Canterbury in the 2008 Air New Zealand Cup
Encyclopedia
Canterbury was one of fourteen teams who took part in the 2008 Air New Zealand Cup
. At the start of the season Canterbury had yet to win the top-flight New Zealand
rugby competition since its change in format, though it had won the 2004 National Provincial Championship
and had held the Ranfurly Shield
last in 2007. This was the thirty-third consecutive year Canterbury participated at the highest level of provincial rugby, having been at this level every year since the league system was instituted in 1976.
, taking over from previous captain Corey Flynn
who, while in the squad came into the season uncertain of a strat due to injury while playing for the Crusaders.
, Ben Franks
(on loan to Tasman), Owen Franks
*, Corey Flynn
, Ti'i Paulo, Steve Fualau, Campbell Johnstone
, Peter Borlase
*, Michael Paterson
, Isaac Ross
, James Broadhurst
* (2007 Canterbury Colts and Canterbury B), Kieran Read
(Captain), Nasi Manu
, Hayden Hopgood, George Whitelock
* (Otago), Mose Tuiali'i
, Richard Wheeler.
, Hamish Gard
, Colin Slade
* (2007 Canterbury Colts and New Zealand Universities), Tim Bateman
, Phil Burleigh* (2007 Canterbury Colts and Canterbury B), Ryan Crotty*, Kosuke Endo
* (Japan), Casey Laulala
, Adam Whitelock* (2007 Canterbury Colts), James Paterson
* (2007 Canterbury Colts), Sean Maitland
, Scott Hamilton
, Paul Williams (Vice Captain).
duty: Greg Somerville
, Richie McCaw
, Andrew Ellis, Dan Carter
and Leon MacDonald
.
Canterbury lost the services of the following players from the 2007 squad due to retirement or transfer: Johnny Leo'o
to Japan, Aaron Mauger
to Leicester Tigers
(England), Caleb Ralph
to Fukuoka Sanix Blues
(Japan), Reuben Thorne
to Yamaha Jubilo
(Japan), Kevin O'Neill to Waikato
and Kevin Senio
to Castres Olympique
(France) (Rico Gear
who left to play for Worcester Warriors (England) was a loan player from Tasman
). Campbell Johnstone
left half way through the season.
42-0, Wellington 20-10 and North Harbour
27-5. Two losses on day two however saw Canterbury eliminated early on. They were defeated in a close game with southern rivals Otago 17-19 and then fell to perennial sevens stalwart Bay of Plenty
26-29.
Captain Steven Yates headed the try-scoring with five touchdowns while Nick McCashin top-scored with 32 points.
Canterbury 2008 sevens squad: Steven Yates (five tries), Ben Nowell (three tries), Mikaele Tuu'u, Julian Poff (one try), Wane Seru, Ryan Hooper, Nick Thomson (three tries), Jacob Stevens (four tries), Willy Heinz (two tries), Nick McCashin (two tries, eleven conversions), Lloyd Carter (two tries), Pisi Napolioni.
Tasman defeated Cantebury at the small North Canterbury township of Omihi 19-31. This game was played in four twenty minute quarters and featured few first choice players from the previous season. Canterbury then defeated Southland at Rugby Park
Invercargill 24-14. The final pre-season game was a defeat to Wellington at Porirua Park 12-20. This game resulted in the unfortunate injury of back-line veteran Casey Laulala who suffered an arm fracture.
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This was prop Campbell Johnstone's final game for the province and was given the honour of leading his team onto the field. He earned 69 provincial caps for canterbury in a career that started in 2002 against Marlborough. Johnstone finished with a combined 105 first class appearances for Canterbury and the Crusaders, and three test caps. Steven Brett was selected for the run on side at first five, in what would have been his first game back at top class rugby since injury in the Super 14, but was stood down in favour of Colin Slade. This was the lowest attendance to watch a Canterbury side this season and coincidentally was North Harbour's highest home gate.
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Entering this match Northland had failed to win a match since the opening round victory over Waikato while Canterbury had byreflection kept a blemish free campaign since their opening round lost to Manawatu. Northland had not beaten Canterbury since 1999. The expectation was that Canterbury would have little trouble overcoming the Taniwha in what is thought to be their last first class meeting before Northland is demoted to the Heartland Cup. Against expectation Northland proved to be a stern opponent and matched Canterbury in their defensive prowess in a game that after the first twenty-three minutes was scoreless. The game marked the return of Andrew Ellis and Steven Brett, both coming back from injury.
