' Con: James Wilson (1/1)  25' Pen: James Wilson (1/1)  31'	Report	Try: Mark Braidwood  12' Siosiua Kaifa  20' Ash Dixon  39', 47' Con: Tiaan Falcon (4/4)  13', 21', 40', 48' Pen: Tiaan Falcon (1/1)  68' Cards: Michael Allardice 56' to 66' Gareth Evans 60' to 70'	Referee: Jamie Nutbrown (New Zealand)

Week 2

	23 August 2018	Counties Manukau	17–22	Bay of Plenty	Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe
	19:35 NZST	Try: Joe Royal  38' Sione Molia  43' Sam Henwood  68' Con: Latiume Fosita (1/3)  44'	Report	Try: Chase Tiatia  25', 61' Richard Judd  54' Con: Mike Delany (2/3)  26', 55' Pen: Mike Delany (1/2)  40'	Referee: Angus Mabey (New Zealand)

	24 August 2018	Otago	25–31	Hawke's Bay	Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
	17:45 NZST	Try: Josh Ioane  20' Naulia Dawai  24' Vilimoni Koroi  73' Con: Josh Ioane (2/3)  21', 24' Pen: Josh Ioane (2/2)  36', 57' Cards: Josh Timu 48' to 58'	Report	Try: Siosiua Kaifa  15' Jamie-Jerry Taulagi  28' Ben May  50' Mason Emerson  64' Brad Weber  67' Con: Tiaan Falcon (3/5)  15', 28', 68'	Referee: Shuhei Kubo (Japan)

	24 August 2018	RS – Taranaki	41–21	Manawatu	Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
	19:45 NZST	Try: Manasa Mataele  6' Beaudein Waaka  19' Teihorangi Walden  32' Toa Halafihi  39' Daniel Waite  48' Con: Beaudein Waaka (5/5)  7', 20', 33', 40', 49' Pen: Beaudein Waaka (2/2)  24', 45'	Report	Try: Junior Laloifi  14' Nick Crosswell  27' Rob Thompson  68' Con: Sam Malcolm (2/2)  15', 28' Jade Te Rure (1/1)  69'	Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)

	25 August 2018	Canterbury	27–20	Wellington	AMI Stadium, Christchurch
	14:05 NZST	Try: Braydon Ennor  22' Reed Prinsep  27' Mitchell Drummond  40' Caleb Makene  59' Con: Brett Cameron (2/4)  28', 40' Pen: Brett Cameron (1/2)  15'	Report	Try: Thomas Umaga-Jensen  17' James O'Reilly  48' Du'Plessis Kirifi  62' Con: Jackson Garden-Bachop (1/3)  17' Pen: Jackson Garden-Bachop (1/1)  43'	Referee: James Doleman (New Zealand)

	25 August 2018	Waikato	28–29	North Harbour	FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
	16:35 NZST	Try: Jordan Manihera  39' Declan O'Donnell  50' Quinn Tupaea  53' Tyler Campbell  80' Con: Fletcher Smith (4/4)  40', 51', 54', 80' Pen: Fletcher Smith (0/1)	Report	Try: Tevita Li  19', 63' Penalty try  60' Murphy Taramai  68' Con: Bryn Gatland (2/3)  64', 69' Pen: Bryn Gatland (1/1)  32'	Referee: Cameron Stone (New Zealand)

	26 August 2018	Tasman	45–24	Southland	Lansdowne Park, Blenheim
	14:05 NZST	Try: Andrew Makalio  9' Solomon Alaimalo  32' Quinten Strange  37' Will Jordan  44', 79' Ethan Blackadder  52' Sione Havili  65' Con: Tim O'Malley (4/5)  10', 38', 45', 53' Mitchell Hunt (1/2)  66'	Report	Try: Tony Lamborn  12' Flynn Thomas  29' Manaaki Selby-Rickit  72' Rory van Vugt  74' Con: James Wilson (2/4)  13', 73'	Referee: Jamie Nutbrown (New Zealand)

