Big guns start FPC campaigns on bright note

Last year’s Farah Palmer Cup finalists began their campaigns with victories on Saturday as the top players in provincial rugby started their auditions to impress Black Ferns coach Wayne Smith before the Rugby World Cup.

Canterbury, the runners-up in 2021, were impressive in thrashing the Wellington Pride 43-5 at Jerry Collins Stadium in the capital, with first-five Rosie Kelly and lock Chelsea Bremner grabbing two tries apiece.

Bremner, who made her Black Ferns debut alongside sister Alana last month, has taken a year of unpaid leave from her regular teaching job to try and crack the Rugby World Cup squad.

Her strong start to the FPC showed that decision was paying early dividends.

Defending champions Waikato also grabbed a bonus-point win, but they had to work harder for their 33-24 victory against the Manawatū Cyclones at FMG Stadium Waikato.

Two tries from loosehead prop Awhina Tangen-Wainohu – the second in the 70th minute to seal the win – got Waikato over the line.

Waikato were crowned champions of the women’s national provincial championship for the first time, ending Canterbury’s four-year reign, after winning a tight final 22-20 in Christchurch last October.

Auckland also showed they could be Premiership contenders this year with a 39-20 triumph against Counties Manukau at Western Springs Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Auckland were lethal from turnover ball and punished a spirited Counties Manukau side with ruthless efficiency in the first half.

Young No 12 Patricia Maliepo was the star of the show for Auckland, grabbing three tries as she put her hand up for the Black Ferns with a standout display.

The three Auckland-based teams – Auckland, Counties Manukau and North Harbour – were all absent for the finals last year because of the city’s extended Covid-19 lockdown.

Auckland captain Eloise Blackwell said after Saturday’s victory that the game had been a long time coming after last year’s disrupted season.

‘‘We’re just happy to be back out there on the field,’’ she told Sky Sport. ‘‘Our last game against these guys was nearly 12 months ago.

‘‘So, we’re happy to finally get out on the grass and play some footy with the blue and white girls.

‘‘I think when we took care of that ruck and could get lightning quick ball we were able to unleash our backs, which you saw early in the game. We made a lot of gainline.

‘‘[But] I think probably staying in it for the full 80 [can be an improvement]. It sounds pretty cliched but we fell off a little bit in patches.’’

The Bay of Plenty Volcanix had the bye for the Premiership teams last weekend, while the Championship teams begin their campaigns this weekend.

‘‘We’re happy to finally get out on the grass and play some footy.’’

Eloise Blackwell Auckland captain