Rugby: Canterbury outclass bumbling Waikato

Canterbury were far too good for Waikato scoring five tries in their 46-13 victory at AMI Stadium. Photo / Getty Images

Canterbury were a cut above a defensively frail Waikato when cruising to a 46-13 Air NZ Cup rugby match tonight.

Waikato did not find their competitive edge until well into the second half in Christchurch but by that stage their fate had been sealed.

Canterbury dominated all facets to lead 29-6 at halftime and they were never threatened despite Waikato upping their workrate after the interval.

The outcome was apparent for all to see after 40 minutes, with Canterbury having already pocketed three of their five tries and first five-eighth Dan Carter chipping in with 14 points from his goalkicking.

Carter's radar remained accurate for the duration as he finished with 19 points, slotting seven of attempts before being subbed off in the 70th minute with the game in safe keeping.

The Waikato defence was found wanting throughout, holes appearing in and around the fringes as well as in the midfield.

Canterbury did not need a second invitation to pierce those holes, as evidenced by a try to Wyatt Crockett midway through the second half when the prop punched through a big gap to dot down unopposed.

Earlier, halfback Tyson Keats, swivelled and backed his way over the tryline from a ruck, and fullback Colin Slade hit the line at pace before getting on the outside of his marker.

In between these two first-half efforts centre Tim Bateman was gifted a try when he loomed on the inside of Slade, who changed the angle of attack after Carter crabbed across field throwing a couple of dummy passes before offloading to his fullback.

It was all a touch too easy for the 2008 champions, who coughed up only a couple of penalties to Callum Bruce until lock Waikato Romana Graham scored a soft try himself in the 50th minute.

Substitute midfield back Adam Whitelock completed the trycoring action in the 76th minute when the Waikato defence was yet again found wanting inside their 22.

Canterbury 46 (Tyson Keats, Colin Slade, Tim Bateman, Wyatt Crockett, Adam Whitelock tries; Dan Carter 5 pen, 2 con, Slade con) Waikato 13 (Romana Graham try; Callum Bruce 2 pen, con). Halftime: 29-6.

- NZPA