Canterbury will start their quarter-final at AMI Stadium next week with plenty of confidence after a convincing 25-6 win over Southland in Invercargill on Friday night.

The Red and Blacks were never in danger of losing their last round-robin match, dominating both territory and possession to essentially shut Southland out of the game.

Playing with the breeze behind them initially, Canterbury started strongly and after the home side had turned the ball over, Andy Ellis put in a probing kick that was well chased by speedy winger James Paterson.

Southland though was initially getting numbers to the ball and making life difficult for the visitors. In this respect the Stags’ hooker Jason Rutledge was outstanding.

While Canterbury had most of the early possession, at crucial times the ball was lost, allowing Southland to boot the ball back into their territory.

The first try came in the 16th minute. It resulted after Canterbury had run straight and put together a series of attacks. Getting the ball on the front foot, Ellis passed inside to James Paterson who ran straight and hard to beat the Southland defence to cross for a fine try.

In the 22nd minute Southland’s prop Jamie Macintosh was penalised for stepping across the line at a lineout. The infringement gave Colin Slade the opportunity to extend Canterbury’s lead. He pushed his attempt to the right.

In the 27th minute Canterbury was penalised for playing the ball on the ground, giving Robbie Robinson his first shot at goal for the night. The attempt was just to the right, meaning that Canterbury continued to lead 7-0.

The penalty attempts continued. After 30 minutes Southland’s Chris King was penalised for holding back. Slade made no mistake and Canterbury went ahead 10-0.

Both teams were not as disciplined as they should have been. A result of this was a yellow card each for Southland’s Chris King and Canterbury’s Peter Borlase after 32 minutes. Somehow as a result Canterbury was awarded the penalty and it allowed Slade yet another penalty kick.  From 60m it was a good attempt and although it had the distance, it was just to the right.

Southland was making mistakes. With five minutes remaining in the first half the home side was penalised for infringing at a ruck just in front of their own posts. Slade kicked the penalty and the Red and Blacks were ahead 13-0.

Canterbury’s lead at half-time was worthy reward for their efforts. Their kicking game especially was very good and in this regard Slade and Scott Hamilton were playing extremely well. The Red and Blacks had had the majority of the possession and territory and had used it to good effect. The game wasn’t a spectacle, although it was intriguing in the sense that it contained so much passion.

The second half started the same way as the first: both teams seemed unable to penetrate and resorted to kicking for territory.

In the 56th minute Southland finally got on the board when Robinson kicked a penalty almost in front of the posts. Canterbury’s reaction was to bring on Greg Sommerville and Tim Bateman.

Given the depth of their bench and their secure place on the points-table, it was not surprising to see Canterbury to give their reserves a run. It was particularly pleasing to see the return from injury of Casey Laulala.

In the 65th minute Canterbury attacked from a lineout. Patient, the Red and Blacks drove forward and it was eventually replacement half-back Tyson Keats who scored a clinical and powerful five-pointer.

The try was soured somewhat by an injury to Mose Tuiali’i. It looked like a neck injury of some sort and the sight of the big No8 leaving the field was sobering for everyone involved in Canterbury rugby.

Five minutes later captain Kieran Read (who returned to the field when Tuiali’i left it) scored Canterbury’s third try after a very strong break from Laulala. Slade’s conversion hit a post and fortunately went in.

With eight minutes remaining replacement Blair Stewart narrowed Canterbury’s lead to 19 points with Southland’s second penalty of the evening.

The game meandered to its conclusion, both teams showing plenty of enthusiasm despite the fact that the game as a contest was over.

Canterbury did what they had to do in Invercargill and can largely be happy with their performance. Their kicking game was superb, while their pack had the edge over their southern opponents. They were also better at the breakdown. They will have benefited from this performance.

Stand-outs included Kieran Read, who was simply outstanding, tighthead Owen Franks, flanker George Whitelock, Colin Slade, Scott Hamilton and the returning Casey Laulala. 

Canterbury 25: Tries: James Paterson, Tyson Keats, Kieran Read. Conversion: Colin Slade (2). Penalties: Colin Slade (2).

Southland 6: Penalties: Robbie Robinson, Blair Stewart.