Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

NPC series begins: Northland beat Taranaki

Updated at 5:16 pm on 30 July 2010

Northland beat Taranaki 26-19 in New Plymouth in the opening match of the NPC rugby series.

The visitors scored three tries to one, although two of them came from intercept passes.

Taranaki led 19-18 at half-time.

2009 champions Canterbury play Hawke's Bay on Friday night, in a repeat of last year's semi-final.

Also of interest during the competition will be the Ranfurly Shield.

Current holders Southland defend it against Otago in round two.

Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand