1976 National Provincial Championship
The 1976 season was the inaugural year of the National Provincial Championship (NPC), also known for sponsorship reasons as the Radio New Zealand National Championship, a provincial rugby union competition in New Zealand. Bay of Plenty were the winners of Division 1, while Taranaki and South Canterbury were the winners of Division 2 North Island and Division 2 South Island respectively.
Division 1
Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TF | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Bay of Plenty
|
10 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 195 | 112 | +83 | 25 | 17 |
| 2 |  Manawatu (RS)
|
10 | 7 | 1 | 2 | 142 | 104 | +38 | 17 | 15 |
| 3 |  Auckland
|
10 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 160 | 133 | +27 | 19 | 13 |
| 4 |  Canterbury
|
10 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 153 | 118 | +35 | 20 | 12 |
| 5 |  Counties
|
10 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 118 | 107 | +11 | 20 | 12 |
| 6 |  Wellington
|
10 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 165 | 122 | +43 | 20 | 11 |
| 7 |  Otago
|
10 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 106 | 148 | +42 | 11 | 10 |
| 8 |  Hawke's Bay
|
10 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 125 | 130 | −5 | 18 | 8 |
| 9 |  Marlborough
|
10 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 146 | 192 | −46 | 19 | 6 |
| 10 |  Southland
|
10 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 105 | 161 | −56 | 13 | 5 |
| 11 |  North Auckland
|
10 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 76 | 164 | −88 | 8 | 1 |
Results
May
| 12 May 1976 |
| Hawke's Bay | 7–10 | Auckland |
| Try: Robbie Stuart Pen: Roger Whinham | Try: Tua Mose Saseve Pen: Steve Watt Drop: Mark Sisam |
| McLean Park, Napier Referee: Bill Adlam (Wanganui) |
| 19 May 1976 |
| Canterbury | 23–9 | Marlborough |
| Try: Scott Cartwright Terry Mitchell Murray McEwan John Phillips Con: Doug Heffernan (2) Pen: Doug Heffernan | Pen: Steve Marfell (3) |
| Lancaster Park, Christchurch Referee: Dave Millar (Otago) |
June
| 7 June 1976 |
| Manawatu | 23–13 | Wellington |
| Try: Doug Rollerson (2) Kenneth Granger Con: Doug Rollerson Pen: Doug Rollerson (2) | Try: Geoff Skipper Con: Clive Currie (2) Pen: Brian Cederwall |
| Showgrounds Oval, Palmerston North Referee: Colin Patrick Gregan (Waikato) |
| 16 June 1976 |
| Counties | 12–19 | Auckland |
| Try: John Hughes Andy Dalton Patrick Yates | Try: Terry Morrison (2) Con: Steve Watt Pen: Steve Watt (2) Drop: Perry Parlane |
| The Stadium, Pukekohe Referee: Ian James Clarke (Waikato) |
| 26 June 1976 |
| North Auckland | 3–12 | Auckland |
| Pen: Chippy Semenoff | Try: Dave Palmer Con: Steve Watt Pen: Steve Watt Drop: Joe Whiu |
| Okara Park, Whangārei Referee: Kevin Hugh Lynch (Poverty Bay) |
| 26 June 1976 |
| Counties | 4–15 | Wellington |
| Try: Patrick Yates | Try: Grant Griffith Con: Clive Currie Pen: Clive Currie (3) |
| The Stadium, Pukekohe Referee: Mike Farnworth (Auckland) |
July
| 3 July 1976 |
| Bay of Plenty | 9–10 | Counties |
| Pen: Tuck Waaka (2) Drop: John Brake | Try: Richard Palmer Henk Habraken Con: Graeme Taylor |
| The Stadium, Rotorua Referee: D. Cooper (Poverty Bay) |
| 8 July 1976 |
| Manawatu | 19–6 | North Auckland |
| Try: Murray Watts Mark Donaldson Grant Bowater Con: Doug Rollerson (2) Drop: Doug Rollerson | Pen: Brian McCarroll (2) |
| Showgrounds Oval, Palmerston North Referee: Brian Walter Duffy (Taranaki) |
| 10 July 1976 |
| Wellington | 13–0 | North Auckland |
| Try: Stu Wilson Kevin Phelan Con: Clive Currie Pen: Clive Currie |
| Athletic Park, Wellington Referee: Barry Williams (West Coast) |
| 13 July 1976 |
| Marlborough | 24–17 | North Auckland |
| Try: Dave Neal (2) Brian Dwyer Con: Kevin Sutherland (3) Pen: Kevin Sutherland Drop: Ray Gordon | Try: Phil Halse (2) David Haynes Con: Brian McCarroll Pen: Brian McCarroll |
| Lansdowne Park, Blenheim Referee: Norm Thomas (Manawatu) |
| 17 July 1976 |
| Southland | 9–23 | Manawatu |
| Try: Ron Davis Con: Geoff Valli Pen: Geoff Valli | Try: Paul Broederlow Ken Maharey Mark Wright Doug Rollerson Con: Doug Rollerson (2) Drop: Doug Rollerson |
| Rugby Park, Invercargill Referee: Lester Te Au (South Canterbury) |
| 20 July 1976 |
| Marlborough | 15–25 | Auckland |
| Try: Dave Neal Mark Best Con: Kevin Sutherland (2) Pen: Kevin Sutherland | Try: Terry Morrison Joe Whiu Barry Ashworth Glenn Rich Con: Steve Watt (3) Pen: Steve Watt |
| Lansdowne Park, Blenheim Referee: Allan Creighton (Otago) |
| 24 July 1976 |
| Hawke's Bay | 33–10 | Marlborough |
| Try: Robbie Hunter (3) Ian Grant Roger Bremmer Con: Richard Cox (2) Pen: Richard Cox (3) | Try: Mark Best Pen: Kevin Sutherland Drop: Ray Gordon |
| Nelson Park, Hastings Referee: D. R. Buckland (Wellington) |
| 27 July 1976 |
| Counties | 10–6 | Marlborough |
| Try: Richard Palmer Pen: Bob Lendrum Drop: Bob Lendrum | Try: Steve Marfell Con: Kevin Sutherland |
| The Stadium, Pukekohe Referee: Bob Francis (Wairarapa Bush) |
| 31 July 1976 |
| Marlborough | 13–24 | Bay of Plenty |
| Try: Philip Neal Pen: Kevin Sutherland (3) | Try: Eddie Stokes (2) Barry Spry Allan McNaughton Graham Moore Con: Greg Rowlands |
| Lansdowne Park, Blenheim Referee: Nelson Burton Whittaker (Manawatu) |
August
| 4 August 1976 |
| Wellington | 18–18 | Bay of Plenty |
| Try: Geoff Skipper Con: Brian Cederwall Pen: Brian Cederwall (4) | Pen: Greg Rowlands (4) Tuck Waaka Drop: Greg Rowlands |
| Athletic Park, Wellington Referee: Mike Farnworth (Auckland) |
| 7 August 1976 |
| Manawatu | 9–28 | Bay of Plenty |
| Pen: Doug Rollerson (2) Sheridan Martin Murphy | Try: Eddie Stokes Mark Taylor Jimmy Kamizona Lawrence Keepa Con: Greg Rowlands (3) Pen: Greg Rowlands (2) |
| Showgrounds Oval, Palmerston North Referee: Bob Watson (North Auckland) |
| 7 August 1976 |
| Southland | 9–10 | Otago |
| Pen: Geoff Valli (2) Drop: John Polson | Try: Kenneth Mitchell Pen: Bevan Wilson Drop: Bevin Guthrie |
| Rugby Park, Invercargill Referee: Tom Doocey (Canterbury) |
| 11 August 1976 |
| Otago | 6–18 | Hawke's Bay |
| Pen: Bevan Wilson (2) | Try: Tim Carter Pat Ryan Jock McCarroll Con: Richard Cox (3) |
| Carisbrook Ground, Dunedin Referee: Barry Williams (West Coast) |
| 11 August 1976 |
| Manawatu | 15–10 | Canterbury |
| Try: Paul Broederlow Con: Doug Rollerson Pen: Doug Rollerson (2) Drop: Brian Morris | Try: Vance Stewart Doug Heffernan Con: Doug Heffernan |
| Showgrounds Oval, Palmerston North Referee: Bill Adlam (Wanganui) |
| 14 August 1976 |
| Southland | 6–7 | Hawke's Bay |
| Pen: Geoff Valli (2) | Try: Robbie Stuart Pen: Richard Cox |
| Rugby Park, Invercargill Referee: Jeff Walker (Otago) |
| 14 August 1976 |
| North Auckland | 13–21 | Canterbury |
| Try: Mike Gunson Pen: Brian McCarroll (2) David Laurie | Try: Scott Cartwright (2) John Phillips Andy Jefferd Con: Doug Heffernan Pen: Doug Heffernan |
| Okara Park, Whangārei Referee: Jim Innes (Counties) |
| 17 August 1976 |
| Bay of Plenty | 12–6 | Canterbury |
| Try: Graham Moore Con: Greg Rowlands Pen: Greg Rowlands Drop: John Brake | Pen: Richard Wilson (2) |
| The Domain, Tauranga Referee: Kevin Hugh Lynch (Poverty Bay) |
| 18 August 1976 |
| Auckland (RS) | 9–9 | Southland |
| Pen: Steve Watt (3) | Try: Dave Saunders Con: Geoff Valli Pen: Geoff Valli |
