Canterbury's Stephen Brett showed his class yet again as he spearheaded a sound Air NZ Cup win over Wellington in Christchurch tonight.
The first five-eighth, the provincial understudy to All Black Daniel Carter, scored 26 points in their 41-23 win which didn't look assured until the last sixminutes.
It was Brett who made it sure for them with his second try in the 74th minute. He converted it to make it 34-23.
Winger Rico Gear sealed it in the last minute of the game with their fifth try, taking a pop pass from Brett to cut through a crowded area.
Brett, who has turned the game both the Crusaders and Canterbury's way on a regular basis this year, kicked four penalties and two conversions besides his two five pointers.
Canterbury were solid in the set pieces but seemed to suffer at the base of the scrum where Wellington halfback Piri Weepu dominated with both his efficiency and ability to control the pack.
Canterbury 41 (Stephen Brett 2, Isaac Ross, Scott Hamilton, Rico Gear tries; Brett 4 pen, 2 con), Wellington 23 (Hosea Gear, Thomas Waldrom tries; Jimmy Gopperth 2 pen, 2 con; Tamati Ellison pen). Halftime: 14-10.
