Rugby: Keeping it simple pays off

Stephen Donald of Waikato is tackled by Willi Heinz of Canterbury. Photo / Getty Images

Once bitten twice shy was the Canterbury driver last night, with the champions determined not to be beaten up the way they were when they played Waikato a few weeks ago.

The Canterbury plan was simple - fire into the breakdown and defend the inside channels to ensure Waikato's midfield couldn't make any easy yards. It worked and, with Tom Taylor kicking his goals, a fourth title turned out to be easy enough to secure.

"Our plan was to nullify Donald and his running down the inside channel," said Canterbury coach Rob Penney.

"We wanted to monopolise possession and take them on at the breakdown. The guys had it under control and it was a really gutsy performance.

"Any time you are able to win a title, it is a special experience."

For Waikato, there was only the pain of knowing they failed to finish the many opportunities they created. They played some good rugby in patches but it lacked finesse. Even in the final 10 minutes, with a doomed feel to proceedings, coach Chris Gibbes still believed in his players.

"We knew it was there," he said. "We just needed to play at the right end of the field and hold on to the ball. But we were guilty of gifting the ball to them all night."

Gibbes joked that his players might need to train with soap next year to help them improve their handling.

They might also need it to clean off the growing stain which comes with losing a second consecutive final. Wellington have been the perennial bridesmaids but maybe now that dubious honour belongs to Waikato.