	26 August 2018	Northland	12–28	Auckland	Toll Stadium, Whangārei
	16:35 NZST	Try: Blake Hohaia  21' Rene Ranger  32' Con: Jack Debreczeni (1/2)  22' Pen: Jack Debreczeni (0/1)	Report	Try: Harry Plummer  15' Melani Nanai  43', 48' Salesi Rayasi  53' Con: Harry Plummer (4/4)  17', 44', 49', 54'	Referee: Richard Kelly (New Zealand)

Week 3

	29 August 2018	Counties Manukau	19–26	Taranaki	Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe
	19:35 NZST	Try: Kalolo Tuiloma  12' Tevita Nabura  31' Toni Pulu  77' Con: Latiume Fosita (1/2)  13' Luteru Laulala (1/1)  77'	Report	Try: Lachlan Boshier  4' Beaudein Waaka  59', 78' Con: Beaudein Waaka (1/3)  79' Pen: Beaudein Waaka (3/3)  36', 48', 55'	Referee: Nick Briant (New Zealand)

	30 August 2018	Auckland	35–17	Waikato	Eden Park, Auckland
	19:35 NZST	Try: Jordan Trainor  10', 61' Robbie Abel  39', 41' Salesi Rayasi  67' Con: Harry Plummer (1/4)  41' Jacob Umaga (1/1)  67' Pen: Harry Plummer (2/2)  20', 44'	Report	Try: Mosese Dawai  14' Samisoni Taukei'aho  71' Kylem O'Donnell  78' Con: Fletcher Smith (1/3)  14'	Attendance: 1,900 Referee: James Munro (New Zealand)

	31 August 2018	Wellington	52–7	Southland	Westpac Stadium, Wellington
	19:35 NZST	Try: Thomas Umaga-Jensen  5' Asafo Aumua  14' Ben Lam  23', 39', 57' Tolu Fahamokioa  29' James Blackwell  33' Kaliopasi Uluilakepa  80' Con: Jackson Garden-Bachop (5/6)  6', 25', 29', 34', 40' TJ Va'a (1/2)  80'	Report	Try: Bill Fukofuka  69' Con: James Wilson (1/1)  70'	Referee: Shuhei Kubo (Japan)

	1 September 2018	Bay of Plenty	19–31	Canterbury	Tauranga Domain, Tauranga
	14:35 NZST	Try: Chase Tiatia  19' Tyler Ardron  26' Terrence Hepetema  45' Con: Mike Delany (2/3)  20', 46' Pen: Mike Delany (0/1)	Report	Try: Josh McKay  7', 60' Daniel Lienert-Brown  29' Penalty try  63' Con: Brett Cameron (3/3)  8', 30', 61' Pen: Brett Cameron (1/1)  69'	Referee: Michael Winter (New Zealand)

	1 September 2018	Manawatu	17–50	Otago	Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North
	17:05 NZST	Try: Rob Thompson  14' Junior Laloifi  17' Faalelei Sione  31' Con: Jade Te Rure (1/2)  15' Sam Malcolm (0/1)	Report	Try: Dylan Nel  10' Naulia Dawai  37' Michael Collins  46' Matt Whaanga  63' Donald Brighouse  65' Jona Nareki  73' Melani Matavao  80' Con: Josh Ioane (6/7)  11', 38', 64', 66', 74', 80' Pen: Josh Ioane (1/1)  70'	Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)

	1 September 2018	North Harbour	20–32	Tasman	QBE Stadium, Albany
	19:35 NZST	Try: Gerard Cowley-Tuioti  20' Matt Duffie  45' Con: Bryn Gatland (2/2)  21', 46' Pen: Bryn Gatland (2/2)  2', 40' Cards: Chris Eves 54' to 64'	Report	Try: Tima Fainga'anuku  14' Will Jordan  22' Shannon Frizell  29' Finlay Christie  69' Con: Mitchell Hunt (3/4)  15', 23', 70' Pen: Mitchell Hunt (2/2)  6', 55'	Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)

	2 September 2018	Hawke's Bay	25–29	Counties Manukau	McLean Park, Napier
	14:05 NZST	Try: Jonah Lowe  23', 48' Siosiua Kaifa  38' Folau Fakatava  60' Con: Tiaan Falcon (1/4)  61' Pen: Tiaan Falcon (1/1)  74'	Report	Try: Tevita Nabura  20' Daniel Hyatt  45' Joe Royal  53' Matiaha Martin  76' Con: Latiume Fosita (3/4)  21', 54', 77' Pen: Latiume Fosita (1/2)  72'	Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)

