Rugby: Canterbury outclasses Counties Manukau

5:00 PM

A brave performance from Counties Manukau could not stop Canterbury running up four tries to two to win their NPC clash 30-16 at Jade Stadium in Christchurch this afternoon.

Counties Manukau started strongly with a try from winger Salesi Moimoi in the fourth minute.

Two penalties from Ben Blair and one from Counties Manukau's Blair Feeney saw Counties Manukau lead 8-6 at halftime.

But Canterbury were fired-up for the second half, when their reserve bench studded with All Blacks took to the field.

Reuben Thorne scored twice and Leon Macdonald, taking over kicking duties from Ben Blair, was successful with two conversions.

The other tries came from sub Billy Fulton and first-five Derek Maisey.

Canterbury pick up a bonus point for their four-try effort.

Meanwhile in Invercargill, Auckland were made to work hard for a 28-16 win over Southland.