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Canterbury ran out convincing winners over a Bay of Plenty team that had shared the top of the table with Wellington three weeks before. After Canterbury's near miss against Northland the previous week Bay of Plenty went to Christchurch believing a win was within their grasp. For both teams home quarter-finals were still very much on the line, but Canterbury took their eighth consecutive victory against the Steamers. Brett, who had returned to the team the previous week, this week took over the goal kicking duties from new-comer Colin Slade. He returned a mixed bag missing four of seven shots.
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Corey Flynn played his first game in Canterbury colours this year when he was subbed on for Ti'i Paulo late in the game, he had been convalesing since breaking his arm playing for the Crusaders against the Hurricanes in the Super 14 semi-final earlier in the year. Hawke's Bay were chasing a home quarterfinal spot going into this game and went ahead early, that would prove to be the last time they would trouble the scorers. Canterbury scored 31 unanswered points, based around an inpregnable defensive effort after their early lapse. Stephen Brett showed a return to form with the boot kicking all his conversions and landing a rare drop goal. Canterbury secured a bonus point on the full time hooter and ensured that they would finish second on the table to Wellington regardless of the results in round 10.
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Southland's final home game of the season saw them still chasing a possible top four place, while Canterbury were destined to take second regardless of the result. However Canterbury's rock solid defence (the best in the competition after ten weeks) kept the Stags out of the game from the start. Even the 13-0 half time score looked like a match winner. Slade regained his starting place as first five and kicking duties due to Steven Brett's recurring leg injury. Casey Laulala made his first appearance of the season following breaking his arm against Wellington. Mose Tuiali'i however saw his Canterbury career end on a low note by being knocked out cold in a freak lineout clash with team-mate Isaac Ross - ironically Tuiali'i had been benched for most of the game in order to save one of the team's stars of the season for the play-offs.
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Tasman hung in to this game as long as they could but the previous two weeks heroics that saw them almost take the Ranfurly Shield off Wellington and then flatten Manawatu could not be repeated against their Crusader stablemates. The Canterbury backline was especially potent with attacking options being in evidence from 9 to 15.
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Richie McCaw made his first provincial start for two years bolstering Canterbury who were one win away from a first final appearance since 2004. A clear and windless night beckoned good omens for running rugby and between them the two sides scored seven tries in a match that will be remembered more for the strong almost vicious contest for the ball. Inspirational Hawkes Bay captain and stalwart left the field and his career after being knocked out cold defending a certain try. On the other side Slade continued his good season with a 16 point haul to take him to second on the scoring chart for the season. This game marked the final home games for Scott Hamilton and Greg Somerville.
Current to the end of the semi-final
Current to the semi-final
Air New Zealand Cup
The ITM Cup is New Zealand's annual professional domestic Rugby union competition, taking place from late July through October . It was founded in 2006 with 14 teams, after the National Provincial Championship was split into two separate competitions. The other 12 provincial teams from the NPC...
. At the start of the season Canterbury had yet to win the top-flight New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
rugby competition since its change in format, though it had won the 2004 National Provincial Championship
National Provincial Championship
The National Provincial Championship, or NPC, is the major domestic rugby competition in New Zealand. The NPC has seen many alterations to its format and brand. Since 2006 the National Championship has been split into 2 competitions, the ITM Cup and the Heartland Championship...
and had held the Ranfurly Shield
Ranfurly Shield
The Ranfurly Shield, colloquially known as the Log o' Wood, is a trophy in New Zealand's domestic rugby union competition. First played for in 1904, the Ranfurly Shield is based on a challenge system, rather than a league or knockout competition as with most football trophies...
last in 2007. This was the thirty-third consecutive year Canterbury participated at the highest level of provincial rugby, having been at this level every year since the league system was instituted in 1976.
2008 Squad
The 2008 Air New Zealand Cup squad was announced at the conclusion of the pre-season. The 2008 squad included twelve players new to the Canterbury first team (indicated by an asterisk). The captaincy went to Kieran ReadKieran Read
Kieran Read is a rugby union player for the Crusaders in the Super 14 competition. He plays as a blind-side flanker or No.8, but has the ability and height to play in the lock position...