	2 September 2018	Northland	18–17	Taranaki	Toll Stadium, Whangārei
	16:35 NZST	Try: Tom Robinson  34' Tamati Tua  56' Con: Mathew Wright (1/2)  35' Pen: Mathew Wright (2/3)  10', 80'	Report	Try: Latu Vaeno  7' Manasa Mataele  40' Con: Beaudein Waaka (2/2)  8', 40' Pen: Beaudein Waaka (1/2)  21'	Referee: Michael Lash (New Zealand)

Week 4

	5 September 2018	Waikato	43–31	Wellington	Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
	19:35 NZST	Try: Sevu Reece  13', 20', 67' Jordan Manihera  28' Raniera Takarangi  47' Samisoni Taukei'aho  61' Con: Fletcher Smith (5/5)  14', 28', 48', 62', 68' Dwayne Sweeney (0/1) Pen: Fletcher Smith (1/1)  54' Dwayne Sweeney (0/1) Cards: Jordan Manihera 44' to 54'	Report	Try: Trent Renata  50' Isaia Walker-Leawere  58' Matt Proctor  72' Malo Tuitama  76' Losi Filipo  78' Con: Pakai Turia (1/1)  51' Jackson Garden-Bachop (2/4)  59', 77' Pen: Pakai Turia (0/1) Cards: Malo Tuitama 33' to 43' Tolu Fahamokioa 44' to 54'	Referee: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)

	6 September 2018	Canterbury	34–23	Manawatu	AMI Stadium, Christchurch
	19:35 NZST	Try: Reed Prinsep  7' Greg Pleasants-Tate  26' Caleb Makene  44' Brett Cameron  56' Luke Romano  67' Con: Brett Cameron (3/5)  7', 56', 68' Pen: Brett Cameron (1/1)  54'	Report	Try: Liam Mitchell  22' Lifeimi Mafi  76' Con: Sam Malcolm (2/2)  22', 76' Pen: Sam Malcolm (3/3)  12', 18', 51'	Referee: Cameron Stone (New Zealand)

	7 September 2018	Otago	27–23	Northland	Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
	17:45 NZST	Try: Dylan Nel  27' Jona Nareki  50' Joketani Koroi  64' Con: Josh Ioane (3/3)  28', 50', 64' Pen: Josh Ioane (2/3)  56', 76'		Try: Tamati Tua  34' Jack Debreczeni  43' Con: Jack Debreczeni (2/2)  34', 43' Pen: Jack Debreczeni (3/3)  20', 60', 69'	Referee: Nick Webster (New Zealand)

	7 September 2018	Auckland	36–10	Tasman	Eden Park, Auckland
	19:35 NZST	Try: Patrick Tuipulotu  28', 32', 40' Melani Nanai  35' Akira Ioane  76' Con: Harry Plummer (4/5)  29', 33', 40', 77' Pen: Harry Plummer (1/3)  19'	Report	Try: Ethan Blackadder  26' Con: Mitchell Hunt (1/1)  27' Pen: Mitchell Hunt (1/1)  22'	Attendance: 5,350 Referee: Nick Hogan (New Zealand)

	8 September 2018	Southland	26–43	Counties Manukau	Rugby Park, Invercargill
	14:05 NZST	Try: Bill Fukofuka  9' Morgan Mitchell  22' Lewis Ormond  66' Nico Costa  80' Con: James Wilson (3/4)  10', 23', 67'	Report	Try: Fotu Lokotui  26' Luteru Laulala  30' Te Aihe Toma  32' Nigel Ah Wong  47' Joe Royal  50' Cardiff Vaega  62' Con: Latiume Fosita (4/5)  27', 31', 48', 51' Luteru Laulala (1/1)  63' Pen: Luteru Laulala (1/1)  72'	Referee: James Doleman (New Zealand)

