Why NPC table-toppers Wellington aren’t ‘too comfortable' before semis

Wellington finished on top at the end of the NPC regular season but they aren’t counting their chickens ahead of this weekend’s semi-final. They’ll play seventh-seed Waikato in a fierce battle to determine who moves one step closer to winning it all.

In an incredible turn of events, second-place Taranaki and third-seed Tasman both bowed out of the competition in the quarter-finals. Bay of Plenty were the next highest-ranked side on the ladder in fourth, and they’ll face giant-slayers Canterbury who came sixth.

With the ‘Naki and Mako both out of the hunt, the Wellingtonians have firmed as title favourites leading into the second-last week of the competition. But, as commentator Grant Nisbett recently touched on, it’s still very much anyone’s game in the NPC.

Midfielder Riley Higgins, who has been selected in the All Blacks XV’s squad ahead of their two-match tour in November, was asked about how the Lions are placed as the only top-three side remaining. Higgins chucked before explaining how tough the competition is.

“Wouldn’t say that. We played Bay of Plenty and only just won in golden point,” Higgins said on SENZ’s Scotty & Izzy. “Every team, if it’s their day, they can get up.

“I wouldn’t say we’re too comfortable.

“I think it’s just the talent across the whole competition. If some teams are on then they can win against anyone. It’s pretty crazy.”

For Wellington’s quarter-final, the Lions welcomed back a quartet of All Blacks squad members as they got the job done 29-14 over Counties Manukau at Sky Stadium. TJ Perenara, Asafo Aumua, Billy Proctor and Ruben Love for the pivotal eliminator.

But, with the All Blacks flying out to Japan on Thursday, those same men are no longer available for the business end of the competition. Openside flanker Du’Plessis Kirifi will once again captain the Lions, with the side still boasting some serious star power.

Backrower Peter Lakai is also not in the mix after being called into the All Blacks squad for the Japan Test. Ethan Blackadder, Dalton Papali’i and Luke Jacobson have all been ruled out through injury, which has opened the door for Lakai to potentially debut.

“It’s all good. For this week we’ve got a few younger boys coming in,” Higgins explained. “Obviously, losing those experienced lads is a bit of a difference.

“I think they’re alright. Time to make their mark I guess.”

Wellington were on song against Counties, and they’ll go into Saturday evening’s clash with Waikato as strong favourites – but an upset remains on the cards. Waikato are coming off a shock 15-14 win over Ranfurly Shield holders Taranaki at Yarrow Stadium.

All Blacks Sevens ace Tepaea Cook-Savage kicked what ended up being a match-winning drop goal from long-range with 31 minutes left to play. Waikato didn’t score another point for the remainder of the contest, while neither side adding to the score in the final 20.

“Just watching their game last week, obviously, their defence definitely won them that game,” he reflected.

“Taranaki are probably one of the skilful teams and (they) could only get two tries on them. It’s definitely something that we’re thinking about this week for Saturday’s game.”