Preview: Farah Palmer Cup Finals

The Farah Palmer Cup concludes this weekend with the top two teams from the Championship round robin clashing in Palmerston North and another chapter to be added in the legendary Auckland, Canterbury rivalry in Christchurch. 

Premiership

Date: Saturday, 9, September

Venue: Rugby Park, Christchurch

Time: 2.05pm

Officials:

Auckland against Canterbury is the most storied rivalry in New Zealand women’s rugby. Since the inception of the national competition in 1999 they have won 21 of the 24 titles at stake.

In eight previous finals, Auckland holds a 6-2 advantage, but Canterbury has won five of the last six titles with Auckland’s last coming in 2015. Black Ferns Sevens Olympic gold-medallist and double World Cup winner Theresa Fitzpatrick scored three tries in the 39-9 win over Wellington in the final that year.

Rugby Park in Christchurch was renamed Te Ohaere-Fox Cocksedge Park for the decider in 2022 in recognition of Kendra Cocksedge and Steph Te Ohaere-Fox who retired after the match. Cocksedge joined Te Ohaere-Fox as only the second woman to make a century of appearances for Canterbury, and the pair celebrated in style winning 41-14 against Auckland with Cocksedge scoring 22 points.

Despite suffering a loss in 2023 (in extra time to Waikato, absent of Black Ferns) Canterbury has been more dominant than what they were last year scoring 17 more tries. Canterbury has scored more points (386) tries (59) and conversions (39) than any other team.

It’s hard to compete against a roster that boasts the Black Ferns World Cup-winning front row of Pip Love, Georgia Ponsonby, and Amy Rule but throw in Black Ferns lock Chelsea Bremner returning from a broken finger you might have the best front row in the world. Young lock Laura Bayfield has been a revelation.

Openside Holly Wratt-Groeneweg is another youngster who makes a big impression so much that Black Fern Lucy Jenkins has moved to blindside in recent weeks to accommodate her presence—Alana Bremner captains Canterbury from eight.

The backline is stacked with Black Ferns with Rosie Kelly settled at first-five and the midfield of Grace Brooker and Amy Du Plessis cutting capers. Statistically Maratha Mataele is the best attacking player in the competition.

Where are the weaknesses?

Canterbury only beat Auckland 27-24 when they last played. The lineout drive with two tries to Georgia Ponsonby was the difference.

Auckland’s pack has grown enormously throughout the season, but the Storm are at their best when the play is fast and unstructured. If World Rugby Player of the Year and Black Ferns captain Ruahei Demant can get a decent supply of ball, and weave her magic anything is possible. Greater consistency is key.

Sylvia Brunt is world-class at second-five and wingers Katelyn Vaha’akolo and Angelica Vahai have scored 13 tries combined this season. Vahai and fullback Braxton Sorenson-McGee are both students at Auckland Girls’ Grammar School. Sorenson-McGee has played six games and scored two tries.

Black Ferns locks Maiakawakaulani Ross and Eloise Blackwell are key figures. If it wasn’t for Blackwell’s last play, try against Wellington in Round 2 it’s likely the Storm wouldn’t have made the final. The back row is athletic and busy and will feature damaging Black Ferns No.8 Liana Mikaele-Tu’u returning from injury. College Rifles Elizabeth Moimoi covers six or eight and has been industrious and abrasive.

Auckland might not have the headliners Canterbury possesses in the tight-five but are not to be underestimated. Goal-kicking tighthead Sophie Fisher is a contracted Black Fern. The converted lock from North Harbour will tussle with Pip Love in the scrums. Lock Maama Vaipulu, from a volleyball background, scored two tries in the 29-22 win over Waikato in the semi-final in Hamilton on Saturday.

Auckland’s bench will likely have experienced former Black Ferns Aldora Itunu and Cristo Tofa at their disposal with Canterbury’s bench more exuberant with the likes of Maddie Robbinson (six games), Hannah King and Isabella Waterman to possibly enter the game.

Auckland’s record in 2023 is five wins and two defeats. They have scored 224 points and conceded 140.

Past FPC Finals

Note: There was no FPC competition in 2010. 