	8 September 2018	Hawke's Bay	29–28	Bay of Plenty	McLean Park, Napier
	16:35 NZST	Try: Jonah Lowe  3' Brad Weber  48', 51' Joe Apikotoa  78' Con: Tiaan Falcon (3/4)  49', 52', 79' Pen: Tiaan Falcon (1/1)  33'	Report	Try: Richard Judd  35', 62' Mike Delany  65' Con: Mike Delany (2/3)  36', 65' Pen: Mike Delany (3/4)  18', 31', 71'	Referee: Richard Kelly (New Zealand)

	9 September 2018	Wellington	35–23	North Harbour	Westpac Stadium, Wellington
	14:05 NZST	Try: Asafo Aumua  18' Kemara Hauiti-Parapara  40' Malo Tuitama  42' Wes Goosen  70' Jackson Garden-Bachop  75' Con: Jackson Garden-Bachop (2/5)  40', 76' Pen: Jackson Garden-Bachop (2/3)  5', 30'	Report	Try: Tevita Li  23' Matt Duffie  57' Con: Bryn Gatland (2/2)  24', 58' Pen: Bryn Gatland (3/3)  2', 7', 52'	Referee: Michael Lash (New Zealand)

	9 September 2018	Taranaki	19–33	Waikato – RS	Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
	16:35 NZST	Try: Regan Ware  13' Manasa Mataele  44' Seta Tamanivalu  49' Con: Beaudein Waaka (2/3)  14', 50'	Report	Try: Dwayne Sweeney  2' Adam Burn  18' James Tucker  24' Samisoni Taukei'aho  34' Quinn Tupaea  37' Con: Fletcher Smith (4/5)  3', 24', 35', 38'	Referee: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)

Week 5

	12 September 2018	North Harbour	21–31	Canterbury	QBE Stadium, Albany
	19:35 NZST	Try: Matt Duffie  21' Shaun Stevenson  36' Sione Teu  72' Con: Bryn Gatland (3/3)  22', 37', 73' Cards: Tevita Li 55' to 65'	Report	Try: Nathan Vella  2' George Bridge  8' Reed Prinsep  48' Mitchell Dunshea  59' Con: Brett Cameron (4/4)  3', 9', 49', 60' Pen: Brett Cameron (1/1)  40' Cards: Connor Collins 65' to 75'	Referee: Angus Mabey (New Zealand)

	13 September 2018	RS – Waikato	42–22	Hawke's Bay	Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
	19:35 NZST	Try: Dwayne Sweeney  18' Sevu Reece  28' Jordan Manihera  33' Murray Iti  60' Fletcher Smith  67' Raniera Takarangi  71' Con: Fletcher Smith (6/6)  19', 29', 34', 61', 68', 72'	Report	Try: Brad Weber  7' Tom Parsons  36' Sasa Tofilau  79' Con: Jamie-Jerry Taulagi (2/2)  8', 80' Tiaan Falcon (0/1) Pen: Tiaan Falcon (1/1)  23' Cards: Pasqualle Dunn 12' to 22'	Referee: Nick Briant (New Zealand)

	14 September 2018	Northland	49–19	Manawatu	Toll Stadium, Whangārei
	17:45 NZST	Try: Matt Matich  16' Jordan Olsen  19' Jordan Hyland  22' Jack Debreczeni  36' Scott Gregory  40' Kara Pryor  48' Blake Hohaia  73' Con: Jack Debreczeni (4/6)  20', 23', 37', 49' Myles Thoroughgood (0/1) Pen: Jack Debreczeni (2/2)  8', 59'	Report	Try: James Tofa  4' Junior Laloifi  38' Adrian Wyrill  80' Con: Sam Malcolm (1/2)  39' Otere Black (1/1)  80' Cards: Sione Asi  69'	Referee: Michael Winter (New Zealand)

	14 September 2018	Tasman	53–17	Taranaki	Trafalgar Park, Nelson
	19:45 NZST	Try: Tyrel Lomax  19' Andrew Makalio  34', 38' David Havili  51' Mitchell Hunt  62' Will Jordan  71' Solomon Alaimalo  74' Con: Mitchell Hunt (5/5)  20', 35', 39', 52', 63' Tim O'Malley (1/2)  75' Pen: Mitchell Hunt (2/4)  5', 42'	Report	Try: Ciarahn Matoe  59' Kane Thompson  67' Con: Beaudein Waaka (2/2)  60', 68' Pen: Beaudein Waaka (1/1)  23'	Referee: Jamie Nutbrown (New Zealand)

