Rugby: Waikato's pluck falls short in shield match

By WYNNE GRAY

An inevitable Ranfurly Shield result?

Probably, but Waikato put up a relentless scrap until referee Paddy O'Brien whistled that their time with the famous rugby trophy was over.

They could argue, even against such a quality side as Canterbury, that the rugby fates were not with them on Saturday as the challengers worked away to a 26-18 victory to end a 21-match sequence for the holders.

Waikato were outgunned in the reputation ratings, but their spirit drew the best of ability from their squad. Like Royce Willis' rowing mate, Rob Waddell, they showed gold-medal guts before they succumbed to a classy Canterbury.

The Olympics were also a boon for Canterbury. They were inspired by watching Waddell's race, while coach Robbie Deans felt the nation's focus on the Olympics drew some of the usual intense inspection away from his side's challenge.

"They were a good distraction," he said.

The visitors also brought courage to go with their commitment.

Captain Daryl Gibson was struck by food poisoning late in the week, a debilitating enough illness without having to play such a physically draining sport as rugby. But like Wallaby midfield champion Tim Horan at the World Cup, a marathon vomiting session was not going to sway Gibson from his quest.

"I think I had my last spew just before I got on the plane," he said. "I got on the field but in the end I just ran out of gas."

Waikato halfback Rhys Duggan ran out of descriptions when a Marika Vunibaka kick he was covering corkscrewed away wickedly from him for the Fijian wing to grab and score 10 minutes short of halftime.

It was a huge boost for Canterbury, playing into the wind, a try that coach Robbie Deans reckoned was worth double its value just then.

"I was gutted. I don't ever recall a bounce like that at such a crucial time," Duggan said. "I had it covered and it just went sideways."

And 10 minutes from the end there was a suspicion of an infringement or two in the move which gave Justin Marshall the try to assure the shield went south, but Canterbury made their luck, they earned their win and showed why they have so many All Blacks.

They coped with the pressure of playing away from home, of the expectation, of the vagaries of Rugby Park, and with the mental fatigue of a tough season. They had the drive and skill to back up their Ranfurly Shield desire.

They had a coaching staff who had done all their research. After being denied and chastened by their unsuccessful tilt for the shield in 1998, Saturday was not going to be a repeat.

Canterbury won the toss and, as Deans pointed out, decided to run into the wind as Waikato preferred. Only once in the half were Waikato in front.

After a series of phases and a strong Duggan run, they switched the ball quickly as Roger Randle bumped off two tacklers for the try. It was about the only significant defensive blemish from Canterbury; Keith Lowen's late try came as they just ran out of tacklers.

The high velocity of the game was extraordinary and, added to the brutal defence, provoked a fair list of turnovers.

Canterbury used short lineouts to give them a variety of running plays and also stole about seven throws, a statistic which hurt Waikato in the second spell as they tried to get out of their half.

Todd Blackadder had a monster game, while Willis was also a powerhouse in his tenacious tight five, and Scott Roberston was a demonic defender with still enough energy to surge in attacking midfield shifts.

As strong as they were in their challenge, Canterbury were as gracious in victory, acknowledging Waikato's contribution to the shield history in the past three years.

"They are a great side. It is a remarkable record they have put together and they deserve every plaudit they get," Deans said.

In heading towards a potential treble of Super 12, Ranfurly Shield and NPC honours, Canterbury have shown they are already a superb side. Getting any of those three titles away from Christchurch will be a mega-task.

Their first shield challenge comes from Otago on Saturday. If successful, they will defend it once more this season, against Northland on Friday, October 6.

Canterbury 26 (M. Vunibaka, J. Marshall tries, B. Blair 4 pen, 2 con) Waikato 18 (R. Randle, K. Lowen tries, G. Jackson 2 pen, con). Halftime: 16-13.