Farah Palmer Cup Final: Waikato retain title in dramatic triumph over Canterbury

There was late drama for the home side as Canterbury, always dangerous in broken play, launched one final attacking foray. But Waikato’s collective defensive heart was best illustrated when fullback Kaea Nepia tackled Canterbury replacement wing Fia Laikong and forced a knock-on with the corner flag beckoning — a moment that sealed back-to-back championships for Waikato.

It was the ultimate team effort from the defending champions, led by evergreen hooker Grace Houpapa-Barrett and the composed backline pairing of Nepia and Rina Paraone. Waikato were forced to show resilience after losing captain and flanker Mia Anderson to a HIA midway through the first half, but their composure under pressure proved decisive.

Waikato made a flying start, with Anderson charging down a clearing kick from Canterbury halfback Kelsyn McCook to set up an attacking lineout. Houpapa-Barrett rumbled over soon after for her 10th try of the season and 34th overall for the province.

Canterbury hit back through fullback Winnie Palamo, who scorched down the left edge to level the scores, before first-five Rosie Buchanan-Brown added a penalty to give her side an 8–5 advantage. Waikato replied before halftime when Leomie Kloppers powered over, and Nepia’s conversion sent the hosts into the sheds ahead 12–8.

The arm wrestle continued through the second half, Waikato’s scrum gaining the ascendancy while Canterbury’s wide play created chances. Wing Louise Blyde edged the visitors in front midway through the final quarter, but Waikato hit back in stunning fashion. A turnover penalty from Paraone set up an attacking surge that ended with Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a crossing in the corner, Nepia nailing the sideline conversion for a 19–13 lead.

Waikato’s defence — typified by Keelah Bodle’s 19 tackles and Houpapa-Barrett’s turnover at the death — held firm through Canterbury’s last desperate attack. It capped another remarkable campaign for the champions, who have now claimed three Premiership titles since 2021, winning 29 of their last 36 matches.

TRIES: 3 (Grace Houpapa-Barrett, Leomie Kloppers, Shyrah Tuliau-Tua'a)

CONS: 2 (Kaea Nepia 2)

TRIES: 2 (Winnie Palamo, Lucy Blyde)

PEN: Rosie Buchanan-Brown