Rugby: Canterbury outstrip Taranaki to retain shield

Matt Todd makes a break during Canterbury's 29-17 win over Taranaki at AMI Stadium in Christchurch. Photo / Getty Images

Canterbury used their attacking class to repel Taranaki's gritty Ranfurly Shield challenge 29-17 in Christchurch and remain on top of the Air NZ Cup rugby standings.

It was appropriate that Canterbury's back three combined to score their four tries as they repelled Taranaki's kick-based challenge with a game based on width and speed out wide.

Handling errors from the home side left the scores tied 14-14 at halftime but 10 points within four minutes of the restart blew the game open.

A penalty to first five-eighth Stephen Brett was followed by a converted try to winger James Paterson after the ball went through several pairs of hands in a sweeping move to the left.

Fullback Sean Maitland scored the try of the match, and his second, with 20min remaining to virtually secure the outcome and a second successful shield defence following last week's win over Otago.

Brett doubled around brilliantly and his deft grubber was gathered by Maitland, whose bonus point try gave Canterbury the outright competition lead over Southland.

Taranaki were expected to provide the defending champions with a stern examination after winning their three previous matches, including a 20-year drought-breaking defeat of Wellington last weekend.

They were competitive at set piece and led 8-7 after 20min after winger Shayne Austin crossed from a stolen lineout.

First five-eighth Willie Ripia kicked their other points through four penalties but they couldn't contain the movement and clinical breakdown work of a Canterbury side seriously weakened by injury and All Blacks absentees.

Maitland scored the game's first try off a fluent scrum move while winger Tu Umaga-Marshall snared their other first-half score after some nice buildup work by flanker Michael Paterson.

The result means that in 10 Ranfurly Shield games between the sides the challenging side are still to win.

Wellington, Sept 18 NZPA - Result of an Air NZ Cup rugby match in Christchurch tonight:

Canterbury 29 (Sean Maitland 2, Tu Umaga-Marshall, James Paterson tries; Stephen Brett pen, 3 con) Taranaki 17 (Shayne Austin try; Willie Ripia 4 pen). Halftime: 14-14.



- NZPA