Canterbury made it three wins from four matches in the Air New Zealand Cup this season with a sound 14-0 win against Taranaki in New Plymouth on Saturday night.

Played in light drizzle, Canterbury immediately played with confidence. Their handling was good, while they looked prepared to get the ball wide at every opportunity.

Although Canterbury’s lineout had initial problems, they showed a willingness to counter-attack. In this regard the positional play of Paul Williams was outstanding.

After six minutes Canterbury was penalised for not staying on their feet at a ruck. As a result, Taranaki first-five Willie Ripia was just short with a 50-metre penalty.

Both sides showed plenty of enthusiasm in the first 20 minutes. Although the bodies and spirits were willing, it was all a little untidy. Greater accuracy was needed from both teams, the scoreboard remaining unmoved.

With the rain getting heavier, Canterbury was having trouble countering what was a strong Taranaki lineout. In this respect former All Black Jason Eaton was impressive.

After 19 minutes Isaac Ross was penalised for obstructing the jumper. It was a questionable call, although it gave Ripia his second shot at goal. The kick drifted to the right and the score remained unchanged.

Taranaki continued to attack Canterbury and certainly had more possession. In this respect second-five Jayden Haywood was shining. He looked a danger whenever he got the ball, while he was also sound on defence.

After 23 minutes Canterbury went close when Michael Paterson and Tim Batmen made strong surges up the middle. It was a rare entry in to the ‘Naki half for Canterbury but it was a clear sign of intent.

Two minutes on, Taranaki was adjudged off-side at a ruck and Colin Slade had his first opportunity to kick for goal. He struck the ball sweetly and Canterbury went ahead 3-0.

After 30 minutes the home side was again penalised after Paterson was taken down at a lineout. Although the law was correctly applied by the referee, it was a tough call. Slade stepped up and nailed his second penalty of the night to extend Canterbury’s lead.

Canterbury was slowly building momentum. You got the feeling that if the visitors didn’t panic then points would soon come. Canterbury’s lineout was improving and they were importantly challenging on the Taranaki throw.

With three minuets remaining in the first half Taranaki’s Shayne Austin was sloppy forcing the ball behind the ‘Naki line and Canterbury halfback Tyson Keats went close to scoring the first try of the match.

With time up at the end of the first half, Taranaki was penalised for being offside as the red and blacks attacked. Colin Slade again made no mistake and the visitors went in to the sheds 9-0 ahead.

Canterbury was perhaps a touch lucky to be so far ahead. They had built momentum as the half had continued, but Taranaki had looked better in patches than what the scoreboard suggested. Still, the 9-0 lead was commanding.

It was clear from early in the second half that the Canterbury set-piece was working well. Both their lineout and especially their scrum were beginning to dominate.

Yet perhaps because of the conditions and the tenacity of the Taranaki side, points were still elusive. Both sides were to blame for this as neither was patient enough.

Isaac Ross was adjudged offside after 22 minutes and Ripia was given another opportunity to put Taranaki on the board. Again he missed, making the home fans groan.

It took until the 79th minute for a try to be scored. After a sound build-up, Canterbury moved the ball right and it was finally Paul Williams who crossed to seal the match.

Canterbury deserved to win. They were not flashy, although showed more cohesion than Taranaki and their set piece ended up being significantly better.

There were a number of individual stand-outs for the red and blacks. Paul Williams was strong and did little wrong. Midfielder Tim Bateman was always threatening, while Colin Slade continued his steady progress.

In the pack, locks Michael Paterson and Isaac Ross were outstanding, while Campbell Johnstone displayed many of the characteristics that in the past have translated into achieving national honours.

Canterbury never finds it easy playing in New Plymouth. Captain Kieran Read said his side had to “dig deep” and although his side would “take the win” there were aspects of their game that they would have to work on.

With Tasman at AMI Stadium next weekend now the focus, Canterbury is looking good as the Air New Zealand Cup competition moves in to its middle stages.
 
Canterbury 14: Try: Paul Williams. Penalties: Colin Slade (3).

Taranaki 0.