Defensive shield awaits Mooloo

Canterbury assistant coach Aussie McLean expects a backline attack from Waikato on Saturday as they look to avenge last year's Ranfurly Shield rugby loss.

Waikato will be the last challengers for the shield at Jade Stadium this season in a match which also serves as a last-round NPC first-division fixture.

Canterbury are assured of being top qualifiers, and Waikato are one of four teams scrapping for the last two semifinal spots.

McLean expects Waikato, beaten 26-18 by Canterbury for the shield last year, to use their experience and talent in the midfield and on the wings.

Centres Mark Ranby and Keith Lowen are a solid combination, and Roger Randle and Bruce Reihana are a dangerous outside duo.

McLean expects a number of planned moves using runners coming off different angles.



But Canterbury, as they proved last year when restricting the free-running Waikato backs to two tries, have devised a defensive system this season that has thwarted the best-laid plans of most opposing teams.

The holders have scored 43 tries in their nine NPC matches this season and conceded 15. The only team to have managed a bonus point for scoring four or more tries was Wellington, and that wasn't enough for them to go home with the shield.

Last Saturday Auckland tried and failed to break through with their bruising loose forwards and powerful midfielders.

"They obviously targeted our midfield area in and around Andrew [Mehrtens] on Saturday, and we stood up to it very well," McLean said. The team practised their defence just as much as their attack. "Usually you only win 50 per cent of the ball, so 50 per cent of your game has to be what to do when you haven't got it."



Despite the physical contest, Canterbury came through the 38-10 victory over Auckland relatively unscathed.

Halfback Justin Marshall has a bruised heel and did not train yesterday.

The return from injury of co-captain Daryl Gibson and Ben Blair gives Canterbury further backline options.

- NZPA