Mel Puckett of Auckland warms up during the Farah Palmer Cup rugby match Final, Canterbury Vs Auckland, Rugby Park, Christchurch, New Zealand, 9th September 2023. Copyright photo: John Davidson / www.photosport.nz Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2023 www.photosport.nz
The Auckland Storm have turned the tables on defending champions Canterbury by winning an electric Farah Palmer Cup final 39-27 in Christchurch.
Auckland starved their long-time rivals of possession to forge a 22-13 lead at half-time in front of a big crowd at Rugby Park.
Canterbury came back with a vengeance in the second half to tie the scoreline with 18 minutes on the clock.
But the visitors upped the tempo with two outstanding late tries to Black Ferns Maia Roos and Ruahei Demant to seal the win.
Auckland's Mel Puckett told SkySport her team-mates are ecstatic after breaking a seven-year title drought.
She said they had a point to prove after losing heavily, 41-14, in last year's final to Canterbury.
"Yeah, I'm speechless because this one means the most," Mel Puckett said.
"I think we played our best game of the season with real heart, and I'm really proud of the girls."
And Manawatū will host Northland in the women's Championship Final tomorrow in Palmerston North.