, taking over from previous captain Corey Flynn
Corey Flynn
Corey Flynn is a New Zealand rugby union player who plays in the position of hooker. He was educated at Southland Boys' High School.-Provincial:He played provincial for Southland until he moved to Canterbury in 2003....
who, while in the squad came into the season uncertain of a strat due to injury while playing for the Crusaders.
Forwards
Wyatt CrockettWyatt Crockett
Wyatt Crockett is a New Zealand rugby player who plays for the Crusaders in the super 14. He also plays for Canterbury in the Air New Zealand Cup. He attended Nelson College.He made his All Blacks debut against Italy in 2009....
, Ben Franks
Ben Franks
Ben Franks is a rugby union player for the Crusaders in the Super Rugby competition and All Blacks. He plays as a prop.-Provincial:Franks made his provincial debut for Canterbury against Otago in 2005...
(on loan to Tasman), Owen Franks
Owen Franks
Owen Franks is a New Zealand rugby player who plays for the Crusaders in the Super Rugby competition and the All Blacks at international level.-Early Career:He attended Christchurch Boys' High School. His local rugby club is Linwood...
*, Corey Flynn
Corey Flynn
Corey Flynn is a New Zealand rugby union player who plays in the position of hooker. He was educated at Southland Boys' High School.-Provincial:He played provincial for Southland until he moved to Canterbury in 2003....
, Ti'i Paulo, Steve Fualau, Campbell Johnstone
Campbell Johnstone
Campbell Richard Johnstone is a rugby union player who plays for Biarritz Olympique in the Top 14. He played for the All Blacks in 2005 in which he played 3 tests and made his debut against Fiji and his latest test was against the British and Irish Lions. His position is prop.-External links:*...
, Peter Borlase
Peter Borlase
Peter Borlase is a rugby union player who currently plays for Irish province Munster.-Provincial:He has played 33 times for Canterbury in the ITM Cup.-Super 14:...
*, Michael Paterson
Michael Paterson
Michael Paterson is a rugby union player for the Cardiff Blues in the RaboDirect Pro12 competition. He plays as a lock or blindside flanker. Paterson has represented the New Zealand under 21s but is yet to gain a cap for the All Blacks...
, Isaac Ross
Isaac Ross
Isaac Ross is a New Zealand Rugby Union player who has represented New Zealand in international rugby since 2009. He currently plays for the Chiefs in the Super 14, and also plays provincial rugby for Canterbury He is the son of former All Black Jock Ross...
, James Broadhurst
James Broadhurst
James Broadhurst is a New Zealand rugby union lock who plays provincial rugby for Taranaki, and is currently playing in the Super 15 competition for the Hurricanes. He was a national representative at the under-19 and under-21 levels....
* (2007 Canterbury Colts and Canterbury B), Kieran Read
Kieran Read
Kieran Read is a rugby union player for the Crusaders in the Super 14 competition. He plays as a blind-side flanker or No.8, but has the ability and height to play in the lock position...
(Captain), Nasi Manu
Nasi Manu
Nasi Manu is a professional rugby union player. He represents the Highlanders in the Super 15 competition and Canterbury in the ITM Cup, playing at Flanker or number 8.-Provincial Rugby:...
, Hayden Hopgood, George Whitelock
George Whitelock
George Whitelock is a rugby union player for the Crusaders in the Super 14 competition and Canterbury in the Air New Zealand Cup. He plays as a flanker.-Biography:George is the son of a former Junior All Black, Braeden Whitelock...
* (Otago), Mose Tuiali'i
Mose Tuiali'i
Mose Tuiali'i is a rugby union player who plays for Canterbury in the Air New Zealand Cup and for the Crusaders in the Super 14. He plays for Suburbs in the Christchurch premier competition. He has played for the All Blacks between 2004 and 2006 in which he has played 9 tests. His position is No 8...
, Richard Wheeler.
Backs
Tyson Keats, Steve Alfeld* (2007 Canterbury Colts and Canterbury B), Stephen BrettStephen Brett
Stephen Brett is a rugby union player who plays for the Blues in the Super 14 and Canterbury in the Air New Zealand Cup.-Career:...
