Auckland favourites for NPC title

Reigning champions Auckland face Canterbury in a battle that will also go a long way in determining the make-up of the Black Ferns squad for the upcoming European tour.

Auckland nished top of the table after the round robin series with 28 points from their six matches and are definite favourites going into the game.

However, the Final is being played in Christchurch before the ITM Cup Premiership Final, which will also feature Auckland and Canterbury, and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports 1, so Canterbury have been handed a significant home advance boost.

Canterbury won the home advantage after both sides agreed that that the womens game would be a curtain raise to the mens game so when the Canterbury men's team's side beat Taranaki the decision went in their favour. This was despite Canterbury losing 25-14 loss to Waikato in their final round-robin game.

Auckland entered last weekend's final round on 24 points, already assured of a place in the final. Canterbury had 20 points and Otago had 18.

Auckland rallied after going behind to to win against Otago 28-17 afte meaning Canterburys loss in the end didnt matter.

Canterburys key players include the likes of flanker Amanda Murphy, Casey Robertson and prop Steph Fox.

Auckland however, have dominated the NPC since its inception with their last loss coming against Canterbury (20-15) in a round-robin game in 2009.

Their squad includes top players such as Emma Kenson, Fiaoo Faamausili, Karina Stowers (nee Penetito) and Hazel Tubic and they start as clear favourites.

The Black Ferns squad is to be named the week after the final ahead of their test series in England.