| Eden Park, Auckland Referee: Brian Walter Duffy (Taranaki) |
| 21 August 1976 |
| Auckland (RS) | 10–12 | Manawatu |
| Try: Andy Haden Terry Morrison Con: Steve Watt | Try: Doug Rollerson Con: Duncan Hales Pen: Doug Rollerson Drop: Doug Rollerson |
| Eden Park, Auckland Referee: Colin Patrick Gregan (Waikato) |
| 21 August 1976 |
| Canterbury | 13–6 | Hawke's Bay |
| Try: Alex Wyllie Scott Cartwright Con: Doug Heffernan Pen: Doug Heffernan | Pen: Richard Cox (2) |
| Lancaster Park, Christchurch Referee: Graeme Harrison (Wellington) |
| 21 August 1976 |
| Bay of Plenty | 27–12 | Southland |
| Try: Eddie Stokes (2) Peter Horrocks Tony Brown Graham Moore Con: Greg Rowlands Tuck Waaka Pen: Greg Rowlands | Try: Leicester Rutledge Con: Geoff Valli Pen: Geoff Valli (2) |
| The Domain, Whakatāne Referee: John Pring (Auckland) |
| 24 August 1976 |
| Counties | 12–14 | Manawatu |
| Try: Patrick Yates (2) Con: Mark Codlin (2) | Try: Kenneth Granger Doug Rollerson Murray Watts Con: Duncan Hales |
| The Stadium, Pukekohe Referee: L. Paul (Counties) |
| 24 August 1976 |
| North Auckland | 9–15 | Southland |
| Try: Murray Dyer Con: Brian McCarroll Pen: Brian McCarroll | Try: Leicester Rutledge Ash McGregor Con: Geoff Valli (2) Pen: Geoff Valli |
| Okara Park, Whangārei Referee: Keith Harold Lawrence (Bay of Plenty) |
| 28 August 1976 |
| Auckland | 28–31 | Bay of Plenty |
| Try: Terry Morrison Denis Thorn Glenn Rich Con: Steve Watt (2) Pen: Steve Watt (3) Drop: Mike Richards | Try: Tony Brown Mark Taylor Graham Moore Con: Greg Rowlands (2) Pen: Greg Rowlands (4) Drop: John Brake |
| Eden Park, Auckland Referee: Dave Millar (Otago) |
| 28 August 1976 |
| Hawke's Bay | 25–16 | North Auckland |
| Try: Jock McCarroll (2) Peter Durham (2) Robbie Hunter Con: Richard Cox Pen: Richard Cox | Try: Harley Sowman David Haynes Mike Gunson Con: Brian McCarroll (2) |
| McLean Park, Napier Referee: Alan Bailey (Wellington) |
| 28 August 1976 |
| Otago | 16–6 | Counties |
| Try: Tim Burcher Pen: Bevan Wilson (3) Drop: Bevan Wilson | Pen: Mark Codlin (2) |
| Carisbrook Ground, Dunedin Referee: Alan Ralph Taylor (Canterbury) |
| 28 August 1976 |
| Wellington | 14–15 | Canterbury |
| Try: Stu Wilson (2) Pen: Richard Cleland (2) | Try: Paul Macfie Don Stewart Con: Doug Heffernan (2) Pen: Doug Heffernan |
| Athletic Park, Wellington Referee: Bill Adlam (Wanganui) |
September
| 1 September 1976 |
| Southland | 10–19 | Counties |
| Try: Murray Arthur Mitchell Geoff Valli Con: Geoff Valli | Try: Bob Lendrum Peter Clotworthy Joe Rawiri Con: Bob Lendrum (2) Pen: Bob Lendrum |
| Rugby Park, Invercargill Referee: S. C. Miller (South Canterbury) |
| 4 September 1976 |
| Auckland | 16–26 | Otago |
| Try: Lin Colling Glenn Rich Con: Steve Watt Pen: Steve Watt (2) | Try: Lindsay Clark Merv Jaffray Alistair Barton Bevan Wilson Con: Bevan Wilson (2) Pen: Bevan Wilson (2) |
| Eden Park, Auckland Referee: Peter Alan McDavitt (Wellington) |
| 4 September 1976 |
| Hawke's Bay | 13–25 | Wellington |
| Try: Junior Paraha Peter Durham Con: Richard Cox Pen: Richard Cox | Try: Warwick Procter (2) Stu Wilson (2) Con: Richard Cleland (3) Pen: Richard Cleland |
| Nelson Park, Hastings Referee: Kevin Hugh Lynch (Poverty Bay) |
| 4 September 1976 |
| Canterbury | 6–11 | Counties |
| Pen: Doug Heffernan (2) | Try: Patrick Yates (2) Drop: Bob Lendrum |
| Lancaster Park, Christchurch Referee: Barry McKay Dawson (Southland) |
| 4 September 1976 |
| Marlborough | 28–12 | Southland |
| Try: Brian Ford Ray Gordon John Davie Dave Neal Con: Kevin Sutherland (3) Pen: Kevin Sutherland Drop: Kerry Ross Hodges | Try: Leicester Rutledge (2) Con: Geoff Valli (2) |
