Waikato Clinches Farah Palmer Cup with Last-Minute Tackle

In a thrilling finale, Waikato secured its second consecutive Farah Palmer Cup title with a dramatic 19-13 victory over Canterbury. The match, held on October 14, 2023, showcased a nail-biting conclusion, where Waikato fullback Kaea Nepia delivered a game-saving tackle in the dying moments, denying Canterbury a chance to score the match-winning try.

Waikato captain Chyna Hohepa expressed the emotional toll of the contest, stating, “So many tears are coming out. We said we would leave everything out here, and we have exerted so much energy.” She acknowledged the challenge posed by Canterbury, noting their reputation for fighting until the very end.

Canterbury’s captain, Holly Greenway, reflected on the performance of her young team, which faced a more experienced Waikato side. “The growth of this team to come, we are going to be pretty unstoppable,” she remarked. Greenway extended her congratulations to Waikato for their victory in what she described as a great final.

The match commenced with intense energy as Waikato’s first clearance was charged down, leading to a five-metre scrum. The hosts made an early statement by winning a penalty from a dominant scrum, which resulted in the first try. Waikato’s Grace Houpapa-Barrett crossed the line just two minutes into the game, giving her team an early lead.

Canterbury responded with a remarkable individual effort from Winnie Palamo, who intercepted a weak clearing kick, maneuvered past multiple defenders, and scored, putting her team ahead with a penalty from Kelsyn McCook. After a series of exchanges, Waikato regained the lead before halftime, with Leomie Kloppers scoring to make it 12-8 at the break.

After the interval, Waikato maintained pressure, forcing Canterbury’s defense to work hard. A potential try by Greenway was ruled out due to a forward pass, keeping the score tight. The second half saw Canterbury produce a brilliant team effort, culminating in another try from Louise Blyde, who completed a well-executed move initiated by her own break.

With the score tied at 13-12 in favor of Canterbury, Waikato’s Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a found space on the right flank to score, with Nepia successfully converting the try to extend Waikato’s lead to six points with under ten minutes remaining.

The final moments were tense, as Waikato faced a late penalty that allowed Canterbury a chance to equalize. In a dramatic sequence, Canterbury’s Fia Laikong sprinted towards the corner, but Nepia’s crucial tackle knocked the ball free, securing the victory for Waikato.

As the final whistle approached, Waikato’s players executed a strategic play to regain control, ultimately ensuring they emerged victorious. The match not only highlighted the skill and determination of both teams but also showcased the competitive spirit and growth within New Zealand women’s rugby.

With this victory, Waikato reaffirms its dominance in the Farah Palmer Cup, leaving fans eager to see how both teams progress in the upcoming seasons.