Auckland Storm have dethroned Canterbury to claim their 16th Farah Palmer Cup premiership, winning the final 39-27 at Christchurch.
Winger Angelica Vahai and lock Eloise Blackwell had try doubles, as the notherners broke a seven-year title drought, avenging their loss to the red-and-blacks in last year's final.
Canterbury had dominated the past six years of the competition, winning five times and losing the sixth on a last-gasp try from Waikato two years ago. Even with the retirement of kingpin halfback Kendra Cocksedge, they had emerged from the regular season atop the table, losing just once to Waikato again.
Auckland defeated Waikato in last week's semi-final, finding form at the right time to mount a challenge for the crown.
Canterbury wasted no time stamping their authority on the contest, forcing Auckland midfielder Sylvia Brunt into a rushed pass that was picked off by Maratha Mataele, who sent fullback Kelly Wright-Akeli away for the opening try.
The Storm were soon back on level terms, when Brunt put winger Angelica Vahai down the left sideline to score.
First-five Rosie Kelly put the red-and-blacks ahead with a penalty, but lock Eloise Blackwell stormed over the Auckland's second try to grab a 14-10 advantage, as the northerners began to take charge through the forwards.
After Kelly and Black Ferns captain Ruahei Demant exchanged penalties, the Storm first-five sparked an attack from her own half, giving Vahai an open look at the tryline down the left.
When she turned down the opportunity, the ball swung right and then back left, where the winger accepted the second chance to score, putting Auckland ahead 22-13 at the break.
Blackwell also had her brace soon after the restart, when the Storm forwards powered to within a few metres and the lock found space to dive over by the corner flag.
Canterbury struck back with a well-conceived try to centre Amy du Plessis, who ran a punishing angle off an attacking scrum to score near the posts.
As the hour arrived, momentum swung back to the defending champions, with hooker Georgia Ponsonby mauled over the tryline by her pack, and Kelly's conversion bouncing off the upright and over to level the scores.
Just as Canterbury seemed likely to snatch the go-ahead try at any time, Brunt sent Vahai down the sideline again and the winger found flanker Maia Roos in support to score. After handing kicking duries to Patricia Maliepo briefly, Demant returned to add the crucial conversion.
Still only a converted try away, the southerners tried everything to find the required points, but Demant clinched the title for Auckland, when Roos won a close-range lineout and the forwards mauled towards the corner, before the first-five went shortside to score.
"Speechless," said Auckland halfback Melanie Puckett, who had previously won with Canterbury. "This one, I think, means the most.
"We got done here last year and had a point to prove today. We came out and probably played our best game of the season, and with real heart - I'm so proud of the girls for that.
"We just wanted to go out and showcase our flair. Everyone in this team can play and I think they proved that today."
Auckland Storm 39 (Vahai 2, Blackwell 2, Roos & Demant tries; Demant penalty & 3 conversions) Canterbury 27 (Wright-Akeli, du Plessis & Ponsonby tries; Kelly 3 conversions & 2 penalties)
