Cantabs unhappy at scrum time

Canterbury were in educational mode yesterday, handing out a lesson to the Bay of Plenty and then extending their largesse to referee Lyndon Bray who, like most other referees, needs schooling in the ways of the front row - at least, according to Canterbury assistant coach Rob Penney.

A comfortable win eased the frustration somewhat but it was still apparent that the Canterbury coaching team were a little distressed at the penalty count racked up against them for scrum infringements.

All Black prop Greg Somerville was penalised five times for failing to engage in the correct manner. Well, that was Bray's take. Penney's was, maybe predictably, a little different.

He said his side had specifically worked on their technique to counter Bay of Plenty tighthead Ben Castle. The Cantabrians believe Castle is notorious for coming in on the angle when he is put under pressure.

"We know Ben Castle has habitual problems coming in on the angle when the pressure comes on," said Penney. "The problems start on the other side of the scrum but sometimes the referee doesn't see that.

"It is something we are continually having to work with referees and educate them about. It is something we have got to get accurate."

Despite being denied as many contests as they would have liked on account of Bray's whistle, the Canterbury front row were reasonably satisfied they took the honours in what was a fascinating scrum battle.

Castle and his team-mate Simms Davison have a legion of admirers. Yesterday was their big opportunity to test themselves against a current All Black in Somerville and a recently discarded one in Campbell Johnstone.

If it was a boxing match, Somerville and Johnstone would have shaded it on a points decision.

The Bay were perhaps slightly fortunate Bray protected them to an extent, as with a steadier platform, Canterbury could have sailed past 50 points quite comfortably.

But even if they had, that would have not necessarily been enough to persuade head coach Aussie McLean to be anything other than lukewarm in his assessment.

"I don't think we took our chances today and we were very fortunate that the Bay weren't able to take advantage."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY