Waikato have won their second Farah Palmer Cup crown, edging rivals Canterbury 27-25 in a tense final at Hamilton's FMG Stadium.
Level 17-17 at halftime, both teams scored a try and penalty each in the second half, with Kaea Nepia's successful conversion ultimately proving the difference.
With 10 minutes remaining and two points ahead, Waikato had a potential match-clinching try disallowed, when replacement hooker Vici-Rose Green lost the ball as she forced beyond the line in the 72nd minute. They were playing under advantage, but lost the ball at a ruck just a couple of metres out and then fumbled the clearing kick in their own half to leave the door ajar for Canterbury in the dying minutes.
A dominant Mooloo scrum won a penalty, but opted for another scrum and conceded a penalty in the final seconds. The red-and-blacks botched their lineout throw and Waikato were able to find touch, as the final siren sounded.
"I want to say sorry for my ugly tears, I don't even careful," said emotional Waikato captain Chelsea Semple. "This means so much.
"Our first-ever home final, so today was not just about the team on the field, but all the girls that trialled to make the team this year, all the past 'dubbies' who have played in these colours... it just means the world, I'm so proud."
Waikato had contested two previous finals — both against Canterbury — losing in 2020, but turning tables the following year. They finished atop the table during the 2024 regular season and enjoyed home advantage for the final.
Neither team featured their Black Ferns internationals, currently contesting the WXV 1 tournament in Canada.
Waikato's only defeat this season was against Canterbury, who have now contested the last eight finals, winning five.
"It took everything," said Semple. "All our results over the last few weeks have been quite big, so we haven't felt that pressure that Canterbury put us under.
"Credit to Canterbury, they're a team that know how to win big moments in finals... we've seen that over the last decade. There's no better competitor for us down to the wire."
Waikato 27 (Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Ieremia, Houpapa-Barrett tries; Nepia 3 conversions,2 penalties) Canterbury 25 (Bayfield 2, Whinney, Yoshida tries; Paton 3 conversions, 2 penalties)
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