, Hamish Gard
Hamish Gard
Hamish Gard is a rugby union player for the Crusaders in the Super 14 competition. He plays as a centre.-References:Gard attended Palmerston North Boys' High School where he was known as "the mudgard." In 2003 Gard made the Hurricanes Secondary Schools Team and his rugby began a meteoric...
, Colin Slade
Colin Slade
Colin Slade is a rugby union footballer who represents the Highlanders in the Super 15 competition and Canterbury in the ITM Cup, playing at primarily at Fly Half, as well as all other backline positions on occasions...
* (2007 Canterbury Colts and New Zealand Universities), Tim Bateman
Tim Bateman
Tim Bateman is a rugby union player for the Crusaders in the Super 14 competition. He plays as a centre. He was head boy of Christchurch Boys High School in Canterbury, New Zealand. He Now plays in Japan for the Coca-Cola West Red Sparks....
, Phil Burleigh* (2007 Canterbury Colts and Canterbury B), Ryan Crotty*, Kosuke Endo
Kosuke Endo
Kosuke Endo is a Japanese rugby union player. He was a member of the Japan squad at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, scoring a spectacular break-out try against Wales at the Millennium Stadium, and another against Canada in the 12-12 draw .He played for Toyota Verblitz before joining Canterbury for...
* (Japan), Casey Laulala
Casey Laulala
Casey Laulala is a New Zealand rugby union player.He attended Woodhouse Grove School in the sixth form on a scholarship.-Career:...
, Adam Whitelock* (2007 Canterbury Colts), James Paterson
James Paterson (rugby union)
James Douglas Paterson is a native New Zealand rugby union player, although he has dual United States and New Zealand citizenship due to his mother Deanna being a US citizen.-Career:...
* (2007 Canterbury Colts), Sean Maitland
Sean Maitland
Sean Daniel Maitland is a New Zealand Rugby Union player who plays for the Crusaders in the Super 15. He also plays provincial rugby for Canterbury.-Early life:Sean Maitland was born in Tokoroa, New Zealand on 14 September 1988...
, Scott Hamilton
Scott Hamilton (rugby player)
Scott Elliot Hamilton is a New Zealand rugby union footballer. He plays for Leicester Tigers in the Guinness Premiership. He previously played for the Crusaders in the Super 14, Canterbury in the New Zealand NPC competition and for his club in North Canterbury Glenmark...
, Paul Williams (Vice Captain).
Unavailable players
The following Canterbury players were unavailable through the season due to All BlacksAll Blacks
The New Zealand men's national rugby union team, known as the All Blacks, represent New Zealand in what is regarded as its national sport....
duty: Greg Somerville
Greg Somerville
Greg Mardon Somerville is a New Zealand rugby union player. He is a former All Black and a specialised tighthead prop who can also play loosehead. Somerville made his All Black debut in 2000 against Tonga, a match in which the All Blacks won 102–0...
, Richie McCaw
Richie McCaw
Richard Hugh "Richie" McCaw is a New Zealand rugby union player, and is the current test captain. He plays in the openside flanker position for the New Zealand, Crusaders and Canterbury rugby teams...
, Andrew Ellis, Dan Carter
Daniel Carter (rugby player)
Daniel William "Dan" Carter is a New Zealand rugby union player.He is currently the highest points scorer in test match rugby and is regarded as one of rugby's greatest ever fly-halves.-Early life:...
and Leon MacDonald
Leon MacDonald
Leon Raymond MacDonald is a retired New Zealand rugby union footballer, and now assistant coach for the Tasman Makos rugby team, who played 56 tests for the national team, All Blacks. He plays first five-eighths and fullback.-Biography:MacDonald was born in Blenheim, New Zealand, and attended...
.
