Rugby: Waikato dominate tryless Canterbury

Colin Slade of Canterbury tackles Trent Renata of Waikato. Photo Getty Images

Waikato came perilously close to a top-of the-table finish when they dominated Canterbury 26-6 in their ITM Cup match in Hamilton tonight.

A bonus-point win would have allowed Waikato to finish the round robin at the top of table and secure them a home semifinal. But although they kept Canterbury scoreless in the second spell - and tryless over 80 minutes - they could only manage a try either side of halftime and finished pool play on 44 points to Canterbury's table-topping 45.

In an intense first 40 minutes, Waikato started strongly as first five-eighth Trent Renata landed three penalties in the first 30 minutes to lead 9-0.

Both teams showed commendable willingness to move the ball, with Sean Maitland and Colin Slade looking dangerous on the break for Canterbury.

Canterbury always looked dangerous at the turnover, but Waikato secured too much possession, forcing the visitors into endless defence.

It took over 30 minutes, but eventually No 8 Alex Bradley busted through the Canterbury line with strong work off the back of the ruck.

Renata's conversion gave Waikato a 16-0 lead, and only two late Colin Slade penalties in the five minutes before halftime gave Canterbury any hope.

Ahead 16-6 at halftime, Waikato had made just 29 tackles to Canterbury's 82 in the first 40 minutes.

All Blacks winger Sitiveni Sivivatu had his first taste of rugby for six months when he took the field at the restart.

The 43-test veteran was back after shoulder surgery, tackling with conviction and running strongly when the ball came his way.

Sivivatu was the only player in the All Blacks northern hemisphere touring party to play in the final round of the NPC.

Waikato extended their lead at 55 minutes, winning a five metre scrum and moving the ball wide for Soseni Anesi to touch down in the corner.

Renata, making the most of recalled All Black Stephen Donald's absence, continued his good form with the boot to give his team a 23-6 lead with just over 20 minutes remaining.

And although Canterbury slowly started to dominate possession, Waikato's defence and their outstanding scrum held firm.

Renata made it six from six kicks on goal with another penalty on 70 minutes and the home team held the 26-6 lead until the final whistle.

Waikato 26 (Alex Bradley, Soseni Anesi tries; Trent Renata 4 pen, 2 con) Canterbury 6 (Colin Slade 2 pen). Halftime: 16-6.

- NZPA