	15 September 2018	Counties Manukau	12–53	Wellington	Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe
	14:05 NZST	Try: Daniel Hyatt  47' Toni Pulu  59' Con: Latiume Fosita (1/2)  48'		Try: Isaia Walker-Leawere  11' Malo Tuitama  36' Vaea Fifita  39', 41' Billy Proctor  40' Asafo Aumua  49' James O'Reilly  69', 75' Con: Jackson Garden-Bachop (5/7)  37', 40', 40', 50', 70' Thomas Umaga-Jensen (0/1) Pen: Jackson Garden-Bachop (1/1)  18'	Referee: Richard Kelly (New Zealand)

	15 September 2018	Southland	24–43	Otago	Rugby Park, Invercargill
	16:35 NZST	Try: Morgan Mitchell  53' Manaaki Selby-Rickit  69' Isaac Te Tamaki  80' Con: James Wilson (3/3)  54', 70', 80' Pen: James Wilson (1/1)  33'	Report	Try: Mitchell Scott  15', 44', 59' Jona Nareki  17', 35' Matt Faddes  21' Jonah Aoina  75' Con: Josh Ioane (4/7)  18', 22', 45', 76'	Referee: James Munro (New Zealand)

	16 September 2018	North Harbour	32–20	Bay of Plenty	QBE Stadium, Albany
	14:05 NZST	Try: James Parsons  20' Bryn Hall  38' Tevita Li  63' Bryn Gatland  71' Con: Bryn Gatland (3/4)  21', 64', 72' Pen: Bryn Gatland (2/3)  17', 52'	Report	Try: Mike Delany  32' James Lay  67' Con: Mike Delany (1/1)  33' Jason Robertson (1/1)  68' Pen: Mike Delany (2/2)  2', 36'	Referee: Nick Webster (New Zealand)

	16 September 2018	Canterbury	29–34	Auckland	AMI Stadium, Christchurch
	16:35 NZST	Try: Greg Pleasants-Tate  12' Sef Fa'agase  39' Chris King  79' Brodie McAlister  80' Con: Brett Cameron (3/4)  39', 79', 80' Pen: Brett Cameron (1/2)  26'	Report	Try: TJ Faiane  2', 9', 46' Jonathan Ruru  31' Tumua Manu  71' Con: Harry Plummer (3/5)  10', 32', 72' Pen: Harry Plummer (1/2)  16'	Referee: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)

Week 6

	19 September 2018	Manawatu	19–29	Tasman	Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North
	19:35 NZST	Try: Sam Malcolm  12' Michael Ala'alatoa  40' Michael Tagicakibau  64' Con: Sam Malcolm (1/2)  40' Otere Black (1/1)  65' Cards: Antonio Kiri Kiri 55' to 65'	Report	Try: Jamie Spowart  7' Levi Aumua  30' Will Jordan  48' Mitchell Hunt  57' Con: Tim O'Malley (2/3)  8', 31' Mitchell Hunt (1/1)  57' Pen: Mitchell Hunt (1/1)  76'	Referee: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)

	20 September 2018	Northland	26–10	Southland	Toll Stadium, Whangārei
	19:35 NZST	Try: Matt Matich  17' Sam Nock  23' Murray Douglas  26', 77' Con: Jack Debreczeni (3/4)  18', 24', 78'	Report	Try: Manaaki Selby-Rickit  65' Con: Broc Hooper (1/1)  66' Pen: James Wilson (1/1)  11'	Referee: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)

	21 September 2018	Bay of Plenty	21–54	Waikato	Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua
	19:35 NZST	Try: Hugh Blake  37' Bailey Simonsson  61' Kane Le'aupepe  80' Con: Jason Robertson (1/1)  38' Kaleb Trask (2/2)  62', 80' Cards: Baden Wardlaw 49' to 59'	Report	Try: James Tucker  10' Samisoni Taukei'aho  23', 50' Mitch Jacobson  30' Quinn Tupaea  41', 57' Sekope Lopeti-Moli  67' Matthew Lansdown  73' Con: Fletcher Smith (7/8)  11', 24', 31', 42', 51', 58', 74'	Referee: Angus Mabey (New Zealand)