Canterbury lost the services of the following players from the 2007 squad due to retirement or transfer: Johnny Leo'o
Johnny Leo'o
Johnny Leo'o is a New Zealand rugby union footballer. His usual position is at Flanker. He is 1.85m tall and weighs 100 kg. He played for Canterbury in the NPC and he also represented Crusaders in the Super 14 rugby competition. He played 60 games for Canterbury and 6 games for Bay of Plenty...
to Japan, Aaron Mauger
Aaron Mauger
Aaron Joseph Douglas Mauger is a former rugby union player who played at centre for Leicester Tigers. He previously played first five-eighths and second five-eighths for Canterbury , the Crusaders and the New Zealand All Blacks...
to Leicester Tigers
Leicester Tigers
Leicester Tigers is an English rugby union club that plays in the Aviva Premiership.Leicester are the most successful English club since the introduction of league rugby in 1987, a record 9 times English champions - 3 more than either Bath or Wasps, the last of which was in 2010...
(England), Caleb Ralph
Caleb Ralph
Caleb Stan Ralph is a New Zealand rugby union footballer. Ralph began his first-class career with Bay of Plenty, then moved to Auckland before heading to Canterbury. He started his Super Rugby career with the Chiefs in 1997, Blues , Crusaders and a cameo role with the Queensland Reds...
to Fukuoka Sanix Blues
Fukuoka Sanix Blues
, formerly Fukuoka Sanix Bombs, is a Japanese rugby union team based in Munakata, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Founded in April 1994 , the team rose rapidly through the Kyūshū leagues and was in the Top League for the first season as Kyūshū's sole representative, but lost a relegation battle with...
(Japan), Reuben Thorne
Reuben Thorne
Reuben David Thorne is a New Zealand rugby union player, and former captain of the national team, the All Blacks.-Super 12:...
to Yamaha Jubilo
Yamaha Jubilo
Yamaha Jubilo is a rugby union team based in Iwata, Shizuoka. The team came second behind Toshiba Brave Lupus in the second season of Japanese rugby's Top League...
(Japan), Kevin O'Neill to Waikato
Waikato Rugby Union
The Waikato Rugby Union is the official governing body of rugby union in the Waikato area in the North Island of New Zealand. Its senior representative team competes in the ITM Cup , and won the inaugural Air New Zealand Cup in 2006.Waikato Rugby Union was founded in 1921...
and Kevin Senio
Kevin Senio
Kevin Senio is a New Zealand rugby union professional who currently plays for ASM Clermont Auvergne. Senio is also a former All Black, making his debut after coming on for Piri Weepu against Australia in New Zealand's 34–24 win in the final match of the 2005 Tri Nations Series and is currently a...
to Castres Olympique
Castres Olympique
Castres Olympique is a French rugby union club located in the Midi-Pyrénées city of Castres and currently competing in the top level of the French league system.Founded in 1898, the club took its current name in 1906...
(France) (Rico Gear
Rico Gear
Rico Levi Gear is a New Zealand rugby union international player. He is a specialist right wing but can also cover midfield positions. He currently plays for Kintetsu Liners in the Top League....
who left to play for Worcester Warriors (England) was a loan player from Tasman
Tasman Rugby Union
The Tasman Rugby Union is the governing body for rugby union at the top of the South Island in New Zealand. It is New Zealand's newest provincial union, founded in 2006 with the amalgamation of the existing Marlborough and Nelson Bays sub unions...
). Campbell Johnstone
Campbell Johnstone
Campbell Richard Johnstone is a rugby union player who plays for Biarritz Olympique in the Top 14. He played for the All Blacks in 2005 in which he played 3 tests and made his debut against Fiji and his latest test was against the British and Irish Lions. His position is prop.-External links:*...
left half way through the season.
Sevens
Canterbury took part in the provincial sevens tournament at Queenstown with team captained by Steven Yates. Day one saw Canterbury go undefeated with wins over the West CoastWest Coast Rugby Football Union
The West Coast Rugby Football Union, formed in 1890, is the official governing body for rugby union in a substantial part of the West Coast region of New Zealand and is affiliated to the New Zealand Rugby Union. The team is based in Greymouth and plays home matches at Rugby Park....
42-0, Wellington 20-10 and North Harbour
North Harbour Rugby Union
The North Harbour Rugby Union , commonly referred to colloquially as North Harbour or simply Harbour, is a provincial rugby team which competes in the ITM Cup , the successor to the country's former domestic competition, the National Provincial Championship .-Area:Harbour Rugby encompasses a...
