Ross Geldenhuys dominated at scrum time as Tasman ended Canterbury's six-year New Zealand Cup reign with a 26-6 semi-final win in Napier.

The former tighthead prop, who has represented several South African teams including the Lions and Stormers, showed why he has been included in the Highlanders squad for next year's Super Rugby tournament with another impressive performance.

Tries from James Lowe and Jimmy Cowan plus a penalty from Marty Banks saw Tasman go into the interval 17-6 up, and three more penalties from the ever-consistent boot of Banks in the second half sealed the win.

Tasman will now take on Taranaki, who scored three tries in extra-time to beat Auckland 49-30 at Yarrow Stadium.

The scores were locked at 30-30 at the end of regular time but tries from Waisake Naholo, Blade Thomson and Jackson Ormond secured an historic victory for the hosts in an engrossing contest.

Having topped the standings at the end of the regular season, Taranaki will now host next weekend's final, their first ever.