Women's Rugby: Fierce Otago fall prey to champions

By GRAHAM REDDAWAY

Auckland retained the women's NPC rugby title at Eden Park with a 22-12 win over an Otago side, who gave the champions their toughest battle since they began an unbeaten run six years ago.

Unfazed by a side stacked with internationals, the Otago pack charged into their work and pinned Auckland in their own half for most of the opening quarter.

The Otago front row, Mata Piho, skipper Farah Palmer and Margaret McKenzie, and locks Fiona King and Stacie Crawford completely dominated every phase of the game and starved Auckland of possession.

But Auckland's defence in the face of an incessant Otago attack held until the 25th minute, when Palmer barged over for a try. And there were signs of panic in the Auckland camp when Otago's right wing, Catherine Crawford, used her strength to score a corner try that fullback, Hannah Myers, converted.

Otago led 12-0 at the break and it was the first time since 1994 that Auckland had conceded a halftime lead.

The message from coach Mark Day was simple. "I told them to be patient and not to panic, that's all."

With the wind at their backs and the addition of international halfback Monique Hirovanaa, the Auckland backline began to look dangerous.

Errors crept into Otago's game and Auckland made good use of them, firstly with an Annaleah Rush penalty then a brilliant try by wing Dianne Kahura after a 40m run.

Skipper Davida White put Auckland ahead and in the final minute hooker Fiao Faumasilii sealed the win with a try.

Palmer was disappointed by the result, but delighted by Otago's effort. "We didn't come up here for a holiday."