27-5. Two losses on day two however saw Canterbury eliminated early on. They were defeated in a close game with southern rivals Otago 17-19 and then fell to perennial sevens stalwart Bay of Plenty
Bay of Plenty Rugby Union
The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union is the official governing body for rugby union in the Bay of Plenty, in the North-East of the North Island...
26-29.
Captain Steven Yates headed the try-scoring with five touchdowns while Nick McCashin top-scored with 32 points.
Canterbury 2008 sevens squad: Steven Yates (five tries), Ben Nowell (three tries), Mikaele Tuu'u, Julian Poff (one try), Wane Seru, Ryan Hooper, Nick Thomson (three tries), Jacob Stevens (four tries), Willy Heinz (two tries), Nick McCashin (two tries, eleven conversions), Lloyd Carter (two tries), Pisi Napolioni.
Warm-up matches
Canterbury's build-up consisted of three matches against Crusaders stablemate Tasman, Southland and Wellington. None of these games were afforded first-class status by Canterbury, although this does not preclude the fact that their opponents in these matches my have awarded provincial caps.Tasman defeated Cantebury at the small North Canterbury township of Omihi 19-31. This game was played in four twenty minute quarters and featured few first choice players from the previous season. Canterbury then defeated Southland at Rugby Park
Rugby Park Stadium
Rugby Park Stadium is a rugby union venue and home ground for ITM Cup team Southland. Rugby Park Stadium is located on the corner of Elles Road and Tweed Street in Invercargill. It has a capacity of 20,000, although in former incarnations has accommodated up to 30,000 in the 1960s before the...
Invercargill 24-14. The final pre-season game was a defeat to Wellington at Porirua Park 12-20. This game resulted in the unfortunate injury of back-line veteran Casey Laulala who suffered an arm fracture.
Highlights
- Ti'i Paulo played his blazer game (twelfth) for the province when he ran on against Auckland.
- The following players made their first class debuts for Canterbury during the 2008 season: Adam Whitelock, James Paterson, James Broadhurst, Sam Whitelock, Kosuke Endo, Colin Slade, Steve Alfeld, George Whitelock, Owen Franks, Paul Borlase.
- Following their first round loss to Manawatu, Canterbury's run of twelve consecutive wins constituted the best winning sequence in their Air New Zealand Cup history, it was also the second best one-season run in all Air New Zealand Cups to Auckland's perfect season in 2007. As Auckland lost their last game of the 2006 season (to Wellington) and the first game of the 2008 season (to Counties) should Canterbury win their opening two rounds of the 2009 season they will have the record for the longest winning run in the competition history.
Round 1
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Round 2
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Round 3
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Round 4
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Round 5
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Round 6
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This was prop Campbell Johnstone's final game for the province and was given the honour of leading his team onto the field. He earned 69 provincial caps for canterbury in a career that started in 2002 against Marlborough. Johnstone finished with a combined 105 first class appearances for Canterbury and the Crusaders, and three test caps. Steven Brett was selected for the run on side at first five, in what would have been his first game back at top class rugby since injury in the Super 14, but was stood down in favour of Colin Slade. This was the lowest attendance to watch a Canterbury side this season and coincidentally was North Harbour's highest home gate.
Round 7
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Entering this match Northland had failed to win a match since the opening round victory over Waikato while Canterbury had byreflection kept a blemish free campaign since their opening round lost to Manawatu. Northland had not beaten Canterbury since 1999. The expectation was that Canterbury would have little trouble overcoming the Taniwha in what is thought to be their last first class meeting before Northland is demoted to the Heartland Cup. Against expectation Northland proved to be a stern opponent and matched Canterbury in their defensive prowess in a game that after the first twenty-three minutes was scoreless. The game marked the return of Andrew Ellis and Steven Brett, both coming back from injury.
Round 8
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Canterbury ran out convincing winners over a Bay of Plenty team that had shared the top of the table with Wellington three weeks before. After Canterbury's near miss against Northland the previous week Bay of Plenty went to Christchurch believing a win was within their grasp. For both teams home quarter-finals were still very much on the line, but Canterbury took their eighth consecutive victory against the Steamers. Brett, who had returned to the team the previous week, this week took over the goal kicking duties from new-comer Colin Slade. He returned a mixed bag missing four of seven shots.
Round 9
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Corey Flynn played his first game in Canterbury colours this year when he was subbed on for Ti'i Paulo late in the game, he had been convalesing since breaking his arm playing for the Crusaders against the Hurricanes in the Super 14 semi-final earlier in the year. Hawke's Bay were chasing a home quarterfinal spot going into this game and went ahead early, that would prove to be the last time they would trouble the scorers. Canterbury scored 31 unanswered points, based around an inpregnable defensive effort after their early lapse. Stephen Brett showed a return to form with the boot kicking all his conversions and landing a rare drop goal. Canterbury secured a bonus point on the full time hooter and ensured that they would finish second on the table to Wellington regardless of the results in round 10.
Round 10
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Southland's final home game of the season saw them still chasing a possible top four place, while Canterbury were destined to take second regardless of the result. However Canterbury's rock solid defence (the best in the competition after ten weeks) kept the Stags out of the game from the start. Even the 13-0 half time score looked like a match winner. Slade regained his starting place as first five and kicking duties due to Steven Brett's recurring leg injury. Casey Laulala made his first appearance of the season following breaking his arm against Wellington. Mose Tuiali'i however saw his Canterbury career end on a low note by being knocked out cold in a freak lineout clash with team-mate Isaac Ross - ironically Tuiali'i had been benched for most of the game in order to save one of the team's stars of the season for the play-offs.
Quarter-final
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Tasman hung in to this game as long as they could but the previous two weeks heroics that saw them almost take the Ranfurly Shield off Wellington and then flatten Manawatu could not be repeated against their Crusader stablemates. The Canterbury backline was especially potent with attacking options being in evidence from 9 to 15.
Semi-final
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Richie McCaw made his first provincial start for two years bolstering Canterbury who were one win away from a first final appearance since 2004. A clear and windless night beckoned good omens for running rugby and between them the two sides scored seven tries in a match that will be remembered more for the strong almost vicious contest for the ball. Inspirational Hawkes Bay captain and stalwart left the field and his career after being knocked out cold defending a certain try. On the other side Slade continued his good season with a 16 point haul to take him to second on the scoring chart for the season. This game marked the final home games for Scott Hamilton and Greg Somerville.
Points Scorers
| Player | Pts | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colin Slade Colin Slade Colin Slade is a rugby union footballer who represents the Highlanders in the Super 15 competition and Canterbury in the ITM Cup, playing at primarily at Fly Half, as well as all other backline positions on occasions... |
92 |
| 2 | James Paterson James Paterson (rugby union) James Douglas Paterson is a native New Zealand rugby union player, although he has dual United States and New Zealand citizenship due to his mother Deanna being a US citizen.-Career:... |
35 |
| 3 | Paul Williams | 30 |
| 4 | Steven Brett | 21 |
| 5 | Micheal Paterson | 20 |
| 6= | Adam Whitelock | 15 |
| 6= | Tim Bateman Tim Bateman Tim Bateman is a rugby union player for the Crusaders in the Super 14 competition. He plays as a centre. He was head boy of Christchurch Boys High School in Canterbury, New Zealand. He Now plays in Japan for the Coca-Cola West Red Sparks.... |
15 |
| 6= | Tyson Keats | 15 |
| 6= | Scott Hamilton Scott Hamilton (rugby player) Scott Elliot Hamilton is a New Zealand rugby union footballer. He plays for Leicester Tigers in the Guinness Premiership. He previously played for the Crusaders in the Super 14, Canterbury in the New Zealand NPC competition and for his club in North Canterbury Glenmark... |
15 |
| 6= | Andrew Ellis | 15 |
| 11= | Ryan Crotty | 10 |
| 11= | Isaac Ross Isaac Ross Isaac Ross is a New Zealand Rugby Union player who has represented New Zealand in international rugby since 2009. He currently plays for the Chiefs in the Super 14, and also plays provincial rugby for Canterbury He is the son of former All Black Jock Ross... |
