RUGBY: Classy Canterbury outgun Bay in semi

Two weeks ago Canterbury created history with their first win against Auckland in the women's NPC.
That confidence continued during Saturday's 55-3 semifinal annihilation of the Hawke's Bay Tuis at Rugby Park in Christchurch.
Despite missing Black Ferns captain and flanker Melissa Ruscoe through injury, the home side prevailed with their depth and class proving too much in all facets of play.
As the score indicates, the Tuis were denied territory and possession for most of the game. But Bay coach Cheryl Heremia was still proud of her side's never-say-die approach.
"I was very proud of the girls, they kept fighting right to the end. Canterbury were too strong, with quick hands, and finished off every opportunity," said Heremia.
Winger Tara Horsnell was in devastating form for the hosts and No 8 Casey Robinson was powerful at the back of the scrum and at breakdown time. Efficient ball from halfback Kendra Cocksedge provided first five-eighths and captain Barbara Chittock with numerous opportunities to create space for her outsides as well as herself when she scored 15 minutes into the first half.
Hawke's Bay displayed pride on defence but too often found themselves in their own half. Canterbury's loosies were effective at every breakdown stealing opposition ball and converting that possession into points. Hawke's Bay almost scored before halftime when Julie Ferguson was stopped short of the line. Coach Heremia confessed to not having enough strength to drive through the red and black pack.
Moments later, Canterbury infringed, giving Tuis fullback Amy Williams the chance to slot a penalty goal and give the Tuis their only three points at the break.
The visitors struggled to gain continuity through a lack of ball retention, but were extremely physical upfront and showed immense pride on defensive transition. Pressure intensified for the Tuis when blindside flanker Claire Richardson was sinbinned in the second half.
This was a huge blow for the Bay as Richardson was a formidable force.
"We took the wrong options at crucial times and infringed far too many times," said Heremia.
Tuis captain and extended Black Ferns squad member Channel Huddleston said her team "gutsed it out" but were often unable to secure any quality ball.
"We lacked structure at set phases but our lineouts were heaps better the previous weeks. Canterbury were too classy with ball in hand," added Huddleston.
Winger Te Maari MacGregor was the Tuis players of the match. Second five-eighth Huddleston, Richardson and flanker Shaan Waru all had strong games for the Tuis.
Auckland beat Wellington 19-3 in the other semifinal and will travel to Christchurch for Saturday's final.
While there isn't a finals berth for the Tuis, Waru and Huddleston will hear next month if they have made the Black Ferns side to tour England in November.
* Results - Page 14