Canterbury have kick-started their bid for a fifth successive Farah Palmer Cup title with an emphatic 59-12 win over Counties-Manukau 59-12 in Christchurch today.
Bronwyn Dibb of Canterbury is tackled by Shonte To'a of Counties Manukau. Photo: Photosport
Grace Brooker and Kendra Cocksedge both scored a brace in the nine-try win, as Canterbury opened out in the second half after leading 26-7 at half-time.
In the earlier game, Auckland scored six tries in their 44-12 win over Bay of Plenty at Eden Park in Auckland, turning up the tempo after holding a 15-5 lead at the break.
Last year's coronavirus pandemic meant the women's competition was held under a truncated format.
The competition was split into north and south zones to save money, but this year it returns to a Premiership and Championship competition with 13 teams taking part.