1996 Super 12 season
Men's rugby union club competition
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The 1996 Super 12 season was the inaugural season of the Super 12, contested by teams from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The season ran from February to May 1996, with each team playing all the others once. At the end of the regular season, the top four teams entered the playoff semifinals, with the first placed team playing the fourth and the second placed team playing the third. The winner of each semifinal qualified for the final, which was contested between the Auckland Blues and Natal Sharks, with the Blues winning 45–21 to win the first Super 12 title.
Countries
Australia (3 teams)
New Zealand (5 teams)
South Africa (4 teams)
Tournament format(s)Round-robin and knockout
Champions Auckland Blues (1st title)
Auckland Blues (1st title)Matches played69
| 1996 Super 12 season | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Countries |
| ||
| Tournament format(s) | Round-robin and knockout | ||
| Champions | Auckland Blues (1st title) | ||
| Matches played | 69 | ||
| Tries scored | 442 (6.41 per match) | ||
| Top point scorer(s) |  Matt Burke, Waratahs (157) | ||
| Top try scorer(s) |  James Small, Sharks (13) | ||
| |||
This was the first season of professional rugby union in the Southern Hemisphere (the Northern Hemisphere had their first season a few months earlier due to the seasonal differences). The season was also the first of 10 under the deal between SANZAR and News Corporation which gave all broadcasting rights to News Limited for the Super 12, Tri-Nations, all inbound tours and test matches and in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa as well as provincial competition matches. The deal was collectively worth $550 million USD.[1]
The teams from Australia and New Zealand were regional teams, a system that has continued to this day. South Africa used a different system for determining its Super 12 teams. The top four sides from the previous season of the country's domestic competition, the Currie Cup, were granted berths in the Super 12. This system would continue through the 1998 competition; only in 1999 did South Africa adopt the same system used by the other two participating countries.
Teams and personnel
Overview
Regular season
Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TF | TA | TB | LB | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Queensland Reds |
11 | 9 | 0 | 2 | 320 | 247 | +73 | 35 | 26 | 4 | 1 | 41 | Finals series |
| 2 | Auckland Blues (C) |
11 | 8 | 0 | 3 | 408 | 354 | +54 | 56 | 41 | 8 | 1 | 41 | |
| 3 | Northern Transvaal |
11 | 8 | 0 | 3 | 329 | 208 | +121 | 31 | 23 | 4 | 2 | 38 | |
| 4 | Natal Sharks |
11 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 389 | 277 | +112 | 47 | 31 | 6 | 3 | 33 | |
| 5 | ACT Brumbies |
11 | 7 | 0 | 4 | 306 | 273 | +33 | 37 | 29 | 4 | 0 | 32 | |
| 6 | Waikato Chiefs |
11 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 291 | 269 | +22 | 32 | 27 | 2 | 2 | 28 | |
| 7 | New South Wales Waratahs |
11 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 312 | 290 | +22 | 36 | 32 | 5 | 3 | 28 | |
| 8 | Otago Highlanders |
11 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 329 | 391 | −62 | 39 | 49 | 5 | 1 | 26 | |
| 9 | Wellington Hurricanes |
11 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 290 | 353 | −63 | 31 | 41 | 3 | 2 | 17 | |
| 10 | Transvaal |
11 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 233 | 299 | −66 | 25 | 32 | 2 | 2 | 16 | |
| 11 | Western Province |
11 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 251 | 353 | −102 | 24 | 41 | 0 | 1 | 15 | |
| 12 | Canterbury Crusaders |
11 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 234 | 378 | −144 | 24 | 45 | 1 | 2 | 13 |
Match grid
Matches
Round 1
| 1 March 1996 |
| Wellington Hurricanes | 28–36 | Auckland Blues |
