Auckland hold off fast-finishing Northland

Auckland maintained their perfect start to the Farah Palmer Cup, but not before an almighty scare.

In a frantic finish, Northland threw everything at their provincial neighbours, but couldn’t get across the try line, losing a 29-22 thriller in Whanga¯rei yesterday.

Northland had a chance to snatch a draw in the closing minutes, hammering away at the Auckland try line.

Auckland replacement Princess Elliott was sent to the sinbin in the final minutes for a late shoulder charge on Northland halfback Tyla Nathan-Wong. Against 14 players for the last few minutes, Northland went close to scoring, but replacement Hikitia Wikaira dropped the ball just before the line.

Led by outstanding centre Portia Woodman, who was playing her second game back after a ruptured Achilles in 2018, then a hamstring tear last year, Northland showed plenty of determination.

Northland took a 22-14 lead into halftime, but Auckland hit back straight after the break, scoring a try through second-five Sylvia Brunt.

At 22-22, it was anyone’s game early in the second half.

Auckland scored what proved to be the decisive try when centre Theresa Fitzpatrick dotted down for her second in the 56th minute to put the Storm in front.

In other results, three-time defending champions Canterbury opened their campaign with a 36-10 victory over Manawatu¯ in Palmerston North.

Canterbury started slowly and didn’t have things all their own way against a spirited Cyclones side, but eventually wore down their South Pool rivals.

Waikato made it two wins from two, thumping Taranaki 76-14 in Hamilton. They scored 12 tries in the rout with Cheyelle Robins-Reti, Grace HoupapaBarrett, and Chelsea Alley all scoring doubles.

Otago edged Hawke’s Bay 29-20 in Dunedin yesterday. Hawke’s Bay had led 20-19 with seven minutes to go. Otago scored against the run of play to go ahead 24-20, then added another try in the final minute of the game to cement the win.

On Friday night, Black Ferns skipper and new mother Les Elder returned to rugby in style, scoring a try in Bay of Plenty’s 67-17 romp against North Harbour in Auckland.

Four months after giving birth to a baby daughter, Elder dived over for one of the Volcanix 10 tries as they opened their season with a bonus-point triumph.

Blessed with Black Ferns sevens players Kelly Brazier and Alena Saili, Bay of Plenty were a class above the hosts. Impressive wing Mahina Paul bagged four tries.

In another one-sided contest, Wellington crushed Tasman 62-0 on Saturday.