Canterbury turn final heartbreak into a 50-point statement

Canterbury women’s rugby put three three years of Farah Palmer Cup heartbreak behind them with a commanding 50-24 win over Auckland Storm in the final in Christchurch on Sunday.

The home side turned a tight contest into a one-sided finish in front of their home fans.

Canterbury were made to work for it early as Auckland controlled territory using their speed to unsettle the hosts at One NZ Stadium.

But the Red and Blacks found another gear after halftime scoring 26 unanswered points to take control of the final.

Pacific and former Black Ferns player Aldora Itunu opened the scoring for Auckland and showed the attacking threat that had helped the Storm reach the grand final.

Canterbury’s defence held firm but they struggled to turn opportunities into points during a scrappy first half.

Canterbury make history, claiming their first title at One NZ Stadium. Photo/Iain McGregor/Photosport.

Binky Muamua provided the spark they needed using her quick footwork to beat the defence and get Canterbury back into the contest.

The young back proved just as dangerous after the break. She read an Auckland pass, picked off an intercept and used her speed to race into open space and extend Canterbury’s lead, before leaving the field shortly afterwards.

With the momentum firmly on their side, Canterbury’s bench helped lift the pace and put Auckland under growing pressure. Missed tackles and a lack of attacking chances left the Storm struggling to find a way back.

Auckland flanker Taufa Bason finally crossed in the 73rd minute, but by then the damage had been done.

The result capped a season of strong form for Canterbury, who went into the final unbeaten. Their ability to create space and turn it into points had been a feature of their campaign, and it proved decisive when the pressure was highest.

After the match, Muamua shared her gratitude in an emotional interview with Sky Sport.

“Firstly I want to thank the God above, without him we wouldn’t be here right now. Honestly so proud of the girls and so proud of our management.

“This one's for our home, this one's for our people that’s been supporting us through everything… thank you to them.”

Men’s rugby

The National Provincial Championship semifinals are set, with Canterbury booking their place after a 62-26 victory over Waikato in Christchurch on Saturday. They will face Taranaki, who thumped North Harbour 50-31, at One NZ Stadium on Sunday, 18 October.

Northland also secured a semifinal spot with a spirited comeback to beat Tasman Mako 26-21. They will meet Otago in Whangārei on Friday, after Otago cruised to a convincing 50-14 win over Hawke’s Bay.

Meanwhile, the All Blacks retained the Bledisloe Cup for the 24th consecutive year, defeating Australia 50-19 at Eden Park on Saturday night.