Canterbury put together their best performance of the season to beat arch-rivals Auckland 35-16 at AMI Stadium tonight.
Following their disappointing loss to Tasman last weekend, Canterbury dominated this game right from the kick-off when wing Tu Umaga-Marshall claimed the high ball and launched a raid into Auckland territory.
The improved mental attitude was plain to see tonight. Canterbury played with a higher intensity which was evident in their excellent defence and breakdown cleanouts.
Everyone played their part in the four tries to win victory, none more so than lock Luke Romano, who had one of his best games for Canterbury. Also to the fore were hooker Corey Flynn, props Wyatt Crockett and Peter Borlase, No8 Nasi Manu and the entire backline – Andy Ellis, Colin Slade, Ryan Crotty, Robbie Fruean, Sean Maitland, Telusa Veainu and Umaga-Marshall.
Slade, who kicked six from seven and had a big part to play on attack and defence for Canterbury, got his side on the scoreboard after four minutes.
A massive scrum effort from the Cantabs, and in particular Crockett, forced the penalty and Slade took advantage with his boot.
Romano scored soon after following a turnover which was forced by Flynn. Slade noticed the lack of a fullback and kicked through, with Crotty winning possession. From the resulting ruck, Romano scampered down the blindside to score his first ever try for Canterbury.
Slade missed the difficult conversion attempt but Canterbury were on the scoreboard again after 11 minutes when Veainu pulled off a superb intercept from Benson Stanley’s pass to run 50m and score.
After only 12 minutes it was 15-0 to Canterbury and the home side were in charge.
Auckland first-five Matt Berquist narrowed the gap with two penalties but right on halftime Slade extended Canterbury’s lead with a penalty and it was 18-6 at halftime.
Slade and Berquist traded penalties after the break before concerted Canterbury pressure lead to Fruean’s try.
The big centre owed his sixth try of the season to Slade’s astute grubber through Auckland’s defence. Slade’s conversion pushed the score out to 28-9 and it was effectively game over after 55 minutes.
Maitland scored Canterbury’s fourth try, which earned the side a valuable bonus point, in the 70th minute following great work by Manu down the left touch line when he kicked through and regathered. Umaga-Marshall showed some good touches down the right wing before Maitland handled from first receiver, kicked through and regathered to score a brilliant try.
In the last few minutes Auckland flanker Onosai'i Auva'a scored a consolation try in the right corner which was well converted by Berquist.
Canterbury’s dominance was such that Auckland were forced to survive on scraps and attempt to get things going from behind the advantage line.
The forwards had a few things to prove after last week’s performance and they fronted, in particular Crockett. Manu, in his first start of the season, was an ever present. He was particularly effective in close-quarters when wrestling for possession.
Skipper George Whitelock was also a standout on defence and returning All Black Flynn added a lot of stability to the forward pack.
The challenge now will be to repeat this performance in next Friday night’s match against Bay of Plenty at AMI Stadium. But the Cantabs are back in the top four and have everything to play for.
Canterbury 35 (Luke Romano, Telusa Veainu, Robbie Fruean, Sean Maitland tries; Colin Slade 3 pen, 3 con).
Auckland 16 (Onosai'i Auva'a try; Matt Berquist 3 pen, Ash Moeke con).
HT: 18-6
Kickers:
Slade: six from seven.
Berquist: three from three.
Moeke: one from one.
Canterbury:
1. Wyatt Crockett
2. Corey Flynn (Steve Fualau – blood bin)
3. Peter Borlase
4. Luke Romano
5. Isaac Ross (Rob Verbakel 73rd)
6. Matt Todd
7. George Whitelock
8. Nasi Manu
9. Andy Ellis
10. Colin Slade
11. Telusa Veainu
12. Ryan Crotty (Stephen Brett 63rd)
13. Robbie Fruean
14. Tu Umaga-Marshall (Sam Monaghan 70th)
15. Sean Maitland
Reserves not used:
17. Andrew Olorenshaw
19. Ash Parker
20. Takerei Norton