	22 September 2018	Hawke's Bay	34–51	North Harbour	McLean Park, Napier
	14:35 NZST	Try: Kianu Kereru-Symes  8' Jonah Lowe  33' Jamie-Jerry Taulagi  49' Brad Weber  58' Con: Jamie-Jerry Taulagi (4/4)  9', 34', 50', 59' Pen: Jamie-Jerry Taulagi (2/2)  5', 42'	Report	Try: James Parsons  29', 44' Matt Duffie  40' Shaun Stevenson  54' Tevita Li  61' Bryn Gatland  72' Harrison Groundwater  79' Con: Bryn Gatland (4/6)  30', 45', 55', 73' James Parsons (1/1)  80' Pen: Bryn Gatland (2/2)  12', 69'	Referee: Michael Winter (New Zealand)

	22 September 2018	Otago	25–47	Canterbury	Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
	17:05 NZST	Try: Michael Collins  17' Josh Ioane  48' Jona Nareki  78' Con: Josh Ioane (2/3)  18', 49' Pen: Sio Tomkinson (2/2)  7', 9'	Report	Try: George Bridge  2' Phil Burleigh  13' Mitchell Dunshea  29' Josh McKay  36' Caleb Makene  57' Braydon Ennor  60' Reed Prinsep  66' Con: Brett Cameron (6/7)  3', 14', 30', 58', 61', 66'	Referee: Nick Briant (New Zealand)

	22 September 2018	Taranaki	30–31	Auckland	Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
	19:35 NZST	Try: Seta Tamanivalu  23' Tom Florence  50' Mitchell Crosswell  73' Ciarahn Matoe  80' Con: Beaudein Waaka (2/3)  24', 51' Stephen Perofeta (0/1) Pen: Beaudein Waaka (2/4)  11', 38'	Report	Try: Akira Ioane  1' Tumua Manu  30' Jonathan Ruru  39' Salesi Rayasi  59', 69' Con: Harry Plummer (3/5)  31', 40', 70' Pen: Harry Plummer (0/1) Cards: Melani Nanai  72'	Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)

	23 September 2018	Tasman	21–19	Counties Manukau	Trafalgar Park, Nelson
	14:05 NZST	Try: Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta  8' Wyatt Crockett  32' Will Jordan  45' Con: Mitchell Hunt (3/3)  9', 33', 46'	Report	Try: Sione Molia  55' Joe Royal  63' Tevita Nabura  78' Con: Luteru Laulala (2/3)  56', 64'	Referee: Tim Griffiths (New Zealand)

	23 September 2018	Manawatu	7–49	Wellington	Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North
	16:35 NZST	Try: Brice Henderson  69' Con: Sam Malcolm (1/1)  70'	Report	Try: Thomas Waldrom  6' Mateaki Kafatolu  10' Thomas Umaga-Jensen  28' Ben Lam  32', 80' James Blackwell  37' Asafo Aumua  47' Isaia Walker-Leawere  60' Peter Umaga-Jensen  79' Con: Jackson Garden-Bachop (0/6) Trent Renata (2/3)  61', 80'	Referee: Cameron Stone (New Zealand)

Week 7

	26 September 2018	Hawke's Bay	55–41	Northland	McLean Park, Napier
	19:35 NZST	Try: Gareth Evans  6' Stacey Ili  12', 35' Marino Mikaele-Tu'u  21' Pasqualle Dunn  48', 65' Ben Power  57', 63' Jamie-Jerry Taulagi  74' Con: Jamie-Jerry Taulagi (3/7)  7', 22', 49' Brad Weber (2/2)  66', 75'	Report	Try: Jaycob Matiu  15' Mathew Wright  19', 29' Jordan Hyland  25' Rene Ranger  37' Con: Jack Debreczeni (5/5)  16', 20', 26', 30', 38' Pen: Jack Debreczeni (2/2)  9', 54' Cards: Kara Pryor 62' to 72'	Referee: Nick Hogan (New Zealand)

