NPC: Southland end year-long wait for victory in high-scoring thriller against Northland

Southland have ended their near-year-long wait for an NPC victory, defeating Northland 37-33 at Invercargill's Rugby Park Stadium.

In an eight-try thriller, Southland notched their first win of the 2021 season, and tasted victory for the first time since November 2020.

Southland had gone 359 days without ending up on the winning side, with their most recent victory having come on November 5, 2020 - beating Otago 32-15.

First-half tries to Josh Moorby and Solomon Alaimalo, as well as two conversions and three penalties to Marty Banks gave the Stags a 23-18 lead at the break, while Pisi Leilua and Dan Hawkins both scored for the Taniwha.

In the second half, Matt James and Greg Pleasants-Tate also scored as Southland's advantage swelled to 37-21, only for Northland to come roaring back.

Rene Ranger grabbed one back for Northland in the 65th minute, before Jone Macilai-Tori scored with the final touch of the game to at least restore some pride and a bonus point for the beaten Taniwha.

The result moves Southland to fifth in the NPC's Championship - albeit ahead of only North Harbour and Counties Manukau, neither of whom are able to compete in this year's competition after Auckland's three teams were unable to take part due to the COVID-19 lockdown in August.

Northland meanwhile stay fourth in the Championship, one point ahead of Southland with 10, and are still in the frame for a semi-final spot.

However, should both sides finish level on points, then Southland would take the semi-final spot thanks to the head-to-head rule. 

Southland finish their regular season against unbeaten Taranaki next week, while Northland finish against Bay of Plenty in midweek.