| Try: Alama Ieremia Con: Jamie Cameron (1/1) Pen: Jamie Cameron (7) | Scoreboard[8] | Try: Andrew Blowers Eroni Clarke Ofisa Tonu'u Carlos Spencer Craig Dowd Con: Zinzan Brooke Pen: Greg Cooper (3) |
| The Showgrounds, Palmerston North Attendance: 13,000[9] Referee: Paddy O'Brien (New Zealand) |
| 1 March 1996 |
| New South Wales Waratahs | 32–11 | Transvaal |
| Try: Matt Burke (2) Tim Gavin Alistair Murdoch Con: Matt Burke (3/3) Pen: Matt Burke (2) | Scoreboard[10] | Try: Christiaan Scholtz Pen: Gavin Johnson (2) |
| Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney Attendance: 26,188[11] Referee: Scott Young (Australia) |
| 2 March 1996 |
| Natal Sharks | 28–22 | Western Province |
| Try: Jeremy Thomson André Joubert Dieter Kriese Con: André Joubert (2) Pen: André Joubert (3) | Scoreboard[12] | Try: Justin Swart Pieter Rossouw Louis Blom Con: Vlokkie Cilliers (2) Pen: Vlokkie Cilliers |
| Kings Park Stadium, Durban Referee: Tappe Henning (South Africa) |
| 3 March 1996 |
| Waikato Chiefs | 27–26 | Canterbury Crusaders |
| Try: Glen Osborne Eric Rush Con: Ian Foster Pen: Ian Foster (5) | Scoreboard[13] | Try: Adrian Tukaki Brad Fleming Con: Andy Miller (2) Pen: Andy Miller (3) Drop: Andy Miller |
| Waikato Stadium, Hamilton Referee: Glenn Wahlstrom (New Zealand) |
| 3 March 1996 |
| Otago Highlanders | 57–17 | Queensland Reds |
| Try: Stephen Bachop (2) Taine Randell Lio Falaniko Brendon Timmins Kupu Vanisi Brian Lima Con: Matthew Cooper (5) Pen: Matthew Cooper (4) | Scoreboard[14] | Try: Ben Tune (2) Garrick Morgan Con: John Eales |
| Carisbrook, Dunedin Attendance: 12,000 Referee: Colin Hawke (New Zealand) |
| 5 March 1996 |
| ACT Brumbies | 13–9 | Transvaal |
| Try: Elisi Vunipola Con: David Knox Pen: David Knox (2) | Scoreboard[15] | Pen: Gavin Johnson (2) Gavin Lawless |
| Canberra Stadium, Canberra Attendance: 10,042[16] Referee: Wayne Erickson (Australia) |
Round 2
| 9 March 1996 |
| Otago Highlanders | 29–15 | Transvaal |
| Try: Jeff Wilson (2) Tony Brown Brian Lima Con: Tony Brown (2) Jeff Wilson Pen: Jeff Wilson | Scoreboard[17] | Try: Charles Rossouw Japie Mulder Con: Gavin Johnson Pen: Gavin Johnson |
| Carisbrook, Dunedin Referee: Steve Walsh (New Zealand) |
| 9 March 1996 |
| ACT Brumbies | 35–28 | Wellington Hurricanes |
| Try: Mitch Hardy (2) George Gregan Ipolito Fenukitau Con: David Knox (2), Adam Friend Pen: David Knox (3) | Scoreboard[18] | Try: Christian Cullen Chresten Davis Rhys Duggan Con: Jamie Cameron (2) Pen: Jamie Cameron (3) |
| Canberra Stadium, Canberra |
| 9 March 1996 |
| Western Province | 22–30 | New South Wales Waratahs |
| Try: Justin Swart Con: Joel Stransky Pen: Joel Stransky (5) | Scoreboard[19] | Try: Alistair Murdoch Tim Gavin Matt Burke Con: Matt Burke (3) Pen: Matt Burke (3) |
| Newlands Stadium, Cape Town Referee: Ian Rogers (South Africa) |
| 9 March 1996 |
| Northern Transvaal | 30–8 | Natal Sharks |
| Try: Jacques Olivier Adriaan Richter Penalty try Con: Jannie Kruger (3) Pen: Jannie Kruger (3) | Scoreboard[20] | Try: James Small Con: André Joubert |
| Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria Referee: Andre Watson (South Africa) |
| 10 March 1996 |
| Canterbury Crusaders | 18–49 | Auckland Blues |
| Try: Adrian Tukaki Brad Fleming Matt Sexton Drop: Graeme Dempster | Scoreboard[21] | Try: Andrew Blowers (2) Lee Stensness Jonah Lomu Charles Riechelmann Waisake Sotutu Errol Brain Penalty try Con: Carlos Spencer (3) Pen: Carlos Spencer |
| Lancaster Park, Christchurch Attendance: 10,400[22] Referee: Paddy O'Brien (New Zealand) |
| 10 March 1996 |
| Queensland Reds | 26–22 | Waikato Chiefs |
| Try: Damian Smith Ben Tune Con: John Eales (2) Pen: John Eales (4) | Scoreboard[23] | Try: Joeli Veitayaki Walter Little Penalty try Con: Ian Foster (2) Pen: Ian Foster |
| Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane Referee: Mick Keogh (Australia) |
