Rugby: Canterbury get maximum points

Mitchell Drummond of Canterbury avoids the attempted tackle of Naulia Dawai of Otago. Photo / Getty

Otago 24
Canterbury 38
Canterbury showed they want to reclaim the national provincial title with a dominant victory over Otago at Forsyth Barr Stadium tonight.

The men from Christchurch lost the provincial prize last year after winning six straight and, going on this offering, are going to be in the running come the end of October.

The red and blacks were too strong and clinical for the home team, winning 38-24 after leading 26-10 at the break.

The likes of Tom Taylor, Matt Todd and Patrick Osborne were a class above anything Otago had to offer.

Canterbury had all the territory in the first half and, although Otago defended with heart at times, weight of numbers eventually won out. Two tries within five minutes towards the end of the first half had Canterbury well clear by the break and they shut down any hopes of an Otago comeback with stout defence and coolness under pressure.

Todd was all over the park while Canterbury skipper Luke Whitelock was not far behind him.

Otago made too many sloppy errors and looked to be lost at times. Their kicking game lacked accuracy and ball security was a problem all night.

Flanker James Lentjes was industrious and Matt Faddes showed some dash on the wing for Otago.

Canterbury 38 (R. Mo'unga, R. Prinsep, B. Funnell, M. Todd tries; T. Taylor 3 cons, 4 pens) Otago 24 (J. Wilson, J. Dickson, M. Faddes tries, F. Smith 3 cons, pen) Halftime: 26-10

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