Rugby: Canterbury shakes off Northland challenge

Sam Whitelock scores for Canterbury against Northland. Photo / Getty Images

Northland threatened one of the great Ranfurly Shield rugby heists before a scratchy Canterbury prevailed 31-21 in Christchurch.

The scores were locked together 21-21 with 15 minutes remaining before winger Sean Maitland's second try denied a famous boilover and ensured the hosts remain top of the Air NZ Cup.

After beginning their tenure with reasonably comfortable defences against Otago and Taranaki, Canterbury couldn't shake off the determined Northlanders who were languishing in 11th place before round nine kicked off.

While they never led, Northland were within range for most of a surprisingly-even match against opponents who tried to play at pace but lacked the fluency of recent weeks and were caned by referee Bryce Lawrence, particularly at the breakdown.

Northland flanker Joel McKenty's name would have been inscribed in Shield folklore if his side had got up after barging over for their two tries late in the first half.

Canterbury led 13-3 before then but were shaky at 16-15 when the halftime whistle blew, suddenly aware they were in for a difficult afternoon.

Maitland snared an opportunist try a minute after halftime, taking a quick throw-in when a Northland drop-out sailed out on the full.

The Northland defenders were half asleep as Maitland linked with fullback Colin Slade to score in the right corner.

However, winger Lachie Munro -- the usual first five-eighth playing out of position because of a backline reshuffle -- slotted two penalties to bring his side level.

An upset loomed as Canterbury became frustrated by Lawrence's rulings although they often had themselves to blame for not getting numbers to the tackled player.

Maitland's decisive try was followed by a dropped goal two minutes from time by Stephen Brett, giving the Canterbury first five-eighth 16 points in a six-from-eight goalkicking display.

Northland, then North Auckland, last held the Shield in 1978, while Canterbury are enjoying their sixth tenure since then.

Victory ensures a healthy Air NZ Cup lead for Canterbury by round's end after second-placed Southland were beaten by Wellington on Thursday.

Canterbury 31 (Sean Maitland 2, Sam Whitelock tries; Stephen Brett 3 pen, 2 con, dropped goal) Northland 21 (Joel McKenty 2 tries; Lachie Munro 3 pen, con). Halftime: 16-15.

- NZPA