Three-time champs on way to semifinals
THE balance of power in the Farah Palmer Cup is with Canterbury after overcoming Auckland 36-21 in yesterday’s semifinal but the three-time reigning champions were seriously tested at Christchurch’s Rugby Park.
Canterbury cruised through the south pool and finished top having scored 331 points in five emphatic wins, earning a home semifinal, but Auckland were a far greater challenge.
In a repeat of last year’s final that Canterbury won 30-20 for a third successive title, second five-eighth Liv McGoverne’s hat-trick clinched Canterbury’s place in the decider for the fourth year.
Auckland’s wait for a first title since 2015, after winning 15 from 16 since the women’s national provincial championship began in 1999, goes on, but they threw everything at a Canterbury side inspired by livewire Black Ferns halfback Kendra Cocksedge.
Cocksedge’s speed around the ruck caught Auckland napping and she guided the red and blacks in a nervous win that was only secure once lock Cindy Nelles scored a try with 11 minutes left.
Auckland, after losing to Waikato 26-17 last week, were lucky to advance to the semifinals after tying with Northland and Counties Manukau but progressed from the north pool thanks to the tiebreaker rules.
Auckland had Canterbury on the back foot for long periods but the three-time champs crucially struck with three tries either side of half-time.
Canterbury were being exposed out wide but errors cost Auckland dearly.
Auckland, with Black Ferns Eloise Blackwell and Charmaine McMenamin, were always competing physically.
Both sides showed semifinal nerves but were willing to chance their arm and Auckland, as underdogs, were putting Canterbury under pressure.
Canterbury’s discipline allowed Auckland to build momentum but as soon as Canterbury got into Auckland’s half, Cocksedge was driving her side forward again.
Canterbury will face Waikato or Manawatu¯ next weekend’s final.