Counties Manukau claimed a 46-35 win over Wellington in the NPC on 30 August 2026. The result ended Wellington's four-match losing streak, though it did little to ease their concerns. For Counties Manukau, it was their first victory in five games, a run that had seen them lose to Waikato, Taranaki, North Harbour and Taranaki again.
Wellington had been in freefall since early August. They lost to Otago 61-22, then fell to North Harbour 47-7 before that 34-31 defeat by Auckland. Their last win came back in October against Bay of Plenty. This time they offered more resistance but it wasn't enough.
Counties Manukau's improvement was relative rather than dramatic. Their previous four defeats had come by an average margin of 30 points. This match was closer, even if the final scoreline told a different story. They had been outclassed by Waikato, Taranaki twice, and North Harbour before finding another way through.
The contrast in form was stark. Wellington had lost by margins of 39, 40, 3, 19 and 7 in their last five outings. Counties Manukau's recent defeats had been equally one-sided apart from this match. Neither team looked comfortable in their own skin.
For Wellington, the loss keeps them searching for answers. They haven't won since October. For Counties Manukau, the victory offers a glimmer of hope but not much else. Both sides still have work to do before this season is over.