Round 3
| 15 March 1996 |
| Wellington Hurricanes | 32–16 | Transvaal |
| Try: Christian Cullen Tana Umaga Alama Ieremia Mark Allen Con: Jamie Cameron (3) Pen: Jamie Cameron (2) | Scoreboard[24] | Try: Jannie van der Walt Con: Gavin Lawless Pen: Gavin Lawless (3) |
| McLean Park, Napier Referee: Glenn Wahlstrom (New Zealand) |
| 15 March 1996 |
| ACT Brumbies | 40–34 | Auckland Blues |
| Try: Ipolito Fenukitau (2) Joe Roff Troy Coker Owen Finegan Con: Adam Friend (3) Pen: Adam Friend (3) | Scoreboard[25] | Try: Joeli Vidiri (2) Eroni Clarke Jonah Lomu Chris Rose Con: Carlos Spencer (3) Pen: Carlos Spencer |
| Canberra Stadium, Canberra Attendance: 17,019[26][27] Referee: Barry Leask (Australia) |
| 16 March 1996 |
| Western Province | 25–52 | Otago Highlanders |
| Try: Justin Swart (2) Simon Berridge Con: Joel Stransky (2) Pen: Joel Stransky (2) | Scoreboard[28] | Try: To'o Vaega (3) Paul Cooke (2), Brian Lima Stu Forster Brendon Timmins Con: Jeff Wilson (6) |
| Newlands Stadium, Cape Town Referee: Marius Franken (South Africa) |
| 16 March 1996 |
| Northern Transvaal | 32–29 | New South Wales Waratahs |
| Try: FA Meiring Krynauw Otto Con: Lance Sherrell Jannie Kruger Pen: Lance Sherrell (6) | Scoreboard[29] | Try: Tim Kelaher Sam Payne Con: Matt Burke (2) Pen: Matt Burke (5) |
| Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria Referee: Stef Neethling (South Africa) |
| 17 March 1996 |
| Queensland Reds | 52–16 | Canterbury Crusaders |
| Try: Garrick Morgan (2) Ben Tune Mark Connors Michael Flanagan Michael Foley Con: John Eales (5) Pen: John Eales (4) | Scoreboard[30] | Try: Mark Mayerhofler Con: Mark Mayerhofler Pen: Andy Miller (3) |
| Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane Referee: Wayne Erickson (Australia) |
| 17 March 1996 |
| Natal Sharks | 63–25 | Waikato Chiefs |
| Try: James Small (3) André Joubert Dick Muir Joos Joubert Ollie le Roux Con: André Joubert (5) Pen: André Joubert (5) Henry Honiball | Scoreboard[31] | Try: Frank Bunce Richard Turner Blair Larsen Con: Ian Foster (2) Pen: Ian Foster Drop: Ian Foster |
| Kings Park Stadium, Durban Referee: Andre Watson (South Africa) |
Round 4
| 20 March 1996 |
| Northern Transvaal | 59–29 | Otago Highlanders |
| Try: André Snyman Danie van Schalkwyk Jannie Kruger Joost van der Westhuizen Adriaan Richter Con: Jannie Kruger (5) Pen: Jannie Kruger (8) | Scoreboard[32] | Try: Matthew Cooper Taine Randell Con: Matthew Cooper (2) Pen: Matthew Cooper (2) Jeff Wilson (3) |
| Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria Referee: Ian Rogers (South Africa) |
| 22 March 1996 |
| Canterbury Crusaders | 16–16 | Western Province |
| Try: Simon Forrest Con: Graeme Dempster Pen: Simon Forrest Graeme Dempster (2) | Scoreboard[33] | Try: Johan Kapp Con: Vlokkie Cilliers Pen: Joel Stransky (3) |
| Lancaster Park, Christchurch Referee: Paddy O'Brien (New Zealand) |
| 23 March 1996 |
| Transvaal | 26–23 | Waikato Chiefs |
| Try: Jopie Adlam Francois Pienaar Con: Gavin Lawless (2) Pen: Gavin Lawless (4) | Scoreboard[34] | Try: Glen Osborne (2) Con: Warren Burton (2) Pen: Warren Burton (3) |
| Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg Referee: Tappe Henning (South Africa) |
| 24 March 1996 |
| Wellington Hurricanes | 25–32 | Queensland Reds |
| Try: Alex Telea Chresten Davis Pen: Jamie Cameron (3) Simon Mannix (2) | Scoreboard[35] | Try: Tim Horan Daniel Herbert Ben Tune Tony Daly Toutai Kefu Con: John Eales (2) Pen: John Eales |
| Athletic Park, Wellington Referee: Colin Hawke (New Zealand) |
| 24 March 1996 |
| New South Wales Waratahs | 44–10 | ACT Brumbies |
| Try: Jason Madz (2) David Campese Scott Bowen Richard Harry Matt Burke Con: Matt Burke (4) Pen: Matt Burke (2) | Scoreboard[36] | Try: Joe Roff Andrew Williams |
| Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney Attendance: 20,687[37] Referee: Andrew Cole (Australia) |
