Canterbury chase another title

Canterbury have won consecutive Farah Palmer Cup titles; they want a third and are heavy favourites to do it.

Problem is, a youthful Auckland team stands in the way – and Auckland know a bit about winning, claiming the title for eight straight seasons from 2007 to 2015 and 15 in all.

After missing the past three finals, they are back with a young side and a wily coach.

Auckland coach Richie Walkes returned at the start of the season after spending several years in the USA coaching various teams. He has walked straight in and taken Auckland to their first final in four years.

Walkes said it was time to end the hiatus, but was aware of the underdog tag heading to Christchurch.

‘‘It is good for us, just to not put so much pressure on ourselves – just to go out there and enjoy themselves and perform,’’ he said. When he took up the role he went over the province’s previous campaigns to pinpoint why a talented Auckland side with the likes of Ruahei and Kiritapu Demant wasn’t making finals.

‘‘I was turning the pages and seeing what I could add and changing things. When I come here, I didn’t know one player or any of the staff.

‘‘To change things from last year I just wanted to make sure they enjoy it. Enjoy going to training, enjoy each other, and I think that shows on the field.’’

Walkes has plans to coach New Zealand in either sevens or 15s, but knew he had to establish himself on home soil before being considered.

‘‘I wanted to get back and be part of the New Zealand Rugby pipeline. I want to do this properly.’’

Black Ferns coach Glenn Moore has just re-signed with New Zealand Rugby, through to the 2021 World Cup in New Zealand.

Walkes gives the Black Ferns and senior players a coaching role in an Auckland team which was depleted at the start of the season after many of last year’s side left to play for Northland, newcomers of the 2019 competition.

Auckland have had 17 debutantes this season, which makes it all the more impressive Walkes has got them to the final.

Canterbury are beatable, he maintained. In pool play Canterbury won 45-12 in Auckland, in week two.

Counties and Bay of Plenty showed Canterbury were vulnerable in their last two games, but both ran out of steam.

‘‘Canterbury being Canterbury are a well-drilled team and they play for 80-plus minutes. We need to do that as well.’’