Bigger prize looms for Christchurch Girls’ High

Harriet Cochrane charges through the Avonside Girls' High defence in Christchurch Girls' High's 74-5 Miles Toyota Cup final win. Photo: CGHS Rugby

Defending national champions Christchurch Girls’ High will look to topple rivals Southland Girls’ High when they meet in the South Island rugby final on Saturday.

Both teams progressed to this weekend’s clash with comfortable wins in the last month.

The winner of Saturday’s game will qualify for the national top four finals.

CGHS had featured in the national top four finals in 2019, but were well-beaten by an experienced Hamilton Girls’ side, 58-7.

Last year, CGHS were crowned joint champions with Manukura for the first time following a 19-19 draw.

CGHS second-five Sophie Yarham attempts to break away from a tackle in the Miles Toyota Cup final. Photo: CGHS Rugby

CGHS proved too strong for Craighead Diocesan in the Crusaders region final, easing to a 57-10 win.

Despite an early try to Craighead in the opening minutes, the game belonged to CGHS’ smart attacking play.

Harriet Cochrane, Riko Yoshida and Trin Taylor all crossed the line twice for CGHS, while Maddy Judd, Grace Meecham and Melody Ehau also scored.

Meanwhile, Southland dominated the Highlanders final at the weekend, beating Otago Girls’ High 76-5.

Both schools have been consistently strong each year, meeting in the South Island final several times before.

CGHS have won the last two clashes in 2019 and 2022, with Southland winning the years prior.

Left wing Tegan Pain crosses the line in the Miles Toyota Cup final. Photo: CGHS Rugby

However, this year will be the first where CGHS are defending a national title.

CGHS go into Saturday’s match on the back of their ninth Miles Toyota Cup win two weeks ago.

They were dominant throughout the competition, conceding zero points in the round robin stages before beating Avonside Girls’ High 74-5 in the final. CGHS have won the competition every year since it became 15-a-side.