Underdogs ready to have a go at women's NPC title

The record books do not favour a Wellington victory over Auckland in the final of the women's NPC championship tomorrow at Eden Park. But if their naming of five forwards in the reserves is any indication, the team from the capital are planning to take the game to the defending champions.

The final, beginning at noon, will be the curtainraiser to the Auckland-Southland NPC match.

Having a go is all the visitors can do because the indicators suggest Auckland will remain the only name on the Lion Foundation Cup.

Auckland have been national champions since the competition began in 1994, notching 61 consecutive victories along the way.

They have also provided the bulk of the Black Fern squads who won back-to-back World Cups in 1998 and 2002.

That class is still evident, with 11 of last year's Black Ferns running on for Auckland this weekend.

By contrast, Wellington have just one, captain and prop Rebecca Liua'ana, whose brother Fili is coaching the capital's side.

Auckland: Tammi Wilson, Mere Kingi, Hannah Myers, Oka Autagavaia, Suzy Shortland, Anna Richards (captain), Aroha Moore, Linda Itunu, Adrienne Lili'i, Monalisa Codling, Victoria Heighway, Cheryl Waaka, Leona White, Fiao'o Fa'amausili, Halyn Vaaga. Reserves: Ala Leavasa, Puna Tia, Tala Mulipola, Justine Lavea, Monique Hirovanaa, Vaniya Lavea, Angela McGregor.

Wellington: Rebecca Hull, Marama Tauroa, Shaolin Collins, Jessie Saolele, Moana McCarthy, Rosalia Ioane, Tatiana Tafatu, Erin Rush, Aimee Sutorius, Ainslie Sauvao, Mere Wilson, Ana Parkinson, Rebecca Liua'ana (captain), Claire Rowat, Tia Sa. Reserves: Anna Gerhardi, Mariana Smeaton, Ponisitia Paasi, Vanessa Masoe, Vanessa Chong-Nee, Christina Ovenden, Leilani Feaunati.

- NZPA