| Lansdowne Park, Blenheim Referee: John Gordon Macdonald (North Otago) |
| 4 September 1976 |
| North Auckland | 3–17 | Bay of Plenty |
| Pen: David Laurie | Try: Graham Moore Mark Taylor Greg Rowlands Con: Greg Rowlands Pen: Greg Rowlands |
| Okara Park, Whangārei Referee: Colin Patrick Gregan (Waikato) |
| 8 September 1976 |
| North Auckland | 3–3 | Otago |
| Pen: David Laurie | Pen: Bevan Wilson |
| Okara Park, Whangārei Referee: Bob Watson (North Auckland) |
| 12 September 1976 |
| Canterbury | 16–7 | Southland |
| Try: Geoff Brain Pen: Doug Heffernan (4) | Try: Ron Davis Drop: Brian McKechnie |
| Lancaster Park, Christchurch Referee: Dave Millar (Otago) |
| 12 September 1976 |
| Manawatu (RS) | 15–3 | Hawke's Bay |
| Try: Murray Watts Alan Campbell Innes Con: Doug Rollerson (2) Pen: Doug Rollerson | Pen: Richard Cox |
| Showgrounds Oval, Palmerston North Referee: John Pring (Auckland) |
| 12 September 1976 |
| Wellington | 9–12 | Auckland |
| Try: Geoff Skipper Con: Richard Cleland Pen: Richard Cleland | Try: Terry Morrison Andy Haden Con: Steve Watt (2) |
| Athletic Park, Wellington Referee: Norm Thomas (Manawatu) |
| 13 September 1976 |
| Bay of Plenty | 19–6 | Otago |
| Try: Jimmy Kamizona Peter Horrocks John Brake Con: Greg Rowlands (2) Pen: Greg Rowlands | Pen: Bevan Wilson (2) |
| The Stadium, Rotorua Referee: Bill Adlam (Wanganui) |
| 15 September 1976 |
| Counties | 15–6 | North Auckland |
| Try: Ean McRobbie Bob Lendrum Con: Mark Codlin (2) Pen: Mark Codlin | Pen: Ross McAllister (2) |
| The Stadium, Pukekohe Referee: Brian Walter Duffy (Taranaki) |
| 16 September 1976 |
| Southland | 16–13 | Wellington |
| Try: John Wayne Ellis Roger Ramsey Dave Saunders Con: Geoff Valli (2) | Try: Geoff Skipper Warwick Procter Con: Richard Cleland Pen: Clive Currie |
| Rugby Park, Invercargill Referee: Barry Williams (West Coast) |
| 18 September 1976 |
| Auckland | 19–9 | Canterbury |
| Try: Denis Thorn Jon McLachlan Con: Steve Watt Pen: Steve Watt (3) | Pen: Doug Heffernan (3) |
| Eden Park, Auckland Referee: Nelson Burton Whittaker (Manawatu) |
| 18 September 1976 |
| Otago | 7–29 | Wellington |
| Try: John Colling Pen: Bevan Wilson | Try: Ian Stevens (2) Paul Quinn Stu Wilson Con: Clive Currie (2) Pen: Clive Currie (2) Drop: John Dougan |
| Carisbrook Ground, Dunedin Referee: Lester Te Au (South Canterbury) |
| 18 September 1976 |
| Marlborough | 13–12 | Manawatu |
| Try: John Davie Brian Ford Con: Kevin Sutherland Pen: Kevin Sutherland | Pen: Doug Rollerson (3) Drop: Brent Wright |
| Lansdowne Park, Blenheim Referee: G. L. Harrison (Wellington) |
| 18 September 1976 |
| Bay of Plenty | 10–7 | Hawke's Bay |
| Try: Greg Rowlands Pen: Greg Rowlands (2) | Try: Jock McCarroll Pen: Richard Cox |
| The Stadium Rotorua Referee: Jim Innes (Counties) |
| 22 September 1976 |
| Otago | 20–14 | Marlborough |
| Try: Tim Burcher Alistair Barton Merv Jaffray Con: Bevan Wilson Pen: Bevan Wilson Drop: Bevan Wilson | Try: Brian Ford Bruce Kenny Pen: Kevin Sutherland (2) |
| Carisbrook Ground, Dunedin Referee: Barry McKay Dawson (Southland) |
| 25 September 1976 |
| Canterbury | 34–12 | Otago |
| Try: Donald James Stewart (2) John Munro Andy Jefferd John Ashworth Con: Doug Heffernan (4) Pen: Doug Heffernan Drop: Terry Mehrtens | Try: Rob Roy Con: Bevan Wilson Pen: Bevan Wilson (2) |
| Lancaster Park, Christchurch Referee: Alan Bailey (Wellington) |
| 25 September 1976 |
| Wellington | 16–14 | Marlborough |
| Try: Stu Wilson Warwick Procter Con: Clive Currie Pen: Clive Currie (2) | Try: Alan Sutherland (3) Con: Kevin Sutherland |
| Athletic Park, Wellington Referee: Bob Francis (Wairarapa Bush) |
| 25 September 1976 |