Round 5
| 27 March 1996 |
| Auckland Blues | 48–30 | Western Province |
| Try: Eroni Clarke Andrew Blowers Carlos Spencer Michael Jones Ofisa Tonu'u Richard Fromont Con: Carlos Spencer (3) Pen: Carlos Spencer (3) Drop: Carlos Spencer | Scoreboard[38] | Try: Simon Berridge Tinus Linee Corné Krige Con: Joel Stransky (3) Pen: Joel Stransky (3) |
| Eden Park, Auckland Referee: Steve Walsh (New Zealand) |
| 29 March 1996 |
| Canterbury Crusaders | 21–16 | New South Wales Waratahs |
| Try: Mark Mayerhofler Justin Marshall Con: Greg Coffey Pen: Greg Coffey (3) | Scoreboard[39] | Try: Warwick Waugh Con: Matt Burke Pen: Matt Burke (3) |
| Lancaster Park, Christchurch Referee: Glenn Wahlstrom (New Zealand) |
| 29 March 1996 |
| ACT Brumbies | 44–31 | Natal Sharks |
| Try: Joe Roff (4) Stephen Larkham James Holbeck Con: Adam Friend (4) Pen: Adam Friend (2) | Scoreboard[40] | Try: Henry Honiball Jeremy Thomson James Small Con: Henry Honiball (2) Pen: Henry Honiball (4) |
| Manuka Oval, Canberra Attendance: 12,000[41] Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Australia) |
| 29 March 1996 |
| Queensland Reds | 25–18 | Northern Transvaal |
| Try: Penalty try Con: John Eales Pen: John Eales (6) | Scoreboard[42] | Try: Danie van Schalkwyk Andries Truscott Con: Jannie Kruger Pen: Jannie Kruger (2) |
| Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane Referee: Peter Marshall (Australia) |
| 30 March 1996 |
| Waikato Chiefs | 44–17 | Western Province |
| Try: Milton Going (2) Joeli Veitayaki Craig Stevenson Ian Foster Con: Ian Foster (4) Warren Burton Pen: Warren Burton (3) | Scoreboard[43] | Try: Justin Swart (2) Con: Joel Stransky (2) Pen: Joel Stransky |
| Waikato Stadium, Hamilton Referee: Steve Walsh (New Zealand) |
| 30 March 1996 |
| Otago Highlanders | 15–44 | Wellington Hurricanes |
| Pen: Simon Culhane (4) Drop: Simon Culhane | Scoreboard[44] | Try: Sam Doyle Rhys Duggan Karl Williams Marty Berry Penalty try Con: Jamie Cameron (5) Pen: Jamie Cameron (3) |
| Carisbrook, Dunedin Referee: Alan Riley (New Zealand) |
Round 6
| 2 April 1996 |
| Auckland Blues | 51–29 | Otago Highlanders |
| Try: Jarrod Cunningham (2) Andrew Blowers (2), James Kerr Eroni Clarke Dylan Mika Con: Carlos Spencer (4) Pen: Carlos Spencer (2) | Scoreboard[45] | Try: Matthew Cooper George Leaupepe Brett McCormack Penalty try Con: Simon Culhane (3) Drop: Simon Culhane |
| Growers Stadium, Pukekohe Referee: Colin Hawke (New Zealand) |
| 2 April 1996 |
| New South Wales Waratahs | 6–34 | Natal Sharks |
| Pen: Matt Burke (2) | Scoreboard[46] | Try: Jeremy Thomson (2) James Small Joos Joubert Wayne Fyvie Con: Henry Honiball (3) Pen: Henry Honiball |
| Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney Attendance: 30,147[47] Referee: Scott Young (Australia) |
| 3 April 1996 |
| Waikato Chiefs | 26–18 | ACT Brumbies |
| Try: Scott McLeod Duane Monkley Con: Warren Burton (2) Pen: Warren Burton (4) | Scoreboard[48] | Try: John Langford Patricio Noriega Con: Adam Friend Pen: Adam Friend (2) |
| Okara Park, Whangārei Referee: Glenn Wahlstrom (New Zealand) |
| 3 April 1996 |
| Canterbury Crusaders | 18–34 | Northern Transvaal |
| Try: Damon Kaui (2) Con: Greg Coffey Pen: Greg Coffey (2) | Scoreboard[49] | Try: Adriaan Richter (2) Dawie du Toit Jacques Olivier Andries Truscott Con: Lance Sherrell (3) Pen: Lance Sherrell |
| Lancaster Park, Christchurch Referee: Rod Hill (New Zealand) |
| 3 April 1996 |
| Queensland Reds | 36–26 | Western Province |
| Try: Tim Horan Daniel Herbet Jason Little Mark Connors Con: John Eales (2) Pen: John Eales (4) | Scoreboard[50] | Try: Joggie Viljoen Garry Pagel Johan Kapp Con: Joel Stransky Pen: Joel Stransky (3) |
| Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane Referee: Mick Keogh (Australia) |
| 6 April 1996 |
| Wellington Hurricanes | 27–43 | Natal Sharks |
