The Waikato women’s rugby squad’s next step in retaining the Farah Palmer Cup will be taken this weekend.
Grace Houpapa‑Barrett (centre), Waikato v Canterbury, Stadium Waikato, August 31. Photo Waikato Rugby
Should they weather the Auckland Storm in this weekend’s semi-final, Waikato will face either Canterbury or the Manawatū Cyclones in the final.
Waikato has topped the premiership table with a 6–1 record, but Auckland, Canterbury and Manawatū are all tough opponents, Mooloos’ hooker Grace Houpapa‑Barrett told The News.
“It would be wonderful to win it back-to-back, but at finals level it’s anyone’s game. Previous weeks don’t matter; it’s the 80 minutes on the day that counts.
Waikato cemented a home semi-final last Saturday with decisive 60–17 win over the Hawke’s Bay Tui.
The JJ Stewart Trophy (the equivalent of the Ranfurly Shield) is already safely tucked away in Waikato’s trophy cabinet for the season – two more wins and it will be joined by the Farah Palmer Cup.
Waikato’s success this season has come while playing shorthanded. Seven star players have been unavailable due to Black Ferns’ Rugby World Cup duties.
“World Cup selections left a hole in the team. I was a little nervous early on because we have a target on our backs (as defending champs), quite a young squad and new management staff,” Houpapa‑Barrett said.
“Many in the team are new but they’re all gun players. I’ve been impressed with their progress – they’ve stepped up and held their own.”
Grace Houpapa‑Barrett
