Canterbury is now second on the Air New Zealand Cup points-table after a convincing 44-15 victory against Tasman at AMI Stadium in Christchurch on Sunday afternoon.

Played in almost perfect conditions on a firm surface, Tasman started strongly, playing the game at pace and moving the ball wide at every opportunity.

They were rewarded after three minutes when Canterbury was penalised at a ruck. First five-eight Miah Nikora was spot on with the penalty to give Tasman a 3-0 lead.

From the kick-off Canterbury surged back onto attack and was immediately awarded a penalty when Tasman was off-side at a ruck. Colin Slade made no mistake with the kick to even the scores.

The game continued to be played at a fast clip, the players reveling in the fine conditions. It was as if both sides were like spring lambs wanting to frolic in the sunshine.

Each team had opportunities soon after to score – Tasman being stopped by some good home defence, while Canterbury’s man-of-the-match Michael Paterson also coming close to scoring the first try of the game.

It was another Paterson – James – who scored Canterbury’s first try after 14 minutes after the ball had been moved quickly down the short-side. A magnificent short pass by lock Isaac Ross put Paterson across. Slade’s conversion gave Canterbury a 10-3 lead.

Canterbury continued to attack and was almost rewarded when their outstanding right winger Scott Hamilton was on the end of a Canterbury surge. Hamilton was adjudged to have just put his foot in touch and the try was not awarded.

James Paterson was in again after 21 minutes when the ball went loose and ended up in the winger’s hands. Seeing the goal-line some 70 meters ahead of him, the High School Old Boys flyer showed a clean pair of heels to score his second try of the game. Slade missed the conversion.

Now 15-3 ahead, Canterbury continued to dominate and after 27 minutes they scored again. This time it was again Hamilton who was prominent, the winger bursting through the Tasman defensive line to feed Hayden Hopgood and then Isaac Ross to score the province’s third try.

Two minutes later the Makos came back after their full-back Robbie Malneek was put in to a gap and somehow managed to confuse the defence to get Tasman within reach of Canterbury.

Tasman scored again soon after. This time some slick passing by backs and forwards alike saw their half-back Kahn Fotuali’i finish a magnificent movement. Canterbury’s lead had been whittled down to 20-15

Still, Canterbury attacked and it was their centre Adam Whitelock who crossed one minute later for Canterbury’s bonus point try. Slade again missed with the conversion.

Canterbury led 25-15 at half-time. It had been a wonderful first 40 minutes, with six tries and plenty of action. While some of the rugby had not been as accurate as the coaches would have liked, it was still entertaining.

Both sides started poorly in the second half, the collective handling particularly average. Neither side looked willing to do the hard yards necessary to establish any rhythm.

Tasman slowly started to deliver some possession to their dangerous backs, although they did not manage it as often or as effectively as they would have liked.

Still, Canterbury continued to attack and it was Michael Paterson who eventually crossed for Canterbury’s fifth try of the game.

With Stephen Brett (back from injury) now on the field, Canterbury continued to dominate, although the game had lost its shape as Canterbury was now comfortably ahead.

It was, however, Brett who threw a lovely pass soon after to feed Michael Paterson who went in for his second try of the game. The conversion missed.

Tasman continued to attack, although Canterbury’s defence was very good. In this respect captain Kieran Read and Hayden Hopgood were simply outstanding.

Still, Canterbury had the best of the remaining minutes and scored once more. This time a probing kick by Brett saw replacement midfielder Ryan Crotty cross with two minutes remaining. It was a neat try and it was good to see Brett again show his class. Slade converted to finish the match.

Although this game was somewhat loose, Canterbury showed that they are where they should be at this stage of the season. The Canterbury coaching staff will be especially delighted with the team’s attack and penetration.

Individually there were a number of stand-outs. Both Patersons – Michael and James – had huge matches and were dynamic with the ball in hand. Scott Hamilton was back to his best, while Tyson Keats had the better of the half-back duels. Upfront it was a solid effort, with Isaac Ross, Hayden Hopgood and Kieran Read magnificent in all that they did.
  
Canterbury 44: Tries: James Paterson (2), Michael Paterson (2), Isaac Ross, Adam Whitelock, Ryan Crotty. Conversions: Colin Slade (3). Penalty: Colin Slade.

Tasman 15: Tries: Robbie Malneek, Kahn Fotuali’i. Conversion: Miah Nikora. Penalty: Miah Nikora.