Canterbury won the 2008 Air New Zealand Cup with a gripping 7-6 win against Wellington in the final on Saturday night.

In one of the most dramatic finals in the history of the competition, the Red and Blacks defended like heroes in Wellington to win the title for the first time since 2004.
 
What a final this was! Canterbury showed true sporting courage and grit to ground out what was in the end a truly memorable win against a very good Wellington side.

There was little separating these two teams. The conditions ensured that it was always only going to come down to a penalty kick or, perhaps, a lone try.

Wellington kicked off in the final and their second kick of the game went too long, forcing then home side back to almost halfway. Wellington had been the first to show any nerves in this the biggest domestic match of the season.

Wellington appeared enthusiastic to place runners on both sides of the ruck and snipe around the fringes, forcing the Red and Blacks’ defence to be wary.

Canterbury’s scrum was however immediately dominant, allowing their halves to have the time and space to choose what they wanted to do with the ball. They were also stronger in getting numbers to the loose ball.

The first ten minutes was a case of both teams testing each other out. It was true finals stuff. Neither side appeared confident enough to run the ball with any urgency.

Piri Weepu made the first real line break of the game. On this occasion the Canterbury defence was slow to regroup. From the resulting play Canterbury was penalised for coming from the wrong side of the ruck. Weepu made no mistake with the shot and Wellington now led 3-0.

While the Canterbury scrum was working well, their lineout was struggling. Both on attack and defence the Red and Blacks were not getting enough clean ball. Greater accuracy and simplification in this regard was needed.

In the 15th minute Canterbury finally scored. It was a case of quality off-loading. First it was Tyson Keats and then Isaac Ross and then Tim Bateman, before Hayden Hopgood picked up the ball and drove over for a wonderful try. Colin Slade converted to give Canterbury a deserved 7-3 lead. 

Conditions were making it difficult for both teams. As such, both sides had to play for possession more rather than simply attacking at all costs. It was likely that this would favour the Red and Blacks and their quality scrum.

In the 22nd minute Wellington was penalised for taking Keats out after Canterbury had attacked. Colin Slade missed the resulting penalty attempt.

As the Canterbury lineout improved, the Wellington lineout was having problems. Whether it was the home side’s jumpers or the thrower it was hard to say, although their ability to claim clean ball for a time dried up.

Canterbury’s 7-3 lead at the break was deserved. They had looked more dangerous on attack and their play had been more structured. Their defence had been (as it had been throughout the season) simply outstanding.

There was so much to like about the Canterbury performance in the first half. While some of their passing in the first 20 minutes had looked nervous, in the second 20 minutes they had played with greater composure.  

Conditions continued to be difficult early in the second half. Handling was especially challenging for both sides. As a result, mistakes were more forthcoming than what either of the coaching panels would have wanted.

In the 48th minute Wellington were awarded a penalty after Tyson Keats was penalised for holding a player back. It was a marginal call, although it gave Weepu another shot at goal. It was a decent kick and the gap had narrowed to 6-7.

In the 59th minute the Red and Blacks were penalised for joining a ruck incorrectly. It reflected the fact that Wellington had had more possession in the second half. The kick just missed, ensuring that Canterbury retained their narrow lead. In the end the miss would be crucial.

Wellington had much the better of this part of the match: they had more possession, they seemed to be making better decisions and their handling was extremely good. They were also making fewer mistakes.

It appeared that it was only a matter of time before the home side scored. Yet through some terrific defence the Red and Blacks managed to hold them out and as the clock ticked down Wellington was desperate for points.

If Canterbury is good at anything it is in knowing how to win the big matches. They slowly counted down the minutes, then the seconds, taking the ball up one at a time and denying Wellington the opportunity to get themselves into a position where they could score.

With the final whistle having sounded it was fittingly Tyson Keats who grabbed the ball from a Canterbury maul and booted it high into the heavens for Air New Zealand Cup glory. It was Canterbury’s night and they fully deserved their championship victory.

There were many Red and Black stars. However if one player deserved the plaudits it was Tyson Keats. He came in for Andy Ellis late in the week and performed truly outstandingly. This will be a match that he never forgets.

Colin Slade also deserves credit. After an outstanding season much was expected on this occasion and he again delivered. Richie McCaw was as usual world class, while Wyatt Crockett was also magnificent. Scott Hamilton also rounded out his Canterbury career with a special performance. He was as safe as houses out the back.

Yet the real star of the night was the Canterbury side as a whole. This win was spine-tingling, emotional and a very good victory. It was in fact, perhaps, one of the best in Red and Black history and will never be forgotten. Rob Penney, John Haggart, Kieran Read and team should take a bow.
 
Canterbury 7: Try: Hayden Hopgood. Conversion: Colin Slade

Wellington 6: Penalties: Piri Weepu (2)