Rugby: Canterbury through to NPC final

Canterbury held off a courageous Taranaki side to book a place in the NPC rugby final with a 31-23 semi final win at Jade Stadium.

Taranaki opened the scoring with a converted try to centre Faapolou Soolefai in the seventh minute.

Ten minutes later Marika Vunibaka dotted down for the home-side and the red and blacks went to half time with a 14-7 lead with the try and three penalties to fullback Ben Blair behind them.

Ten minutes into the second half Canterbury centre Mark Mayerhofler scored, with flanker Scott Robertson dotting down soon after to give them a 28-13 lead.

But a converted run-away try to Taranaki winger Lome Fa'atau saw the home-side's lead cut to eight.

But with their lead cut even further to five, after a Daryl Lilley penalty, Ben Blair slotted a penalty himself two minutes from full time to seal the victory for Canterbury.

For Taranaki Daryl Lilley slotted two conversions and three penalties.

And for Canterbury, Ben Blair managed four penalties and two conversions.

Canterbury led 14-7 at halftime.

- IRN