| Hawke's Bay | 6–19 | Counties |
| Pen: Roger Whinham (2) | Try: Buff Milner (2) Patrick Yates Owen Trevor Burnside Drop: Bob Lendrum |
| McLean Park, Napier Referee: Peter Alan McDavitt (Wellington) |
Division 2 (North Island)
Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TF | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Taranaki
|
8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 209 | 49 | +160 | 28 | 16 |
| 2 |  Wanganui
|
8 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 216 | 87 | +129 | 31 | 14 |
| 3 |  King Country
|
8 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 110 | 144 | −34 | 9 | 9 |
| 4 |  Poverty Bay
|
8 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 92 | 115 | −23 | 11 | 8 |
| 5 |  Waikato
|
8 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 173 | 76 | +97 | 28 | 8 |
| 6 |  Wairarapa Bush
|
8 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 98 | 107 | −9 | 13 | 8 |
| 7 |  East Coast
|
8 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 41 | 214 | −173 | 6 | 4 |
| 8 |  Thames Valley
|
8 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 70 | 128 | −58 | 6 | 3 |
| 9 |  Horowhenua
|
8 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 94 | 183 | −89 | 15 | 2 |
Results
May
| 8 May 1976 |
| Horowhenua | 11–12 | East Coast |
| Try: Mike Nutting Lindsay Robinson Pen: Lindsay Robinson | Pen: Vic Takarangi (4) |
| Park Domain Oval, Levin Referee: Colin John Pedley (Wanganui) |
June
| 7 June 1976 |
| Wanganui | 12–32 | Taranaki |
| Try: Brent Dallison Con: Bob Barrell Pen: Bob Barrell (2) | Try: Alistair Scown (2) John O'Sullivan Paul Wharehoka Herbie Kowhai Con: Paul Martin (2) Steve Davidson Drop: Paul Martin Ian Snook |
| Spriggens Park, Wanganui Referee: Norm Thomas (Manawatu) |
| 16 June 1976 |
| Waikato | 23–3 | Thames Valley |
| Try: Peter Gilbert (2) Alan Clark Dick Myers Con: Andy Baker (2) Pen: Andy Baker | Pen: Graham Bax |
| Rugby Park, Hamilton Referee: Harry Innes (North Auckland) |
| 19 June 1976 |
| Wanganui | 45–4 | Horowhenua |
| Try: Bruce Middleton (2) Bob Barrell (2) Francis Hill Brent Dallison Rob Manson Con: Bob Barrell (4) Pen: Bob Barrell (3) | Try: Michael Brodie |
| Spriggins Park, Wanganui Referee: Keith Harold Lawrence (Bay of Plenty) |
| 26 June 1976 |
| Thames Valley | 4–12 | East Coast |
| Try: David Strange | Try: Charlie Keelan Wayne Truman Jerry McClutchie |
| Rugby Park, Waihi Referee: Gary Arthur Urbahn (North Auckland) |
July
| 3 July 1976 |
| East Coast | 0–22 | Poverty Bay |
| Try: George Newlands Pen: Glenn Ross (5) Drop: Glenn Ross |
| Uawa Domain, Tolaga Bay Referee: Lawrence Robert Woodgate (Bay of Plenty) |
| 14 July 1976 |
| Thames Valley | 9–9 | King Country |
| Pen: Graham Bax (3) | Try: Murray Kidd Con: Jim Barr Pen: Jim Barr |
| Sports Domain, Te Aroha Referee: Ian Burrell (Bay of Plenty) |
| 24 July 1976 |
| Wanganui | 28–9 | King Country |
| Try: Richard Murray Brent Dallison Peter Bailey Ray Stafford Bruce Middleton Con: Bob Barrell (4) | Pen: Jim Barr (3) |
| Spriggens Park, Wanganui Referee: Graeme Anderson (Nelson Bays) |
| 28 July 1976 |
| King Country | 6–3 | Wairarapa Bush |
| Try: Paul Bowen Con: Jim Barr | Pen: Neil Kjestrup |
| The Domain, Taumarunui Referee: Garry Klatt (Counties) |
| 31 July 1976 |
| Waikato | 7–8 | Wairarapa Bush |
| Try: Kevin Greene Pen: Andy Baker | Try: Kevin Wayne Carter (2) |
| Rugby Park, Hamilton Referee: Basil Marsh (Hawke's Bay) |
August
| 7 August 1976 |
| Horowhenua | 11–16 | Thames Valley |
| Try: Mike Nutting Michael Brodie Pen: Michael Brodie | Try: Pita Cherrington David Strange Con: Kerry Moloney Pen: Kerry Moloney (2) |
