Rugby: Canterbury break into top four

AIR NZ CUP Canterbury 14 Taranaki 0

Canterbury climbed into the top four on the ladder when they beat a scoreless Taranaki in a dour game in New Plymouth last night.

It was a far from convincing display from Canterbury who clinically dismantled Auckland 34-3 last week.

It was only Taranaki's penchant to kick aimlessly that allowed Canterbury to bank the four points.

Taranaki, who were upset 23-33 by Tasman last week, had the edge in territory and possession but continually lost the ball through handling errors or when Canterbury pinched it off them in the rucks and mauls.

Three penalties by first five-eighth Colin Slade gave Canterbury a 9-0 lead at halftime.

The southerners finally got the upper hand in the dying minutes.

Canterbury 14 (P. Williams try; C. Slade 3 pens) Taranaki 0. HT: 9-0