Taranaki celebrate Rona's try. Photo: Photosport
The NPC has turned the clock back, proving provincial rugby in Aotearoa more than has a pulse.
It was an absolute classic played out between Taranaki and Hawke's Bay for the title, with the amber and blacks prevailing 22-19 to claim just their second ever NPC crown.
Hawke's Bay had been dubbed the comeback kings this season, but the last hurdle proved one too far and they will continue to wait for a title.
Taranaki lock Josh Lord said it was not only a 23-man effort, but the crowd which helped get them home.
"It's a special place Taranaki, and this one is for them."
There was a retro feel about today's final, with an afternoon kick off, a packed house at Yarrow Stadium, and provincial pride on full display.
The New Plymouth sun provided the perfect canvas for enterprising running rugby, both sides chancing their arm with ball in hand.
With a parochial crowd at their back, it was all Taranaki early on.
Former schools superstar Meihana Grindlay struck first for the Bulls inside the opening two minutes.
The hosts went back to back shortly after as his midfield partner Daniel Rona scored in the opposite corner as Taranaki surged out to a 12-0 lead.
The big games require big names to step up, and for the hosts it was All Blacks Stephen Perofeta and Pita Gus-Sowakula with outstanding contributions.
Hawke's Bay finally strung some possession together, resulting in their first try after fullback Lolagi Visinia smashed his way to the line.
The Magpies began to seriously test Taranaki's defence with two raids of 20 plus phase attacks inside the 22.
After relentless pressure, the Bulls finally cracked as skipper Tom Parsons crashed over to put the Magpies in front for the first time in the final.
It wouldn't last long however, Perofeta putting the hosts up 15-14 at the break with a regulation shot at goal.
After spending the first ten minutes of the second half on defence, Taranaki survived the onslaught and scored a scorcher to extend their advantage.
Perofeta again sparked the attack, bursting through the Hawke's Bay line before linking with Rona who in turn linked with Adam Lennox to finish the superb movement.
Down 22-14, the Magpies responded through lock Geoff Cridge who found himself in space on the right wing to bring his side back within 3.
Perofeta missed consecutive penalty shots to keep Hawke's Bay in the hunt, and the visitors hammered away in the final minutes without success.
The hosts had one final shot to snatch victory with an attacking scrum, but the Bulls absolutely blew the Bay off the ball as the hooter sounded to mark a famous Taranaki win.
In a final throwback to old school rugby, an ecstatic crowd invaded the pitch and enveloped the players.
Daniel Rona of Taranaki celebrates a try during the NPC Final. Photo: Photosport