	27 September 2018	Bay of Plenty	15–17	Manawatu	Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua
	19:35 NZST	Try: Aaron Carroll  67' Luke Campbell  79' Con: Kaleb Trask (1/2)  80' Pen: Jason Robertson (1/1)  25' Kaleb Trask (0/1)	Report	Try: Jamie Booth  2' Sam Malcolm  33' Con: Otere Black (2/2)  3', 34' Pen: Otere Black (1/1)  55' Cards: Faalelei Sione  75'	Referee: Michael Lash (New Zealand)

	28 September 2018	Auckland	26–31	Otago	Eden Park, Auckland
	19:35 NZST	Try: Tumua Manu  11', 27' Dalton Papalii  15' Akira Ioane  71' Con: Harry Plummer (3/4)  12', 16', 72'	Report	Try: Vilimoni Koroi  2' Jona Nareki  22' Matt Faddes  30', 48', 64' Con: Josh Ioane (3/5)  3', 49', 65' Cards: Michael Collins 5' to 15'	Attendance: 4,300 Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)

	29 September 2018	RS – Waikato	42–11	Southland	Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
	14:35 NZST	Try: Dwayne Sweeney  12' Sevu Reece  40' Murray Iti  43' Samisoni Taukei'aho  52', 75' Toby Smith  69' Con: Fletcher Smith (6/6)  13', 40', 44', 53', 70', 76'	Report	Try: Tauasosi Tuimavave  14' Con: James Wilson (0/1) Pen: James Wilson (2/2)  10', 22'	Referee: Jamie Nutbrown (New Zealand)

	29 September 2018	Taranaki	26–55	North Harbour	Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
	17:05 NZST	Try: Regan Ware  16' Manasa Mataele  35' Beaudein Waaka  63' Jesse Parete  70' Con: Beaudein Waaka (3/4)  17', 64', 71'	Report	Try: Daniel Hilton-Jones  2' Tevita Li  11', 23', 29', 50' Matt Duffie  19' Dillon Hunt  38', 58' Mark Telea  52' Con: Bryn Gatland (5/9)  3', 30', 39', 51', 59'	Referee: Tim Griffiths (New Zealand)

	29 September 2018	Wellington	22–28	Tasman	Westpac Stadium, Wellington
	19:35 NZST	Try: Xavier Numia  24' Galu Taufale  64' Thomas Umaga-Jensen  75' Con: Jackson Garden-Bachop (2/3)  25', 65' Pen: Jackson Garden-Bachop (1/1)  5'	Report	Try: Finlay Christie  14' Solomon Alaimalo  41' Jacob Norris  54' John Akau'ola-Laula  67' Con: Mitchell Hunt (1/4)  15' Pen: Mitchell Hunt (2/2)  7', 40'	Referee: Nick Briant (New Zealand)

	30 September 2018	Canterbury	49–24	Hawke's Bay	AMI Stadium, Christchurch
	14:05 NZST	Try: Alex Hodgman  10' Braydon Ennor  25', 58' Mitchell Drummond  35' George Bridge  48' Tom Christie  61' Connor Garden-Bachop  73' Con: Brett Cameron (7/7)  11', 26', 36', 49', 59', 62', 74'	Report	Try: Sasa Tofilau  21' Michael Buckley  45' Folau Fakatava  64' Con: Jamie-Jerry Taulagi (3/3)  22', 46', 65' Pen: Jamie-Jerry Taulagi (1/1)  33'	Referee: James Doleman (New Zealand)

	30 September 2018	Counties Manukau	20–24	Northland	Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe
	16:35 NZST	Try: Sione Molia  23' Fotu Lokotui  45' Toni Pulu  57' Con: Luteru Laulala (1/3)  24' Pen: Luteru Laulala (1/1)  3'	Report	Try: Jono Kitto  19' Josh Goodhue  33' Jordan Hyland  42' Con: Jack Debreczeni (3/3)  20', 34', 43' Pen: Jack Debreczeni (1/1)  69'	Referee: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)