1979 National Provincial Championship

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The National Provincial Championship, or NPC, was the predecessor to the current Air New Zealand Cup and Heartland Championship in New Zealand rugby. 1979 was the fourth year of the National Provincial Championship, Counties were the winners of Division 1.

Contents

Division 1 Standings

Relegated to Division Two

These were the NPC Division 1 standings for the 1979 season.

TeamPldWDLPFPAPDPTS
1 Counties 1090115884+7418
2 Auckland 1080217588+8716
3 Wellington 10802176116+6016
4 Canterbury 10703146115+3114
5 North Auckland 1060411699+1712
6 Bay of Plenty 10514158148+1011
7 Manawatu 10415121106+159
8 Taranaki 10307120140206
9 Southland 10208106169634
10 South Canterbury 10109812121312
11 Otago 1010988168802

Table notes

Promotion/Relegation

As the bottom placed North Island team, Taranaki were automatically relegated.

Division Two North winner Hawkes Bay were promoted to Division One.

Otago faced Division Two South winner Marlborough, defeating them 15-13, and remained in Division One.

Division Two Teams

Division 2 North (In Order of Final Placing)

Division 2 South (In Order of Final Placing)

Ranfurly Shield

North Auckland began the season as holders having defeated Manawatu the season before. They defended the Shield in 5 matches before being defeated by Auckland. Auckland then successfully defended against Counties in the final match of the season that pitted the Shield holders against the National Champions.

North Auckland

Auckland

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