| Try: Christian Cullen (2) Marty Berry Tana Umaga Con: Jamie Cameron (2) Pen: Jamie Cameron | Scoreboard[51] | Try: André Joubert (3) James Small (3) Con: Henry Honiball (2) Pen: Henry Honiball (3) |
| Athletic Park, Wellington Attendance: 15,000 Referee: Colin Hawke (New Zealand) |
| 7 April 1996 |
| Auckland Blues | 30–26 | Northern Transvaal |
| Try: Jonah Lomu (2) Andrew Blowers Lee Stensness Con: Carlos Spencer (2) Pen: Carlos Spencer (2) | Scoreboard[52] | Try: Dawie du Toit Frikkie Bosman Lance Sherrell Con: Lance Sherrell Pen: Lance Sherrell (3) |
| Eden Park, Auckland Referee: Steve Walsh (New Zealand) |
Round 7
| 8 April 1996 |
| Canterbury Crusaders | 7–29 | ACT Brumbies |
| Try: Richard Loe Con: Greg Coffey | Scoreboard[53] | Try: Craig Sweeney Ipolito Fenukitau Mitch Hardy Con: Adam Friend Pen: Adam Friend (4) |
| Lancaster Park, Christchurch Referee: Glenn Wahlstrom (New Zealand) |
| 10 April 1996 |
| Otago Highlanders | 33–32 | Natal Sharks |
| Try: Brian Lima Jeff Wilson John Leslie Matthew Cooper Con: Matthew Cooper (2) Pen: Matthew Cooper (2) Jeff Wilson | Scoreboard[54] | Try: André Joubert Jeremy Thomson Wayne Fyvie Wikus van Heerden Con: Henry Honiball Drop: James Small |
| Carisbrook, Dunedin Referee: Colin Hawke (New Zealand) |
| 11 April 1996 |
| Waikato Chiefs | 17–9 | Northern Transvaal |
| Try: Glen Osborne Norm Berryman Con: Warren Burton (2) Pen: Warren Burton | Scoreboard[55] | Pen: Dawie du Toit Jannie Kruger Drop: Jannie Kruger |
| Waikato Stadium, Hamilton Referee: Steve Walsh (New Zealand) |
| 13 April 1996 |
| Transvaal | 23–26 | Western Province |
| Try: Gavin Lawless James Dalton Con: Gavin Lawless (2) Pen: Gavin Lawless (3) | Scoreboard[56] | Try: Justin Swart Pen: Joel Stransky (7) |
| Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg Referee: Ian Rogers (South Africa) |
| 14 April 1996 |
| Queensland Reds | 15–13 | New South Wales Waratahs |
| Pen: John Eales (5) | Scoreboard[57] | Try: Kevin O'Kane Con: Matt Burke Pen: Matt Burke (2) |
| Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane Attendance: 22,296[58] Referee: Wayne Erickson (Australia) |
| 14 April 1996 |
| Wellington Hurricanes | 13–36 | Canterbury Crusaders |
| Try: Christian Cullen Con: Jamie Cameron Pen: Jamie Cameron (2) | Scoreboard[59] | Try: Damon Kaui Daryl Gibson Pita Alatini Todd Blackadder Con: Andy Miller (2) Pen: Andy Miller (4) |
| Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth Referee: Paddy O'Brien (New Zealand) |
Round 8
| 16 April 1996 |
| Otago Highlanders | 5–22 | Waikato Chiefs |
| Try: Matthew Cooper | Scoreboard[60] | Try: Paul Mitchell Richard Turner Simon Crabb Con: Ian Foster (2) Pen: Ian Foster |
| Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill Referee: Colin Hawke (New Zealand) |
| 19 April 1996 |
| Northern Transvaal | 25–15 | Transvaal |
| Try: Hannes Venter Con: Jannie Kruger Pen: Jannie Kruger (5) Drop: Jannie Kruger | Scoreboard[61] | Try: Gavin Lawless Ian Hattingh Pieter Hendriks |
| Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria Referee: Marius Franken (South Africa) |
| 20 April 1996 |
| Auckland Blues | 39–31 | Waikato Chiefs |
| Try: Joeli Vidiri Jonah Lomu Ofisa Tonu'u Zinzan Brooke Penalty try Con: Carlos Spencer (3) Adrian Cashmore Pen: Adrian Cashmore Carlos Spencer | Scoreboard[62] | Try: Eric Rush Paul Mitchell Penalty try Con: Ian Foster (2) Pen: Ian Foster (4) |
| Eden Park, Auckland Referee: Steve Walsh (New Zealand) |
| 20 April 1996 |
| ACT Brumbies | 21–20 | Queensland Reds |
| Try: Ipolito Fenukitau Owen Finegan Con: Adam Friend Pen: Adam Friend (2) Joe Roff | Scoreboard[63] | Try: Ben Tune Daniel Herbert Con: John Eales (2) Pen: John Eales (2) |
| Canberra Stadium, Canberra Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Australia) |
| 21 April 1996 |
| New South Wales Waratahs | 29–25 | Otago Highlanders |
