Canterbury name strong side for home Final

Canterbury have the luxury to name and start all ten contracted Black Ferns on Saturday, as they name a strong side to play Auckland in their fifth home Premiership Final in a row.

Previously winning 5 out of the last 6, Canterbury will be looking to add another title to the resume, but will come up against a physical Auckland side that will be determined to go one better than they did in 2022.

“Auckland is a great challenge for us.” said Head Coach Jimmy Sinclair, “we know they can really take it to us, and they showed that when we played them at Eden Park. We had to fight really hard to come back and win that game, and we know Saturday will be no different.”

Chelsea Bremner is promoted to a starting position following a successful return to play in last week’s semi final, while Karla Wright-Akeli returns to the fullback jersey, after impressing throughout this year’s competition.

On the bench, Vice-Captain Marcelle Parkes returns from an injury sustained against Counties Manukau, while Kelsyn McCook and Atlanta Lolohea also return to the bench.

“Our whole squad has played an important role in getting us to this point, and we know that this group will be better for the work we have all done at training.” said Sinclair.

“It’s now about getting out there and enjoying the moment, playing like we know we can and ultimately achieve our main goal from the start of the season.”

The Final will be refereed by North Harbour’s Natarsha Ganley, with Canterbury’s George Haswell and Karl Hancox the Assistant Referees, and David Rumble as TMO.

Kick off in the Farah Palmer Cup, presented by Bunnings Warehouse, Premiership Final is scheduled for 2:05pm at Rugby Park, with the Canterbury U18 Black side hosting the curtain raiser against the Hanan Shield U18 team at 11:35am.

Tickets are just $10 on the gate, with U16’s free.