Canterbury scored a bonus point 35-20 victory over Otago at Carisbrook today which put them to the top of the ITM Cup table.
Fullback Sean Maitland scored the fourth try for Canterbury after the hooter and put the seal on a very good performance from the backs who looked dangerous, especially in the second half.
The standout player was Sonny Bill Williams, who was playing at centre. Williams scored a remarkable individual try in the second half when running over 50m to score.
He now has three tries in five matches and will be looking forward to playing in his first Ranfurly Shield match – against Southland in Invercargill on Saturday.
Otago first-five Glenn Dickson put his side ahead with two penalties before Steve Fualau crashed over for a converted try after 17 minutes to hand Canterbury the lead.
Wing Tu Umaga-Marshall went on a good run down the right wing before the ball was recycled and Canterbury had big numbers queuing up to score.
Williams and Colin Slade showed good handling skills in the lead up to the try.
A back row reshuffle was forced on Canterbury after skipper and openside flanker George Whitelock went off with a knee injury. Ash Parker moved to the blindside, with Matt Todd going to Whitelock’s position and he had another storming match.
As the half drew to a conclusion, Andy Ellis took his chance with a cheeky drop goal but Canterbury were struggling to put points on the board, despite their big territorial advantage.
That soon changed when second-five Ryan Crotty went over for a fine try thanks to a no-look pass from Parker. Umaga-Marshall again featured strongly in the build up.
With Slade converting, Canterbury took a 17-6 lead to the break.
A fine Williams offload put Umaga-Marshall away up the middle but his pass was intercepted.
Canterbury kept the pressure on but little mistakes meant they were unable to press home their advantage.
Slade kicked another penalty after 58 minutes but Otago came roaring back with two converted tries to Joe Hill and Halani Aulika and the score was 20-all with 15 minutes to go.
First wing Hill skipped through three ineffectual tackles and then prop Aulika smashed over in a pile of bodies.
Canterbury kept their cool though and eased ahead through Williams’ fine try. From a scrum in Canterbury’s half, Slade passed wide to Williams and he stepped inside the defence and showed great speed and footwork to make it to the line.
Slade kicked another penalty to push the score out to 30-20 and Maitland’s try sealed the win. It was a great score too, with the flying fullback using his speed and footwork to completely bamboozle the defence.
Canterbury’s start Williams said after the match: “That was fun out there. It was one of the fastest games I’ve played back here and it was just great to get the win.”
Roll on Southland.
Canterbury – Tries: Steve Fualau, Ryan Crotty, Sonny Bill Williams, Sean Maitland. Cons: Colin Slade 3. Pens: Slade 2. DG: Andy Ellis
Otago – Tries: Joe Hill, Halani Aulika. Cons: Glenn Dickson 2. Pens: Dickson 2.
HT: 17-6
Kickers
Slade: 5 from 6
Dickson: 4 from 4
Canterbury:
1. Wyatt Crockett
2. Steve Fualua
3. Andrew Olorenshaw
4. Luke Romano
5. Isaac Ross
6. Matt Todd
7. George Whitelock (Ash Parker 7th min)
8. Nasi Manu
9. Andy Ellis (Willi Heinz 68th)
10. Colin Slade
11. Telusa Veainu
12. Ryan Crotty (Robbie Fruean 68th)
13. Sonny Bill Williams
14. Tu Umaga-Marshall (Sean Maitland 67th)
15. Sean Maitland (Sam Monaghan 57th)
reserves not used:
16. Paul Ngauamo
17. Rodney Ah You
18. Rob Verbakel