Rugby: Wellington notch third win of season

Wellington recovered from a first minute shock to brush aside Canterbury 37-28 in their fourth national provincial championship rugby match of the season.

The four-try, bonus point win came on the back of a strong forward performance that dominated their opposites and delivered their first win over Canterbury in the NPC since 2008.

Wellington were stunned when No 8 Victor Vito failed to gather the opening kickoff leaving Canterbury centre Robbie Fruean to power through a half gap 25 metres out to muscle past a series of tackles and score. It took just 23 seconds.

Second five eighth Tom Taylor converted.

Wellington first five-eighth Lim Sopoaga cut the deficit with a penalty just minutes later, setting the stage for an entertaining first half as both sides launched counter-attacks after gathering kicks.

Taylor scored a brilliant solo try in the 18th minute, spinning through the Wellington defence and injured, let first five-eighth Tyler Bleyendall make the conversion.

But Wellington tightened up their game in the forwards to regain some parity with skipper Jeremy Thrush, Vito and hooker Dane Coles working hard.

A break by fullback Apoua Stewart saw him brought down within metres of Canterbury's tryline and Michael Hobbs grabbed the ball to dive over for a converted try.

Another Sopoaga penalty cut Canterbury's lead to one point and the hosts took a deserved lead into halftime after flanker Scott Fuglistaller scored a try after Canterbury's defence buckled under sustained pressure.

In the end, Canterbury who were fielding a number of fresh faces at this level such as last year's New Zealand under 20 first-five Bleyendaal, wing Matt Thatcher and lock Joel Everson were unable to gel.

Vito who had an effervescent game, powered over for a converted try early in the second half and then substitute halfback Frae Wilson nipped in for the fourth try which Sopoaga also converted.

Substitute forward Nepo Laulala scored a consolation try on debut for Canterbury, converted by Bleyendaal with three minutes to go.

Wellington, having cleared their substitutes bench, conceded another try just after the hooter with Ben Funnell grabbing a bonus-point for Canterbury.

The victory was Wellington's third and takes them to 10 points while it was Canterbury's third defeat, leaving them on seven.

- NZPA