New Zealand NPC underway

The women’s NPC is the top competition in New Zealand, from which in previous seasons Black Ferns' selection has been drawn from. It features nine provinces this time from around this country and this season a number of the games are being broadcast live on television.

The tournament has had a rollercoaster few years as first it was axed totally due to cost by the NZRU before being reinstated after strong campaigning involving past and present players.

Auckland won the titlelast season for the 14th time beating Canterbury in the final.

The recent end of the World Cup means not as many of the country’s top stars are featuring in the competition as usual, though there are plenty of Black Ferns on show regardless.

Waikato are top of the table already with their side featuring many well-known faces.  Chyna Hohepa, younger sister of Carla the former IRB World Player of the Year, and Black Fern wing Honey Hireme(pictured)both feature in a strong back three for them while Chelsea Alley, another Black Fern, is a powerhouse centre with strong kicking ability.

Otago’s strong start is even more impressive when you consider that the province almost stopped fielding a women’s side a couple of seasons ago due to financial pressures.  Claire Richardson offers them plenty of experience in midfield and at number 8 Angie Sisifa has been scoring tries for fun.  Up and coming fly-half Victoria Subritsky-Nafatali, who also featured at the World Cup, will pull the strings well for them in the number 10 shirt.

Not every side has played a full two rounds of the competition with Auckland having played one and won one and with their pedigree, they are likely to be strong competitors. Canterbury too will fancy their chances with their side featuring free-scoring fullback Tara Horsnell as well as Black Ferns Kendra Cocksedge and Stephanie Te Ohaere-Fox.

You can see the teamsheets and the fixturesHEREand over the coming weeks Scrumqueens.com will provide a summary and some interviews from leading players.