| Park Domain Oval, Levin Referee: Ian Diprose (Buller) |
| 10 August 1976 |
| Wairarapa Bush | 20–11 | Thames Valley |
| Try: Alistair John O'Neill Con: Neil Kjestrup Pen: Neil Kjestrup (2) | Try: David Strange Donald George McMillan Pen: Allen Henry Fisher |
| Memorial Park, Masterton Referee: Alan Bailey (Wellington) |
| 12 August 1976 |
| Poverty Bay | 13–6 | Thames Valley |
| Try: Glenn Ross Michael Whitehead Con: Glenn Ross Pen: Glenn Ross | Try: Kerry Moloney (2) |
| Rugby Park, Gisborne Referee: Len Watkins (Hawke's Bay) |
| 14 August 1976 |
| Wairarapa Bush | 18–4 | East Coast |
| Try: Alistair John O'Neill Ritchie Robertson Con: Neil Kjestrup (2) Pen: Neil Kjestrup (2) | Try: Ray Falcon |
| Rugby Park, Pahiatua Referee: Warwick Bringans (Wellington) |
| 14 August 1976 |
| Taranaki | 16–6 | King Country |
| Try: John O'Sullivan Graham Mourie Con: Steve Davidson Pen: Steve Davidson (2) | Try: Murray Kidd Con: Sam Pye |
| Rugby Park, New Plymouth Referee: Norm Thomas (Manawatu) |
| 17 August 1976 |
| Thames Valley | 12–20 | Wanganui |
| Pen: Graham Bax (4) | Try: Rob Manson Brent Dallison Bruce Patrick Con: Bob Barrell Pen: Bob Barrell (2) |
| The Domain, Paeroa Referee: E. G. Pennell (Auckland) |
| 18 August 1976 |
| King Country | 9–8 | Poverty Bay |
| Try: David Flavell Con: Sam Pye Drop: Malcolm Fluker | Try: Philip Duncan Grant Allen |
| Island Reserve, Ōtorohanga Referee: Lawrence Robert Woodgate (Bay of Plenty) |
| 19 August 1976 |
| East Coast | 3–54 | Wanganui |
| Pen: Terry Roberts | Try: Richard Murray (3) Bruce Patrick (2) Douglas Patchett Rob Manson John Knofflock penalty try Con: Bob Barrell (6) Pen: Bob Barrell (2) |
| Whakarua Park, Ruatoria Referee: Kevin Hugh Lynch (Poverty Bay) |
| 21 August 1976 |
| Poverty Bay | 7–17 | Wanganui |
| Try: Robbie Newlands Pen: John Whittle | Try: John Knofflock Douglas Patchett Con: Bob Barrell (2) Drop: Les Stowell |
| Rugby Park, Gisborne Referee: Paul Anthony Arthur (Auckland) |
| 21 August 1976 |
| King Country | 13–47 | Waikato |
| Try: Murray Kidd Jim Tarrant Con: Jim Barr Pen: Jim Barr | Try: Roger Litt (2) Kevin Magill Murray Taylor Alan Clark Dick Myers Peter Gilbert Con: Andy Baker (5) Pen: Andy Baker (3) |
| The Domain, Taumarunui Referee: Hugh Miller (Counties) |
| 21 August 1976 |
| Taranaki | 6–3 | Horowhenua |
| Pen: Steve Davidson (2) | Pen: Michael Brodie |
| Rugby Park, New Plymouth Referee: Colin Aitken (Nelson Bays) |
| 26 August 1976 |
| East Coast | 0–41 | Taranaki |
| Try: Stephen Brophy Dennis Avison Bryce McEldowney Ian Eliason John O'Sullivan Alistair Scown Con: Dennis Avison (4) Pen: Dennis Avison (3) |
| Whakarua Park, Ruatoria Referee: Gordon Way (Thames Valley) |
| 28 August 1976 |
| Poverty Bay | 6–43 | Taranaki |
| Pen: Glenn Ross (2) | Try: Ross Fraser (2) Stephen Brophy (2) Paul Wharehoka Con: Dennis Avison Pen: Dennis Avison (3) Drop: Ian Snook (4) |
| Rugby Park, Gisborne Referee: Ian Burrell (Bay of Plenty) |
| 28 August 1976 |
| Horowhenua | 12–23 | Wairarapa Bush |
| Try: Robbie Puklowski Michael Brodie Con: Michael Brodie (2) | Try: Michael Barnes (2) Brian McConnochie Bruce Bernard Patrick Con: Neil Kjestrup (2) Pen: Neil Kjestrup |
| Park Domain Oval, Levin Referee: Lyall Daines (Marlborough) |
| 28 August 1976 |
| Wanganui | 21–7 | Waikato |
| Try: Rob Manson Grant Mitchinson Con: Bob Barrell (2) Pen: Bob Barrell (3) | Try: Michael Deane Pen: Andy Baker |
| Spriggins Park, Wanganui Referee: Tom Doocey (Canterbury) |
September
| 4 September 1976 |
| Poverty Bay | 15–14 | Waikato |
| Try: Nigel Shanks Simon Spence Con: John Whittle (2) Pen: John Whittle | Try: Clive Ormsby Dick Myers Drop: Murray Taylor (2) |
