Cantabs power up for final as bells silenced

THE visiting cow bells weren’t enough to get Waikato over the line in their Farah Palmer Cup national women’s rugby semifinal, losing 60-26 against Canterbury, at AMI Stadium in Christchurch yesterday.

Canterbury booked themselves a final in Auckland next weekend against Counties Manukau, who earlier edged past Auckland, 22-17.

Canterbury had to fight early as the Waikato backs went at them hard on attack, while their defence did not buckle for the first 20 minutes.

It was Canterbury’s speedy wing Grace Brooker who was able to take the first opportunity, diving over under the posts after a huge overlap in attack.

Waikato responded through a brilliant individual try from second five-eighth Ryleigh Hayes, who stepped two Canterbury players off her left foot, and went over under the posts.

Canterbury’s discipline was rewarded with a breakaway try from the fastest player on the paddock, wing Sam Curtis.

Black Ferns halfback Kendra Cocksedge then went over for Canterbury’s third try after an easy set-piece move.

Waikato’s Hannah Brough had the run of the match when she stepped and out-sprinted Cocksedge to the line, closing the scores to 14-19.

An easy overlap led to Canterbury’s fourth try through Curtis, but Waikato weren’t giving up the fight.

Awarded a penalty in front they opted for the tap and sent it out wide for Brough’s second try of the match.

Just before halftime, Canterbury were able to bowl over through Jess Hansen, daughter of All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, taking the gap to 31-19 at the break.

Canterbury midfield star Corrina Whiley struck early in the second half with her speed through the centre, untouched by a tired Waikato defence and in for her first of two tries.

After this the second half slowed down, with Canterbury having to defend their line for about 15 minutes.

Eventually, Waikato were rewarded for their persistence through replacement halfback Teirea Te Aho, after the decision was sent to the video referee.

Canterbury responded almost immediately at the other end through Brooker for her second and then another for Whiley – deflating Waikato’s confidence and securing a final against Counties Manukau.

Otago beat North Harbour 39-12 in the championship match in Dunedin.