10 |
| 11= | George Whitelock George Whitelock George Whitelock is a rugby union player for the Crusaders in the Super 14 competition and Canterbury in the Air New Zealand Cup. He plays as a flanker.-Biography:George is the son of a former Junior All Black, Braeden Whitelock... |
10 |
| 11= | Kieren Read | 10 |
| 15 | Hamish Gard Hamish Gard Hamish Gard is a rugby union player for the Crusaders in the Super 14 competition. He plays as a centre.-References:Gard attended Palmerston North Boys' High School where he was known as "the mudgard." In 2003 Gard made the Hurricanes Secondary Schools Team and his rugby began a meteoric... |
8 |
| 16= | Wyatt Crockett Wyatt Crockett Wyatt Crockett is a New Zealand rugby player who plays for the Crusaders in the super 14. He also plays for Canterbury in the Air New Zealand Cup. He attended Nelson College.He made his All Blacks debut against Italy in 2009.... |
5 |
| 16= | Steve Fualau | 5 |
| 16= | Mose Tuiali'i Mose Tuiali'i Mose Tuiali'i is a rugby union player who plays for Canterbury in the Air New Zealand Cup and for the Crusaders in the Super 14. He plays for Suburbs in the Christchurch premier competition. He has played for the All Blacks between 2004 and 2006 in which he has played 9 tests. His position is No 8... |
5 |
| 16= | Casey Laulala Casey Laulala Casey Laulala is a New Zealand rugby union player.He attended Woodhouse Grove School in the sixth form on a scholarship.-Career:... |
5 |
Current to the end of the semi-final
Try Scorers
| Player | Tries | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James Paterson James Paterson (rugby union) James Douglas Paterson is a native New Zealand rugby union player, although he has dual United States and New Zealand citizenship due to his mother Deanna being a US citizen.-Career:... |
7 |
| 2 | Paul Williams | 6 |
| 3 | Michel Paterson | 4 |
| 4= | Tim Bateman Tim Bateman Tim Bateman is a rugby union player for the Crusaders in the Super 14 competition. He plays as a centre. He was head boy of Christchurch Boys High School in Canterbury, New Zealand. He Now plays in Japan for the Coca-Cola West Red Sparks.... |
3 |
| 4= | Adam Whitelock | 3 |
| 4= | Scott Hamilton Scott Hamilton (rugby player) Scott Elliot Hamilton is a New Zealand rugby union footballer. He plays for Leicester Tigers in the Guinness Premiership. He previously played for the Crusaders in the Super 14, Canterbury in the New Zealand NPC competition and for his club in North Canterbury Glenmark... |
3 |
| 4= | Tyson Keats | 3 |
| 4= | Colin Slade Colin Slade Colin Slade is a rugby union footballer who represents the Highlanders in the Super 15 competition and Canterbury in the ITM Cup, playing at primarily at Fly Half, as well as all other backline positions on occasions... |
3 |
| 9= | Andrew Ellis | 3 |
| 9= | Isaac Ross Isaac Ross Isaac Ross is a New Zealand Rugby Union player who has represented New Zealand in international rugby since 2009. He currently plays for the Chiefs in the Super 14, and also plays provincial rugby for Canterbury He is the son of former All Black Jock Ross... |
2 |
| 9= | Ryan Crotty | 2 |
| 9= | Kieren Read | 2 |
| 9= | George Whitelock George Whitelock George Whitelock is a rugby union player for the Crusaders in the Super 14 competition and Canterbury in the Air New Zealand Cup. He plays as a flanker.-Biography:George is the son of a former Junior All Black, Braeden Whitelock... |
2 |
| 14= | Wyatt Crockett Wyatt Crockett Wyatt Crockett is a New Zealand rugby player who plays for the Crusaders in the super 14. He also plays for Canterbury in the Air New Zealand Cup. He attended Nelson College.He made his All Blacks debut against Italy in 2009.... |
1 |
| 14= | Steven Brett | 1 |
| 14= | Mose Tuiali'i Mose Tuiali'i Mose Tuiali'i is a rugby union player who plays for Canterbury in the Air New Zealand Cup and for the Crusaders in the Super 14. He plays for Suburbs in the Christchurch premier competition. He has played for the All Blacks between 2004 and 2006 in which he has played 9 tests. His position is No 8... |
1 |
| 14= | Steve Fualau | 1 |
| 14= | Casey Laulala Casey Laulala Casey Laulala is a New Zealand rugby union player.He attended Woodhouse Grove School in the sixth form on a scholarship.-Career:... |
1 |
| |Total | |48 | |
Current to the semi-final