| Rugby Park, Gisborne Referee: Nelson Burton Whittaker (Manawatu) |
| 4 September 1976 |
| Taranaki | 42–10 | Wairarapa Bush |
| Try: Stephen Brophy (2) John O'Sullivan (2) Graham Mourie Dave Loveridge Ian Eliason Con: Dennis Avison (4) Pen: Dennis Avison Drop: Paul Martin | Try: Nigel Sargent Pen: Neil Kjestrup (2) |
| Rugby Park, New Plymouth Referee: Colin John Pedley (Wairarapa Bush) |
| 7 September 1976 |
| East Coast | 0–39 | Waikato |
| Try: Murray Taylor (2) Roger Litt (2) Kevin Magill Peter Gilbert Graeme Irwin Ross McGlashan Con: Andy Baker (2) Pen: Andy Baker |
| Whakarua Park, Ruatoria Referee: Vic Thurston (Hawke's Bay) |
| 8 September 1976 |
| King Country | 29–23 | Horowhenua |
| Try: Murray Kidd (3) Graham Potaka Sam Pye David Flavell Con: John Lang (3) Pen: John Lang | Try: Paul Lucas Martin (2) Mike Nutting John William Luoni Con: Michael Brodie (2) Pen: Michael Brodie |
| Rugby Park, Te Kūiti Referee: Colin William Alford (King Country) |
| 11 September 1976 |
| Waikato | 33–7 | Horowhenua |
| Try: Clive Ormsby (2) Kevin Greene (2) John O'Rourke Con: Roger Litt (2) Pen: Roger Litt (3) | Try: Mike Nutting Pen: Michael Brodie |
| Rugby Park, Hamilton Referee: Peter Richard Harpur (King Country) |
| 11 September 1976 |
| Wairarapa Bush | 3–6 | Poverty Bay |
| Pen: Neil Kjestrup | Try: George Newlands Con: John Whittle |
| Memorial Park, Masterton Referee: Jeremy Gilbert Oakley Stubbs (King Country) |
| 15 September 1976 |
| Horowhenua | 23–15 | Poverty Bay |
| Try: Mike Nutting (3) Geoffrey Wilfred Hobson Con: Michael Brodie (2) Pen: Michael Brodie | Try: Graeme Thompson Brett Sherriff Con: Glenn Ross (2) Pen: Glenn Ross |
| Park Domain Oval, Levin Referee: John Luckin (Taranaki) |
| 16 September 1976 |
| Thames Valley | 9–20 | Taranaki |
| Try: Huia Martin Con: Graham Bax Pen: Graham Bax (3) | Try: Dave Loveridge John O'Sullivan Pen: Dennis Avison (3) Drop: Ian Snook |
| Rugby Park, Waihi Referee: Keith Harold Lawrence (Bay of Plenty) |
| 18 September 1976 |
| Wairarapa Bush | 13–19 | Wanganui |
| Try: Bruce Bernard Patrick Pen: Neil Kjestrup (3) | Try: Bob Barrell Richard Murray Con: Bob Barrell Pen: Bob Barrell (3) |
| Memorial Park, Masterton Referee: Larry Auckram (Horowhenua) |
| 18 September 1976 |
| Waikato | 3–9 | Taranaki |
| Pen: Andy Baker | Try: Graham Mourie Con: Dennis Avison Pen: Paul Martin |
| Rugby Park, Hamilton Referee: Bob Watson (North Auckland) |
| 18 September 1976 |
| King Country | 25–10 | East Coast |
| Try: Barry Donovan (2) Murray Kidd Rod Takiari Con: John Lang (3) Pen: Alan McDonald | Try: Jimmy Morice Henry Reedy Con: Terry Roberts |
| Island Reserve, Ōtorohanga Referee: Lawrence Robert Woodgate (Bay of Plenty) |
Division 2 (South Island)
Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TF | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  South Canterbury
|
5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 103 | 39 | +64 | 14 | 8 |
| 2 | .png){kind=small} Buller
|
5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 64 | 40 | +24 | 9 | 6 |
| 3 |  Nelson Bays
|
5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 72 | 77 | −5 | 11 | 6 |
| 4 |  Mid Canterbury
|
5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 50 | 55 | −5 | 6 | 5 |
| 5 |  West Coast
|
5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 59 | 63 | −4 | 6 | 3 |
| 6 |  North Otago
|
5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 41 | 115 | −74 | 6 | 2 |
Results
June
| 7 June 1976 |
| Buller | 9–14 | Nelson Bays |
| Try: Calvin Cochrane Con: Gerald Hart Pen: Gerald Hart | Try: Stewart Robertson Paul Burgess Bob Neighbours Con: Merrin Hodgson |
