Rugby: Canterbury ready for final challenge

Canterbury will look to defend their title against Waikato tomorrow night. Photo / Getty Images

Canterbury might have won the past three national provincial titles but adding a fourth would surely be the most satisfying.

The Crusaders came close to winning the Super Rugby title after a nomadic season, caused largely by the Christchurch earthquakes.

Although the provincial side haven't had to endure the travel demands and psychological battles their Super Rugby counterparts did, it has still been a difficult year for Rob Penney and his charges.

The challenges have been the late access to the Crusaders and short turnaround between games and it is something Penney has been critical of.

"It's been a very unique year," Penney said. "Tabs [assistant coach Tabai Matson] and I, together with the rest of our management team, cannot speak highly enough of this young group of players and their achievement in reaching this year's ITM Cup final.

"The challenges have been many and varied, as we all know. For this group to have to now travel to Hamilton and confront the tournament leaders and the form team Waikato on their home soil, will be a daunting task.

"We will be giving it our best shot, though, and we will try to represent Canterbury with a performance that it deserves and demands."

Penney has made two changes to the side that beat Otago 29-16 last weekend. The more notable is the return of Sean Maitland, who replaces the in-form Tom Taylor at fullback. Maitland was rested for the Otago match because of a foot injury. Telusa Veainu replaces Johnny McNicholl on the right wing.

The game is also a rematch of last year's final, won 33-13 by Canterbury at AMI Stadium, although Waikato will be the favourites tomorrow after winning 27-13 in Christchurch five weeks ago. In that match the Mooloos went out to a 27-7 lead after only 24 minutes. Waikato are due to announce their side today.