Farah Palmer Cup: Semi-Finals - Waikato and Canterbury set up Premiership Final re-match

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Both fixtures showcased attacking brilliance, defensive grit, and individual performances that could define the upcoming title decider. Waikato now chase their fifth Premiership crown, while Canterbury aim to continue their streak of eight finals appearances with another title.

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Morrison Park, Hamilton)

Waikato opened the semi-final in dominant fashion, surging to a 30-7 lead in the first 46 minutes. Hooker Grace Houpapa-Barrett scored twice, becoming Waikato’s all-time leading female try scorer with 33 tries. The forward pack, led by Leata Puni Lio and veterans Chyna Hohepa and Leomie Kloppers, set the platform for the early dominance, controlling the rucks and scrums and allowing Waikato’s backs to exploit gaps with precision.

Winger Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a also crossed for a try, highlighting her growing reputation after being named in the New Zealand Under-20 development squad. Auckland fought back through halfback Emacyn Ieremia, who sparked a series of tries, with winger Presayus Singh and flanker Taufa Bason also crossing to reduce the deficit to 30-24.

Waikato steadied through first-five Ariana Bayler’s penalties, while a late try from Karla Wright-Akeli, crafted by replacement prop Glory Aiono Samuelu’s powerful 40-metre run and slick offload, sealed a tense victory. Waikato’s experience in high-pressure games ultimately allowed them to control the closing stages and preserve their spot in the final.

Waikato: 36
TRIES: 5 (Leata Puni Lio, Grace Houpapa-Barrett 2, Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a, Keelah Bodle)
CONS: 1 (Kaea Nepia)
PEN: 2 (Ariana Bayler)

Auckland: 29
TRIES: 5 (Emacyn Ieremia, Presayus Singh, Amarante Sititi, Hollyrae Mete-Renata, Karla Wright-Akeli)
CONS: 2 (Ieremia)
HT: 20-7

(Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch

In Christchurch, Canterbury overcame a determined Manawatū side in a high-scoring semi-final that tested both sides physically and mentally. Canterbury raced to a 17-0 lead inside 15 minutes through tries to Lucy Jenkins, Lialanie Muamua, and Louise Blyde, capitalising on early lineout wins and precise backline execution.

However, the Cyclones responded, with prop Ngano Tavake and right wing Kaia Walker-Waitoa scoring close-range tries to level the contest 17-17 at halftime, demonstrating Manawatū’s ability to challenge Canterbury’s dominant style. The second half remained tense as both sides traded attacks, with Canterbury fullback Winnie Palamo crossing early after halftime to regain the lead. Muamua added her second try, and late in the contest Neve Anglesey sealed the win with a try set up by Palamo’s clever support play.

Manawatū struck back through Anahera Hamahona, but Canterbury’s defensive resilience and strategic kicking ultimately controlled the tempo. The result reinforced Canterbury’s reputation for composure under pressure, setting up another highly anticipated Premiership final clash.

Canterbury: 39
TRIES: 7 (Lialanie Muamua 2, Winnie Palamo 2, Lucy Jenkins, Louise Blyde, Neve Anglesey)
CONS: 2 (Kelsyn McCook)
HT: 17-17

Manawatū: 22
TRIES: 4 (Ngano Tavake, Kaia Walker-Waitoa, Wikitoria Doyle, Anahera Hamahona)
CONS: 1 (Leah Brough)