| Victoria Square, Westport Referee: John Gordon Macdonald (North Otago) |
July
| 17 July 1976 |
| Nelson Bays | 17–14 | Mid Canterbury |
| Try: Colin Haigh (2) Pen: Bill Lucre (3) | Try: Peter MacGregor Michael Tapley Pen: Michael Tapley (2) |
| Trafalgar Park, Nelson Referee: Larry Auckram (Horowhenua) |
| 21 July 1976 |
| Buller | 6–7 | Mid Canterbury |
| Pen: Gerald Hart (2) | Try: Michael Tapley Pen: Michael Tapley |
| Victoria Square, Westport Referee: Keith Armstrong (Canterbury) |
| 24 July 1976 |
| West Coast | 9–9 | Mid Canterbury |
| Try: Gavin Cook Con: Russell Nelson Pen: Russell Nelson | Pen: Michael Tapley |
| Cass Square, Hokitika Referee: Peter Richard Harpur (King Country) |
| 31 July 1976 |
| West Coast | 6–16 | Buller |
| Pen: Russell Nelson | Try: Alec Fussell Paddy Alexander Con: Gerald Hart Pen: Gerald Hart (2) |
| Rugby Park, Greymouth Referee: Gordon Way (Thames Valley) |
August
| 7 August 1976 |
| Nelson Bays | 24–3 | North Otago |
| Try: Stewart Robertson Bill Lucre Colin Haigh Gary Organ Con: Bill Lucre Pen: Bill Lucre (2) | Pen: Paddy Whyte |
| Rugby Park, Motueka Referee: Robin Brown (Wairarapa Bush) |
| 14 August 1976 |
| Mid Canterbury | 17–13 | North Otago |
| Try: Alan Grieve (2) Michael Tapley Con: Michael Tapley Pen: Michael Tapley | Try: Richard May Paddy Whyte Con: Paddy Whyte Pen: Paddy Whyte |
| Showgrounds, Ashburton Referee: Laurie Craven (Marlborough) |
| 14 August 1976 |
| South Canterbury | 15–9 | West Coast |
| Try: Robin Heron Con: Doug Nicol Pen: Doug Nicol (3) | Try: Colin Skates Con: Russell Nelson Pen: Russell Nelson |
| Fraser Park, Timaru Referee: Kevin McLoughlin (Otago) |
| 17 August 1976 |
| North Otago | 16–7 | West Coast |
| Try: Peter Johnson Paddy Whyte Bill Cooper Con: Paddy Whyte (2) | Try: Bruce Davidson Pen: Russell Nelson |
| Centennial Park, Oamaru Referee: Murray Jarvis (Southland) |
| 21 August 1976 |
| Buller | 14–7 | South Canterbury |
| Try: Tony Mundy (2) John Dickson Con: Gerald Hart | Try: Robin Heron Pen: Doug Nicol |
| Victoria Square, Westport Referee: Bob Francis (Wairarapa Bush) |
| 24 August 1976 |
| Nelson Bays | 10–23 | South Canterbury |
| Try: Greg Lummis Pen: Bill Lucre (2) | Try: Peter Grant Robin Heron Alan McLaren Con: Doug Nicol Pen: Doug Nicol (3) |
| Trafalgar Park, Nelson Referee: Baden George Whale (Wairarapa Bush) |
September
| 4 September 1976 |
| Mid Canterbury | 3–10 | South Canterbury |
| Pen: Michael Tapley | Try: Robin Heron Pen: Doug Nicol Drop: Tony Goddard |
| Showgrounds, Ashburton Referee: Allan Creighton (Otago) |
| 4 September 1976 |
| Nelson Bays | 7–28 | West Coast |
| Try: Colin Haigh Pen: Bill Lucre | Try: Gavin Cook (2) Jim Steffens Con: Russell Nelson (2) Pen: Russell Nelson (2) Drop: Russell Nelson Gavin Cook |
| Trafalgar Park, Nelson Referee: Allan Lilley (Mid Canterbury) |
| 11 September 1976 |
| South Canterbury | 48–3 | North Otago |
| Try: Robin Heron (2) Geoff Hannan (2) Ian Palmer Alan McLaren Neville Richards Paul Hewitson Con: Doug Nicol (5) Pen: Doug Nicol (2) | Pen: Paddy Whyte |
| Fraser Park, Timaru Referee: Murray Jarvis (Southland) |
| 18 September 1976 |
| North Otago | 6–19 | Buller |
| Try: Richard McNamara Con: Barry Simpson | Try: Tony Mundy (2) Lindsay Kearns Con: Tom Aldridge Pen: Tom Aldridge (2) |
| Centennial Park, Oamaru Referee: Arthur Gormack (Southland) |
Promotion/relegation matches
As North Auckland came last in Division 1, the unbeaten winners of Division 2 (North Island), Taranaki, were promoted to Division 1 to replace them.
South Canterbury won Division 2 (South Island), giving them a promotion play-off against Southland; they lost the game 24–11 remained in Division 2.