Old foes clash again in the Canstaff Women’s Premier Final

The rivalry between Christchurch and University is set to ignite once again, with the two headlining a celebration of all thing's rugby at the Canstaff Women’s finals day at Nga Puna Wai on Saturday.   

While both sides finished the first phase equal top of the table, with six wins and one loss apiece, it was defending champions Christchurch who held the upper hand in the second phase of competition, going through the Premiership unbeaten. 

That run also included an impressive performance on the same ground as this weekend’s final, beating University 24-12, to etch themselves in as favorites this weekend. “It’s been a challenging year off the back of Covid and other factors, but hopefully we are coming right at the right time of year.” said Christchurch coach Ross Tarawhiti. 

“We know (University) has a number of dangerous threats that we have to keep an eye out for, but we’ve also got a squad that can match them. We have 9 Super Rugby players in our squad so we’re hoping they will be able to make some in roads into the Varsity defence.” 

Their opposition are no strangers to finals however, with University boasting an impressive 20 titles, meaning they have won exactly half of the Premier Women’s titles held.  

“It’s very exciting to be back (in the final).” said University captain Sophie Anderson, who boasts 127 caps for the University Viperettes. “It hurt a lot not being involved in the final last year, so we’ve all got the belief that we can get back to the top and win this weekend.” 

The match will headline a celebration of all things rugby at the ground, with all four Premier Women’s games taking place, as well as an additional Premier Reserve Women’s game between Suburbs and Geraldine to start the day at 12pm.  

Linwood will take on Kaiapoi in the Championship Final at 2:45pm, while Lincoln University and High School Old Boys’ face off for 3rd and 4th in the Premiership, and Prebbleton take on Ashburton Celtic for for 3rd and 4th in the Championship at 1pm. 

Outside of that, there will be a skills session run by both FPC and Black Ferns players for all tamariki at 12:15pm, with the Rugby World Cup making a stop in Ōtautahi, as well as a number of other activities onsite to celebrate the day.  

Jimmy Ryan will referee the match along with AR’s Trey McLean and Kieran Nation. Kick-off is at 5pm at Ngā Puna Wai.