Alhambra-Union upset Pirates 17-7 in a tense semifinal at Hancock Park, and University strolled into the final with a 63-0 demolition of Southland club Blues.
Black Ferns fullback Halie Hurring scored two tries and added a conversion as Alhambra-Union beat Pirates for the first time in four games this season.
Although Pirates struggled to get into the opposition 22m in the first half, the game was scoreless at the break. Alhambra-Union had dominated possession and territory but could not break through on the few times it pressured the line.
Referee Bryce Adie sinbinned a player from each team in the second half and the scoring began.
A series of forward drives created gaps as Alhambra-Union moved the ball right for winger Laura Edwards to score.
Pirates then dominated possession for 15 minutes and, eventually, midfielder Greer Muir broke through to score a try and Victoria Nafatali added the two points.
Both teams were at full strength when Alhambra-Union hooker Rachel Scott charged to the line from a maul. She was tackled but Hurring was on hand to pick up the loose ball and sprint 15m to score.
Trailing 10-7, Pirates spread the ball wide and threatened to get a long-range try. But a turnover resulted in a 60m angled run by Hurring, whose try sealed the win.
Pirates, below full strength, lifted in the second half but the speed of the defence kept the home side in check when breaks were made.
Veteran Alhambra-Union prop Georgie Anderson showed age was no barrier as she drove time and time again into the Pirates forwards, and centurion flanker Megan Kane created turnovers.
University scored 11 tries against Blues, producing a fine display of handling and running rugby in conditions that were far from conducive to an expansive style.
Arna McLeod scored the first of her two tries after some deft running and passing from the University midfield.
A surging run by captain Ele Lenoa, giving one of her best displays of the season, and some fine inter-passing among the forwards saw hooker Lucy Emery crash over shortly after.
The students found top gear and had seven tries in the bag by halftime, leading 37-0.
Served well by the inside pairing of Megan Mason and Michaela Baker, centre Lucy Anderson was again in dominant form and had a direct hand in the tries scored by the University backs.
Anderson also crossed for two tries, bringing her season total to a remarkable 32, a number that belies her unselfish delivery to the outsides and that speaks more to her work ethic, support play and potent running.
The University scrum had dominance early and repeatedly disrupted Blues ball, taking a number of tight-heads.
While the breakdown was more of a contest, Georgia Mason - celebrating her 16th birthday - and fellow loose forwards Kayla Inwood and Rebecca Todd gained ascendancy for the students.
The front row of Lenoa, Emery and Molly Wright gave University front-foot ball, while Zoe Willis was her usual tireless self at lock.
Blues started with aggression, pounding the University defence with strong forward drives, but the Southlanders were ultimately denied by stout resistance, and struggled to match University's speed and skill.
The Blues side has made considerable progress under coach Jackie Collins, and has earned praise for its physicality and spirit.
