The semi-final line-up was found in the Premiership with Auckland facing a daunting trip to Hamilton to face Waikato. Counties will host Canterbury in the other fixture.
Manawatū 33 Otago 3
Magnificent Manawatū captured the championship for the second time since 2021 with a resounding victory over Otago. The visitors were dogged but eventually overwhelmed by the power and mobility of the Cyclones' pack.
After a penalty by halfback Georgia Cormick, openside flanker Anahera Hamahona scored a cracking try, stepping sharply off the right foot and fending off the fullback in a 25-metre dart.
Captain Kahurangi Sturmey was typically industrious and barged over after a sustained build-up by the forwards.
Hollyrae Mete has been the standout centre in the competition and she showcased her brilliance with a second-half hat trick. Two of the tries came from incisive running from close range while her 52nd-minute runaway was similar to what she’s done all year.
Loosehead prop Ngano Tavake was damaging and lock Sam Taylor a workhorse. The Cyclones' loose forward trio of Elinor-Plum King, Hamahona and Sturmey were dynamic and winger Wikitoria Doyle was lively.
Captain Julia Gorinski played her 65th, and final, game for the Spirit and Eilis Doyle earned her 50th cap. Bella Rewiri-Wharerau (19 tackles) was one of Otago’s best all season.
Manawatū: 33 (Anahera Hamahona, Kahurangi Sturmey, Hollyrae Mete 3 tries; Maia Davis 4 con) Otago: 3 (Georgia Cormick pen) HT: 14-3
Waikato 81 Northland 0
A record-breaking performance by Waikato whose biggest win previously was 76-14 against Taranaki in 2020. Kaea Nepia also broke the record for the most conversions by a Waikato player in a match with eight conversions. Chelsea Semple had kicked five conversions in a match four times.
The scoreline says all you need to know. Waikato was rampant with an imperious set piece and a hard-running, slick backline that created plenty of holes. Even the great Carla Hohepa made a return from the bench and scored a try.
Grace Houpapa-Barrett is having a memorable season. Mia Anderson was explosive and Leata Puni Lio out of Hamilton Old Boys had a field day.
Prop Kredence Brown (16 tackles) and openside Tui McGeorge (25 tackles) toiled gamely for Northland.
Waikato: 81 (Leata Puni Lio 2, Veisinia Fakalelu, Ana Marsters 3, Grace Houpapa-Barrett, Mia Anderson, Montessa Tairakena, Chelsea Semple, Tafiau Fetalaiga, Violet Hapi-Wise, Carla Hohepa tries; Kaea Nepia 8 con) Northland: 0 HT: 46-0
Hawke's Bay 48 Auckland 24
Hawke’s Bay failed to emulate their 2023 season by making the Premiership semifinals, but at least they saved their best for last with a record triumph over Auckland.
The Tui scored eight tries and almost ended the season for Auckland, whose 79th-minute try gave them a four-try bonus point, to sneak into the playoffs.
The Tui scored first in the 18th minute, led 12-10 at halftime and never relinquished the lead in scoring their second win over Auckland in two games between the two sides since being promoted to the top division of the FPC.
Tearaway flanker Tempryss Lauvao scored both first-half tries for the Tui. Auckland also scored two tries,
Hawke’s Bay took control of proceedings immediately after the break with tries in five minutes to wingers Nicolette Adamson and Monique Clark.
Auckland briefly rallied before the fearless Tui cut loose. Tries to prop Nina Poletti, fullback Thamsyn Newton, centre Teilah Ferguson and substitute wing Maleta Pailate settled the outcome. The Tui often breached from long range which was a tribute to their ambition, accuracy, strength and speed. Ferguson, No. 8 Jaimee Robin and first five-eighth Krysten Cottrell were outstanding.
Crucially fullback Braxton Sorenson-McGee crashed over in the 79th minute following a powerful charge by blindside Elizabeth Moimoi to secure Auckland a four-try bonus point to reach the semis. Winger Angelica Mekemeke Vahai and centre Daynah Nankivell were dangerous for the Storm.
Hawke’s Bay: 48 (Tempryss Lauvao 2, Nicolette Adamson, Monique Clark, Nina Poletti, Thamsyn Newton, Teilah Ferguson, Maleta Pailate tries; Krysten Cottrell 4 con) Auckland: 24 (Dajian Brown, Tialae Lelenga, Eloise Blackwell, Braxton Sorenson-McGee tries; Sorenson-McGee 2 con) HT: 12-10
Canterbury 43 Bay of Plenty 34
With a semifinal at stake at the International Stadium in Rotorua, this tussle promised to be tight, and with six lead changes, it delivered.
Canterbury took a 29-27 lead in the 68th minute when centre Fia Laikong outstretched the hosts' defense. From the kick-off Canterbury busted and lock Stacey Niao scored a try that would be a contender for the best in 2024.
Canterbury’s loose forwards Laura Bayfield (9 tackles), Keelah Bodle (16 tackles) and Neve Anglesey (16 tackles) were not only tireless in the tackle but ran effectively. It was Bayfield’s first try that got Canterbury back in the contest after a sluggish start.
Payton Takimoana had a blinder for Bay of Plenty with Kelly Brazier contributing some masterful assists. Openside Holly Wratt-Groeneweg (13 tackles) produced another strong display against her former province and 2022 Rugby World Cup-winning prop Santo Taumata is a welcome return.
One of the better games of the season with high-quality, long-range tries.
Canterbury: 43 (Laura Bayfield, Neve Anglesey, Fia Laikong 2, Tayla Simpson, Stacey Niao, Winnie Palamo tries; Abigail Paton 4 con) Bay of Plenty: 34 (Payton Takimoana 3, Kesha Church, Te Urupounamu McGarvey tries; Kelly Brazier 3 con, pen) HT: 12-5