The Bulls sat outside the top eight before their magnificent turning of fortunes from round eight onwards.
They then soundly beat Southland 55-19, Hawke’s Bay 14-50, and Wellington 68-26 to secure fifth spot, missing out on a home quarter final by just two points.
The only side bettering that run of form is Sunday’s home side, Canterbury. But Taranaki put North Harbour away in Albany in the quarter finals, and brought up the 50 in doing so. That result will only give them confidence for locking horns with the red and black machine.
In the other match, Northland host their first ever home semi-final, and take on Otago. The Friday night match under lights could also see the grand final hosted in the ‘Wha North, if Taranaki and Northland both win.
Find all the key match information and team lists below for Hilux NPC round 10 action.
Northland v Otago
Friday 16 October
7:10pm, Semenoff Stadium
Referee: Paul Williams
Canterbury v Taranaki
Sunday 18 October
3:35pm, One NZ Stadium
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe