Hit-squad destroys Auckland challenge

By WYNNE GRAY

Canterbury 38 Auckland 10

Auckland travelled to Christchurch talking only Ranfurly Shield.

At halftime, they were still voicing thoughts about taking the trophy from Canterbury, but 40 minutes later they could only laud the champions.

Auckland were demolished in the second half, outplayed in most aspects of the game as Canterbury wound out to a comfortable victory.

If the challengers were to repeat their 1995 success, when they claimed the Ranfurly Shield in Christchurch, they had to take every opportunity.

Playing with the wind they had a couple of half chances, no more, while Canterbury bombed a couple of tries they should have collected.

But the holders were in front 9-3, and not long after the break had rocketed away to a 26-3 lead as they put on two converted tries and a penalty from master organiser Andrew Mehrtens.

A snappy break from Mehrtens after the interval created the opening try for Joe Maddock and the impetus for Canterbury to push on.

Their forwards pounded Auckland, keeping them in reverse for much of the second half, and whenever Auckland got some possession they seemed to get the Canterbury hit-squad at the same time.

Auckland had little idea how to break down the suffocating defence and, like other challengers before them, were reduced to some speculative progress.

It was a hugely impressive display from Canterbury, one which showed the gulf between a side of impressive depth and one which mixed some seasoned players with others of potential.

"They're a class team," veteran Auckland lock Robin Brooke said. "They cut us up a little and then opened us real wide to score."

Canterbury's victory assured them of a home semifinal, while Auckland are in danger of missing the playoffs.

The first half was played at a huge pace and Auckland did well to concede just three penalties to Mehrtens, who had taken over the goalkicking from the injured Ben Blair.

However, Auckland coach Wayne Pivac felt his side's huge defensive effort sapped their energy and they could not deal with the unceasing Canterbury momentum.

Nor could they compete with the strength of the Canterbury bench, as quality reinforcements such as Brad Thorn, Dave Hewitt, Sam Broomhall, Marika Vunibaka and Daryl Gibson hit the park.

Canterbury also had Norm Maxwell back and in boisterous mood, a rugged scrum led by Greg Somerville, and a loose forward trio which slaughtered Auckland.

Richard McCaw was a dynamic scavenging and tackling workhorse, Reuben Thorne a supporting menace, and Scott Robertson showed his improving mix of skills as a No 8.

With the grunt up front, the Canterbury backs had most of the attacking opportunities.

Mehrtens made much of the play, the Mauger brothers were slick and physical, and Caleb Ralph and Leon MacDonald added the extras.

Auckland were engulfed. Justin Collins found one late try, but for all their talk Auckland came away without a point and a long way behind the standards of their great southern rivals.

The visitors looked to Carlos Spencer for some spark, but he was hindered by the lack of attacking chances, while his judgment and handling were very average.

Auckland's thrust rather started and ended there. Keven Mealamu ferreted away, Xavier Rush had a run or two, but the blue and whites were shut out of this challenge by a relentless, efficient Canterbury squad.