Canterbury keep Ranfurly Shield

5.15pm

CANTERBURY 34 WAIKATO 25

Canterbury extended their Ranfurly Shield reign with a rousing win over Waikato in an NPC first division rugby match at Christchurch's Jade Stadium this afternoon.

Canterbury made light of pre-match predictions favouring a Waikato win, effectively sealing the match immediately after halftime when they led 27-5.

Coming off their first defeat in 22 years to Southland last weekend, Canterbury rose to the occasion as New Zealand domestic rugby's most famous trophy was put on the line against a side who entered the sixth round of the NPC at the top of the standings.

They were too clinically efficient for three-quarters of the game before Waikato finished strongly to secure a bonus point fourth try in the last movement of the match.

Canterbury's fine first-half performance owed much to former All Blacks first five-eighth Andrew Mehrtens, who made a surprise appearance after not being listed to play.

Mehrtens, who has been sidelined in recent weeks because of a thigh injury, offered Canterbury control and accuracy as they earned a 20-5 advantage by the interval.

When centre Casey Laulala ran half the length of the field for a try, following a midfield turnover immediately after the resumption, Canterbury led 27-5 and their lead was never threatened.

Canterbury 35 (Scott Robertson, Ben Blair, Casey Laulala and Johnny Leo'o tries; Blair 2 pen, 3 con, Cameron McIntyre dropped goal)

Waikato 24 (Loki Crichton, Greg Smith, Todd Miller and Sosene Anesi tries; Crichton 2 con)

Halftime: 20-5

- NZPA

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