By Myles Hume

Canterbury will play in their fourth ITM Cup final on the bounce after they constructed a clinical performance against Otago at their new fortress on Saturday.

The final round was a showdown as four teams were in the hunt to cement a top two position and have the opportunity to gain provincial supremacy.

But it was the composure of Canterbury and the will of Waikato that prevailed as these two will lock horns at Waikato Stadium this Saturday night.

The red-and-blacks stole the light at the new Forsyth Barr Stadium as they strung together a 29-16 victory.

Canterbury would have expected to easily win this cross over game against a struggling Otago side but it didn’t all flow their way as they punished the Cantabs for ill-discipline and poor handling in the first half leading 11-13.

Tyler Bleyendaal was the sole points scorer for Canterbury in the opening spell after he kicked two penalties and dotted down in the 26th minute.

A patient build-up laid the base for the try as second five-eighth Ryan Crotty received front foot ball to break the line and pop a deft offload to his five-eighth to crash over.

However it was the sharp shooting Glenn Dickson and elusive Ben Smith who combined to give the southerners an overall lead heading into the sheds.

Otago stuck to their first half script early in the second half, orchestrating many opportunities but Canterbury were able to strike back at the right time.

Tom Taylor scooted over in the 57th minute when he scooped up a sloppy kick to out-sprint the chasers and take the game out to a six point lead.

Centre Robbie Fruean featured at the end of the match with a long range intercept try to wipe out any chance of an Otago revival.

Rob Penney’s side will look to defend their title in Waikato this weekend and secure their fourth consecutive title.

Canterbury won the final against Waikato last year beating them comprehensively 33-13.