| Try: Alistair Murdoch David Campese Matt Dixon Tim Wallace Con: Matt Burke (3) Pen: Matt Burke | Scoreboard[64] | Try: Brian Lima (2) Kupu Vanisi Con: Matthew Cooper (2) Pen: Matthew Cooper (2) |
| Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney Attendance: 24,617[65] Referee: Scott Young |
Round 9
| 23 April 1996 |
| Western Province | 35–25 | Wellington Hurricanes |
| Try: Joggie Viljoen (2) Justin Swart Con: Joel Stransky Pen: Joel Stransky (6) | Scoreboard[66] | Try: Christian Cullen George Konia Karl Williams Con: Jon Preston (2) Pen: Jon Preston (2) |
| Newlands Stadium, Cape Town Attendance: 22,169 Referee: Tappe Henning (South Africa) |
| 23 April 1996 |
| Transvaal | 55–23 | Canterbury Crusaders |
| Try: James Dalton (2) Gavin Lawless Gerhard Combrinck Johan Roux Pieter Hendriks Penalty try Con: Gavin Lawless (4) Pen: Gavin Lawless (4) | Scoreboard[67] | Try: Angus Gardiner (2) Justin Marshall Con: Andy Miller Pen: Andy Miller (2) |
| Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg Referee: Stef Neethling (South Africa) |
| 26 April 1996 |
| Queensland Reds | 51–13 | Auckland Blues |
| Try: Garrick Morgan (2) Ben Tune Damien Smith Jason Little Mark Connors Toutai Kefu Con: John Eales (5) Pen: John Eales (2) | Scoreboard[68] | Try: Joeli Vidiri Olo Brown Pen: Adrian Cashmore |
| Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane Referee: Peter Marshall (Australia) |
| 27 April 1996 |
| Northern Transvaal | 38–20 | Wellington Hurricanes |
| Try: André Snyman Andries Truscott Ruben Kruger Theo Jansen van Rensburg Con: Jannie Kruger (3) Pen: Jannie Kruger (3) Joost Van der Westhuizen | Scoreboard[69] | Try: Alex Telea Jason O'Halloran Tana Umaga Con: Marty Berry Pen: Marty Berry |
| Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria Referee: Andre Watson (South Africa) |
| 27 April 1996 |
| Natal Sharks | 58–26 | Canterbury Crusaders |
| Try: Cabous van der Westhuizen (2) Joost Joubert (2), James Small Jeremy Thomson John Allan Ollie Le Roux Con: Henry Honiball (5) André Joubert Pen: Henry Honiball (2) | Scoreboard[70] | Try: Adrian Tukaki Norm Maxwell Con: Andy Miller (2) Pen: Andy Miller (4) |
| Kings Park Stadium, Durban Referee: Carl Spannenberg (South Africa) |
| 28 April 1996 |
| Waikato Chiefs | 39–17 | New South Wales Waratahs |
| Try: Ian Jones (3) Eric Rush (2) Con: Ian Foster (4) Pen: Ian Foster Drop: Ian Foster | Scoreboard[71] | Try: Alistair Murdoch Jason Madz Con: Matt Burke (2) Pen: Matt Burke |
| Waikato Stadium, Hamilton Referee: Glenn Wahlstrom (New Zealand) |
| 28 April 1996 |
| Western Province | 25–16 | ACT Brumbies |
| Try: Johan Kapp Rhys Botha Vlok Cilliers Con: Joel Stransky (2) Pen: Joel Stransky (2) | Scoreboard[72] | Try: Patricio Noriega Con: David Knox Pen: David Knox (2) Adam Friend |
| Newlands Stadium, Cape Town Attendance: 28,107 Referee: Ian Rogers (South Africa) |
Round 10
| 1 May 1996 |
| Auckland Blues | 56–44 | New South Wales Waratahs |
| Try: Joeli Vidiri (3) Eroni Clarke Ofisa Tonu'u Olo Brown Zinzan Brooke Penalty try Con: Adrian Cashmore (5) Pen: Adrian Cashmore (2) | Scoreboard[73] | Try: Alistair Murdoch Andrew Blades Anthony Ekert Daniel Manu David Campese Warwick Waugh Con: Matt Burke (4) Pen: Matt Burke (2) |
| Eden Park, Auckland Referee: Paddy O'Brien (New Zealand) |
| 1 May 1996 |
| Natal Sharks | 49–13 | Transvaal |
| Try: Henry Honiball (2) Adrian Garvey André Joubert James Small Wayne Fyvie Con: Henry Honiball (5) Pen: Henry Honiball (3) | Scoreboard[74] | Try: Gavin Lawless Con: Gavin Lawless Pen: Gavin Lawless (2) |
| Kings Park Stadium, Durban Referee: Stef Neethling (South Africa) |
| 4 May 1996 |
| Waikato Chiefs | 15–23 | Wellington Hurricanes |
| Try: Dean Anglesey Warren Johnston Con: Ian Foster Pen: Ian Foster | Scoreboard[75] | Try: Jason O'Halloran Mark Allen Con: Jon Preston (2) Pen: Jon Preston (3) |
| Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua Referee: Glenn Wahlstrom (New Zealand) |
| 4 May 1996 |
| Northern Transvaal | 23–10 | ACT Brumbies |
| Try: Frikkie Bosman Pen: Jannie Kruger (6) | Scoreboard[76] | Try: Marco Caputo Patricio Noriega |
| Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria Referee: Stef Neethling (South Africa) |
| 5 May 1996 |
| Canterbury Crusaders | 27–29 | Otago Highlanders |
| Try: Justin Marshall Pita Alatini Richard Loe Con: Andy Miller (3) Pen: Andy Miller (2) | Scoreboard[77] | Try: Jeff Wilson (2) To'o Vaega Con: Matthew Cooper Pen: Matthew Cooper (4) |
| Lancaster Park, Christchurch Referee: Steve Walsh (New Zealand) |
| 5 May 1996 |
| Natal Sharks | 20–21 | Queensland Reds |
| Try: André Joubert Pen: Henry Honiball (5) | Scoreboard[78] | Try: Jason Little Tim Horan Con: John Eales Pen: John Eales (3) |
| Kings Park Stadium, Durban Referee: Tappe Henning (South Africa) |
Round 11
| 7 May 1996 |
| Transvaal | 34–22 | Auckland Blues |
| Try: Francois Pienaar Ian McDonald Joe Gillingham Johan Roux Con: Gavin Lawless (4) Pen: Gavin Lawless (2) | Scoreboard[79] | Try: Joeli Vidiri (2) Penalty try Con: Adrian Cashmore (2) Pen: Adrian Cashmore |
| Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg Referee: Steve Walsh (New Zealand) |
| 10 May 1996 |
| New South Wales Waratahs | 52–25 | Wellington Hurricanes |
| Try: Alistair Murdoch (3) David Campese Jason Madz Matt Burke Richard Harry Con: Matt Burke (4) Pen: Matt Burke (3) | Scoreboard[80] | Try: Alex Telea Christian Cullen Tana Umaga Con: Jon Preston (2) Pen: Jon Preston (2) |
| Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney Attendance: 20,174[81] Referee: Andrew Cole (Australia) |
| 10 May 1996 |
| Western Province | 7–35 | Northern Transvaal |
| Try: Nico Wegner Con: Vlok Cilliers | Scoreboard[82] | Try: Hannes Venter (2) Theo Jansen van Rensburg (2), Krynauw Otto Con: Jannie Kruger (2) Pen: Jannie Kruger (2) |
| Newlands Stadium, Cape Town Attendance: 37,524 Referee: Johann Meuwesen (South Africa) |
| 11 May 1996 |
| Transvaal | 16–25 | Queensland Reds |
| Try: Johan Roux Pieter Hendriks Pen: Gavin Lawless (2) | Scoreboard[83] | Try: Ben Tune Brett Johnstone Tim Horan Con: John Eales (2) Pen: John Eales (2) |
| Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg Referee: Ian Rogers (South Africa) |
| 11 May 1996 |
| Natal Sharks | 23–30 | Auckland Blues |
| Try: James Small Penalty try Con: Henry Honiball (2) Pen: Henry Honiball (3) | Scoreboard[84] | Try: Adrian Cashmore Eroni Clarke Penalty try Con: Adrian Cashmore (3) Pen: Adrian Cashmore (3) |
| Kings Park Stadium, Durban Attendance: 52,000 Referee: Andre Watson (South Africa) |
| 12 May 1996 |
| ACT Brumbies | 70–26 | Otago Highlanders |
| Try: Mitch Hardy (3) Brett Robinson David Giffin Ipolito Fenukitau Joe Roff Owen Finegan Penalty try Con: David Knox (6) Joe Roff (2) Pen: David Knox (3) | Scoreboard[85] | Try: Chris England Jeff Wilson Kupu Vanisi Con: Jeff Wilson Pen: Jeff Wilson (3) |
| Canberra Stadium, Canberra Referee: Wayne Erickson (Australia) |
Finals
| Semi-finals | Final | |||||
| 18 May – Brisbane | ||||||
| Queensland Reds | 25 | |||||
| 25 May – Auckland | ||||||
| Natal Sharks | 43 | |||||
| Auckland Blues | 45 | |||||
| 19 May – Auckland | ||||||
| Natal Sharks | 21 | |||||
| Auckland Blues | 48 | |||||
| Northern Transvaal | 11 | |||||
Semi-finals
| 18 May 1996 |
| Queensland Reds | 25–43 | Natal Sharks |
| Try: Michael Foley Tim Horan Penalty try Con: John Eales (2) Pen: John Eales (2) | Scoreboard[86] | Try: Cabous van der Westhuizen (3) André Joubert (2) Jeremy Thomson Wikus van Heerden Con: André Joubert (2) Henry Honiball (2) |
| Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane Referee: Paddy O'Brien (New Zealand) |
| 19 May 1996 |
| Auckland Blues | 48–11 | Northern Transvaal |
| Try: Jonah Lomu (2) Adrian Cashmore Joeli Vidiri Johnny Ngauamo Ofisa Tonu'u Robin Brooke Sean Fitzpatrick Con: Adrian Cashmore (4) | Scoreboard[87] | Try: Conrad Breytenbach Pen: Jannie Kruger (2) |
| Eden Park, Auckland Attendance: 42,000 Referee: Wayne Erickson (Australia) |
Final
| 25 May 1996 |
| Auckland Blues | 45–21 | Natal Sharks |
| Try: Andrew Blowers (2) Carlos Spencer Charles Riechelmann Eroni Clarke Jonah Lomu Con: Adrian Cashmore (3) Pen: Adrian Cashmore (3) | Scoreboard[88] | Try: André Joubert James Small Con: Henry Honiball Pen: Henry Honiball (3) |
| Eden Park, Auckland Attendance: 46,000 Referee: Wayne Erickson (Australia) |
         Blues
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    Sharks
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Statistics
Points scorers
| Player | Team | Total | Points per game | Details | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | Semis | Final | ||||
| Matt Burke | NSW Waratahs |
157 | 22 | 20 | 19 | 19 | 11 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 14 | 22 | DNQ | DNQ | 5 try; 27 con; 26 pen |
| John Eales | Queensland Reds |
155 | 2 | 16 | 22 | 7 | 20 | 16 | 15 | 10 | 16 | 11 | 10 | 10 | DNQ | 25 con; 33 pen |
| Jannie Kruger | Northern Transvaal |
139 | 15 | 2 | 39 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 20 | 15 | 18 | 10 | 6 | DNQ | 1 try; 16 con; 32 pen; 2 dg |
| Henry Honiball | Natal Sharks |
136 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 21 | 9 | 13 | 2 | 16 | 29 | 15 | 13 | 4 | 11 | 3 try; 23 con; 25 pen |
| Joel Stransky | Western Province |
120 | DNP | 17 | 10 | 9 | 15 | 7 | 11 | 21 | 20 | 10 | 0 | DNQ | DNQ | 12 con; 34 pen |
| Gavin Lawless | Transvaal |
111 | 0 | 3 | DNP | 11 | 16 | 18 | 5 | 25 | 13 | 14 | 6 | DNQ | DNQ | 4 try; 14 con; 21 pen |
| André Joubert | Natal Sharks |
101 | 18 | 2 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 14 | 5 | 11 try; 11 con; 8 pen |
| Jamie Cameron | Wellington Hurricanes |
91 | 23 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 19 | 7 | 8 | DNP | DNP | DNP | DNP | DNQ | DNQ | 14 con; 21 pen |
| Ian Foster | Waikato Chiefs |
89 | 17 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 16 | 14 | 5 | DNQ | DNQ | 1 try; 18 con; 14 pen; 2 dg |
| Matthew Cooper | Otago Highlanders |
86 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 5 | 15 | 5 | 10 | 14 | DNP | DNQ | DNQ | 4 try; 12 con; 14 pen |
Try scorers
| Player | Team | Total | Tries per game | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | Semis | Final | |||
| James Small | Natal Sharks |
13 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| André Joubert | Natal Sharks |
11 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Joeli Vidiri | Auckland Blues |
10 | 0 | 0 | 2 | DNP | DNP | DNP | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Alistair Murdoch | NSW Waratahs |
8 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | DNP | DNP | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | DNQ | DNQ |
| Andrew Blowers | Auckland Blues |
8 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | DNP | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Ben Tune | Queensland Reds |
8 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | DNQ |
| Jonah Lomu | Auckland Blues |
8 | 0 | 1 | 1 | DNP | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | DNP | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Justin Swart | Western Province |
8 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | DNQ | DNQ |
| Joe Roff | ACT Brumbies |
7 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | DNQ | DNQ |
| Jeremy Thomson | Natal Sharks |
7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | DNP | DNP | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Christian Cullen | Wellington Hurricanes |
7 | 0 | 1 | 1 | DNP | DNP | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | DNQ | DNQ |
| Eroni Clarke | Auckland Blues |
7 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |