Rugby: Canterbury experience rare Shield defeat

Taranaki players celebrate the try of James Marshall during the round seven ITM Cup match between Taranaki and Canterbury. Photo / Getty Images.

Taranaki 18
Canterbury 9

Canterbury have created plenty of history over the years and today they added another entry, albeit an unwanted one.

The red and blacks hadn't lost a Ranfurly Shield challenge since 1998 and were slight favourites to do it again in New Plymouth today but Taranaki weren't in a generous mood. They have quite enjoyed their run with the Log o' Wood and want it to last a bit longer.

The conditions probably helped them today. It was a dreadful day in New Plymouth - cold, wet and windy - and the spectacle matched it. It wasn't a day for spinning the ball and that negated a lot of Canterbury's threat.

They have the side to be able to rumble it up and pound the corners but they have built their game this season around an expansive approach, often with spectacular results, and enjoy a dry track.

Playing with the wind in the first half, they were still too guilty of overplaying their hand. The ball was often spilled at inopportune times (although there's never a good time) and it meant they put themselves under pressure.

They didn't play for territory as often as they should and it was one of the reasons they went into the halftime break trailing 10-6.

Andrew Ellis and Tyler Bleyendaal were also guilty of letting Taranaki first five-eighths James Marshall slice through 20m out and, after an exchange of passes with Willie Rickards, crossed for the half's only try.

Taranaki briefly flirted with the idea of trying to play possession rugby in the second spell but quickly worked out this was counter-productive. Instead, they banged it into the corners and set about getting the ball back.

It ushered in a period of kicks and counter-kicks and it was not a great day to be under the high ball.

It also meant it wasn't a great spectacle, but the good crowd of 10,000 at Yarrow Stadium didn't care.

The game was in the balance until the 78th minute when Scott Waldrom drove over from close range to finally give his side the breathing space they were after.

Taranaki will hang onto the Shield for at least another fortnight when Manawatu visit and remain unbeaten this season. In comparison, Canterbury were left to reflect on a rare defeat.

Taranaki 18 (James Marshall, Scott Waldrom tries; Frazier Climo pen, con; Jack Cameron pen) Canterbury 9 (Tyler Bleyendaal 3 pens), HT: 10-6.