Canterbury Record Since 2017

Played: 55

Won: 51

Lost: 4

Most Wins in a Row: 27

JJ Stewart Defences: 19

Defeats: Auckland (2017, 12-41), Wellington (2018, 38-43), Waikato (2021, 20-22 & 2023 24-27)

Canterbury Stat Leaders

Tries: Karla Wright-Akeli, Martha Mataele 8

Metres: Martha Mataele, 659

Carries: Maratha Mataele, 87

Defenders Beaten: Maratha Mataele, 38

Clean Breaks: Maratha Mataele, 16

Passes: Dianne Hiini, 394

Offloads: Martha Mataele, 19

Tackles: Lucy Jenkins, 69

Points: Rosie Kelly, 55

Auckland Stat Leaders

Tries: Angelica Vahai, 10

Metres: Angelica Vahai, 721

Carries: Grace Brooker, 70

Defenders Beaten: Angelica Vahai, 35

Clean Breaks: Angelica Vahai, 13

Passes: Melanie Puckett, 433

Offloads: Kaelyn Vaha’akolo, Ruahei Demant, 11

Tackles: Eloise Blackwell, 63

Points: Ruahei Demant, 54

Classic FPC Final Moments

2007: Miracle Auckland Try

Vania Wolfgramm (Nee Lavea) played 45 games for Auckland, winning on 41 occasions. In the 2007 FPC final against Otago, she was the architect of a miraculous play that saw the Storm steal an improbable 32-27 victory.

 “We were under the pump, and I got subbed on with about 15 minutes to go. We were in the 22 and in those days the golden rule was don’t kick the ball in the 22. We had a scrum on the right edge, and I noticed the Otago defence had rushed up and nobody was at the back. I didn't tell anyone what I was going to do, but I decided to grubber

Ese Sao-Taliu was our fullback. She was a schoolgirl and outpaced everyone to the ball and scored. I jumped on her to celebrate, and she got winded and then we all started laughing. That’s a PI thing. I was worried I’d get in trouble."

It was a seesaw match where the brilliant Otago backs often split open the Storm. Black Ferns Carla Hohepa (2) and Kelly Brazier scored tries for the Spirit. As she did in the 2005 final, Fiao'o Fa'amausili scored twice for Auckland.

2008: Shock Cocksedge Moment

Auckland’s vice-like grip on the title appeared to be slipping by 2008. They’d been beaten by Wellington in 2006 and were struggling to foil a stoic Canterbury at Eden Park on October 5, 2008. However, a crucial try by Black Ferns prop Doris Taufateau (49 games for Auckland) kept Canterbury at bay until Auckland was penalised in front of the posts, inside their 22, on full-time.

Halfback Kendra Cocksedge, who’d already scored a try, stepped forward to take the regulation shot and incredibly missed. Cocksedge who went on to play a record 69 Tests for the Blacks Ferns said in 2021.

“That experience helped shape me into what I am today. I didn’t take goal-kicking seriously enough, but after that experience, I developed a clear process that helped me kick better under pressure. I take about 26 to 27 seconds for each kick with three steps back and two to the side. Regardless of how far out, or the context of the kick, I always try to follow a clear and effective routine.”

The following year Cocksedge kicked five penalties as Canterbury beat Auckland for the first time since 1993.

2017: Breakthrough for Canterbury

Canterbury lost six finals before they finally broke through against defending champions Counties Manukau. Canterbury managed to subdue the larger, Black Ferns laced, Counties front row in a tight tussle that was decided by a Charntay Poko drop goal, an event Kendra Cocksedge remembers “like yesterday.”

“We had a couple of phases near their 22 where our forwards kept it tight and worked towards centre field. It’s unusual for us to have a drop goal, but Charntay had kicked a couple before, and she was back in the pocket. When she hit it, we knew it was over.

“I never thought I’d win an FPC title. I’d been to the final so many times. It’s probably my greatest highlight for Canterbury.”

Canterbury won 13-7. Rebecca Todd scored their solitary try with Cocksedge kicking five points for Canterbury.  Lanulangi Veainu scored a try for Counties converted by Hazel Tubic.

The following year Canterbury would beat Counties 52-29 with Cocksedge scoring a record 27 points in the decider. Cocksedge kicked a drop goal in the 2020 final won by Canterbury 30-20 over Auckland.

2020: Canterbury by a Whisker

When Canadian international lock Cindy Nelles arrived in New Zealand in 2019 a text, she sent to the Canterbury coach asking for a place in the team went without reply. She was eventually invited to play for University impressing the Canterbury selectors. On her debut against Wellington, she scored two tries.

In the 2020 final, Canterbury secured a fourth consecutive title with an 8-7 win against Waikato in a game Sir Wayne Smith described as one of the best he had seen. Nelles scored the winning try in the 81st minute.

“It was a moment of clarity in a match where there weren’t many. What’s going to happen if we lose, I kept thinking. We lost the lineout and then we got it back. I tried to focus on my role. I saw a gap in front of me and was hoping Kendra (Cocksedge) saw it too. Pip Love was on her inside. It was six of one, half a dozen of the other with two forwards to pass too. When I got the ball and hit the hole. It was surreal. There was lots of celebrating afterward.”

Nelles played 15 games for Canterbury without defeat.

Championship

Date: Sunday, 10, September

Venue:  Central Energy Trust Stadium, Palmerston North

Time: 5.05pm

Officials:  

Manawatū smashed Tasman by a record score (73-10) in their semifinal while Northland mostly had Otago’s measure in a 29-19 win.

The last time Northland played Manawatū it was the Kauri who led for much of the match, but the Cyclones prevailed 34-28.

Northland looked dangerous every time they mauled and essentially that weapon created two tries as Northland led 21-13 and then 28-20. It could have been more had Selica Winiata not slapped the ball out of the hands of a player who’d crossed the line.

Disaster struck Northland with six minutes left. A loose pass dribbled behind a backline in motion and whippet Elinor-Plum King sized the moment, collected the spillage, and scampered 40m for the winner. 

The Cyclones have a balanced and settled appearance with a reliable set-piece and arguably the best loose forward trio in the competition. Black Ferns No.8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker has beaten more defenders (62) and delivered more offloads (23) than any player in the FPC. Layla Sae is a real workhorse. 

Second five Rangimarie Sturmey dotted down in the Cyclones' only previous championship final in 2021, twice in the 2023 semi, and in the last fixture against Northland. Much of the Manawatū attack is built around her. Fullback Selica Winiata tops the FPC scoring chart with 84. 

The Kauri plays an eye-catching style of rugby where sometimes it's difficult to distinguish the difference between forwards and backs. 

Ahora Savage (91) and No.8 Hikitia Wikaira (102) are the leading carriers in the FPC. Hooker Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate has delivered 20 offloads and Black Ferns prop Krystal Murray has scored six tries with former Black Ferns lock Charmine Smith running freely again.

Savage, typically a loose forward, has spent much of the season at second-five. Other standouts in the Kauri backline include fullback Kerri Johnson (five tries), winger Ocean Tierney and fullback Tara Turner and first-five Pohutukawa Kakara.

A visiting team has only won the championship final once, but that was last year when Hawke’s Bay beat Otago in Balclutha.

Manawatū Record: 6-0 (325-88, 50t, 33c, 3p)

Tries: Jashana Te Uawiri, 7

Metres: Jashana Te Uawiri, 599

Carries: Kaipo Olsen-Baker, 99

Defenders Beaten: Kaipo Olsen-Baker, 62

Clean Breaks: Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Rangimarie Sturmey, 10

Passes: Paige Lush, 255

Offloads: Kaipo Olsen-Baker, 23

Tackles: Layla Sae, 66

Points: Selica Winiata, 84

Northland Record: 5-1 (221-86, 34t, 21c, 3p)

Tries: Krystal Murray, 6

Metres: Aroha Savage, 480

Carries: Hikitia Wikaira, 102

Defenders Beaten: Aroha Savage, 43

Clean Breaks: Aroha Savage, 9

Passes: Holli O’Sullivan, 258

Offloads: Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate, 20

Tackles: Aroha Savage, 73

Points: Krystal Murray, 53

Championship Finals

2017: Bay Of Plenty 7, Otago 5

2018: Wellington 57 v Otago 5

2019: Otago 24, Hawke's Bay 20

2021: Manawatū 55, Hawke's Bay 5

2022: Hawke's Bay 24, Otago 20

Note: Format changed in 2020 so there was no final.