NPC semi-finals set

October 13, 2005

Canterbury repelled Auckland's Ranfurly Shield bid last Saturday with ease.

Of importance to many, Canterbury flyhalf Dan Carter recovered from his leg-break and came through the game well, contributing often and running without noticeable signs of difficulty. He'll take a bit more time to sharpen, but looks set to resume his position with the All Blacks for their tour to the U.K. next month.

Of more immediate significance, the crucial four NPC finalists set themselves. Canterbury's victory saw them end the regular season sitting atop the NPC ladder, and they get home field advantage through the finals, which kick-off this weekend.

The first semi is an all South Island fixture with reigning champion Canterbury hosting Otago.

The other semi sees a "battle of the bridge" as Auckland host their resurgent neighbours from North Harbour.

John Drake looks at a north-south final but says "nothing else is certain."

The Red Terror will be back shortly, right now he's trying to track down a copy of the Mail on Sunday . . .