Canty make FPC final after scare

With 15 minutes left in their Farah Palmer Cup semifinal, Canterbury trailed Counties Manukau and a major upset was on in Christchurch.

In a flash, normal transmission resumed as the defending champions rattled in four tries in 11 minutes to dispatch the brave visitors 31-22 yesterday and remain on track for a title threepeat.

They will meet Auckland in the final this weekend after the eight-time champions ended Wellington’s season with a 43-24 victory on Saturday.

At Christchurch’s Rugby Park, Counties were excellent for the first three quarters. After first half tries to wing Langi Veainu and hooker Grace Gago, a Hazel Tubic penalty eased them out to 15-9 with 20 minutes to play.

They defended stoutly but eventually relentless Canterbury pressure told, against the side they beat in the 2017 and 2018 deciders.

Centre Grace Booker got Canterbury within one point then fullback Olivia McGoverne ran superb lines to give the hosts the lead with 10 minutes left.

A double from flanker Alana Bremner then saw Canterbury kick clear as Counties wing Waikohika Flesher scored a 70m runaway try only to be called back for an earlier obstruction. A day earlier Auckland were too strong for Wellington, scoring six tries to three combined with the accurate boot of Patricia Maliepo.

Auckland led 24-10 at halftime and were never really in danger as they booked their first appearance in a final since 2016 when they lost to Counties which halted their eight-year title streak.

Otago secured a home final against Hawkes Bay in the Championship when beating Tasman 64-10 in Dunedin on Saturday.