Waikato storm into the semis
Waikato stunned the Auckland Storm to win 43-34 in Pakuranga on Saturday to clinch a semi-final spot in the Farah Palmer Cup.
It’s the first time since the national women’s provincial rugby competition began in 1999 that Waikato have beaten an Auckland side, who have been champions 15 times in 17 years.
Waikato will face Canterbury away in next weekend’s semifinals after climbing off the bottom of the premiership table in the final regular round to finish third and avoid the threat of relegation.
Rina Paraone and Karli Faneva grabbed a brace of tries as Waikato started and finished strongly against Auckland, who had a player sent off during the second half for punching Emma-Lee Heta.
Waikato coach Wayne Maxwell said it was a turning point because Auckland had taken the lead from Waikato, who were 28-12 ahead at half-time.
But Waikato scored some long range tries to move in front again and dramatically seal a semi-final berth with their third victory on the road in 2017.
Maxwell has been involved with Waikato’s women’s team since 2012, as an assistant first, before replacing Reuben Samuel as head coach last year.
‘‘To take this team of young players to beating an Auckland side and making the semi-finals, it’s certainly right up there,’’ Maxwell said.
‘‘We’re certainly proud of the girls to keep that fight up and go for the full 80 minutes.’’
Waikato’s squad of 25 named in July - minus Black Ferns Sosoli Talawadua, Stacey Waaka, Toka Natua and Chelsea Alley - had 14 players new to this level, so reaching the semi-finals is an outstanding effort.
Former Black Fern Regina
Sheck, who last played for Waikato in 2012, presented the players with their jerseys prior to facing Auckland.
Maxwell said: ‘‘It was great to have her presence and it certainly helped to motivate and inspire some of the players.’’
Waikato lost Natua to an ankle injury in the first half against Auckland and Maxwell said they would assess her, and the fitness of other players including captain Sosoli Talawadua, at training on Monday night. Talawadua has missed the last two matches with a wrist injury.
‘‘It’s tough [recovery] days for them. We don’t get the luxury of taking time off. They’re straight back to work.’’