It was always going to be a trial by fire for the Hawke’s Bay Tui, who took on one of the most successful FPC teams in recent years, Canterbury, for the first hit up of the Farah Palmer Cup season.

12 debutants joined the game day 23, after a fresh-faced squad was named by head coach Sione Cherrington-Kite to fill the gaps left by Tui stalwarts Teilah Ferguson and Leah Tuhi (injury), props Denise Aiolupotea and Tori Iosefo (World Cup) and with Krysten “Duffy” Cottrell still to return from Japan.

A significant step up from the pace of a club game and with Canterbury known for its brand of sharp, efficient rugby, the challenge loomed. A positive warm up and new season excitement sent the Tui running onto McLean Park behind captain Leilani Hakiwai, bubbling with optimism that they might make a splash in the competition right from the first whistle.

It wasn’t to be, as two missed kick offs rattled nerves, giving Canterbury the chance to captialise. The first points came early into the game and while the Tui scrambled hard, and put up a solid set-piece effort against a Canterbury forward pack filled with Black Ferns and Super Rugby stars, it wasn’t enough to put the brakes on a dominant red and black train, and the tries started to roll in.

A slow defensive fold, delayed ruck cleans, and offside penalties hamstrung the Tui effort. The backs tried to show some sparkle when they could, with winger Kate Donald cleaning up from left to right and mid-fielder Kadence Honotapu stealing balls out of thin air. Number 8 Olioli Mua, joined for the first time by her sisters Neva and Ama, carried strongly and lock Caterina Poletti made her return to the pitch after sustaining a concussion during the club season. An injury to first-five Raedeen Blake means she will be missed as the team travel to Manawatu on Sunday 24 August.

With a final score of 72-0, it was a disappointing start to the season but with a dozen newly blooded Tui now fully aware of the FPC challenge, the women will be gritting their teeth and looking for redemption against the Cyclones this weekend.

Written by: Nina Poletti
Article added: Tuesday 19 August 2025