Rugby: Late surge grabs bonus point for Canterbury

Canterbury 30 Counties Manukau 16

CHRISTCHURCH - Canterbury scored their fourth try in the 77th minute to take maximum points against a spirited Counties Manukau at Jade Stadium.

After trailing 6-8 at halftime, Canterbury scored four second-half tries, two by All Black Reuben Thorne.

Persistent rain and a greasy ground led to a rash of turnovers as Canterbury failed to play the controlled game of the previous week, when they easily beat North Harbour in similar conditions.

"We were a bit inaccurate and lacked a bit of nous in what we were trying to do," said coach Robbie Deans. "When we attacked we kicked very poorly and that made it difficult for us to get into the game."

Counties Manukau coach Andrew Talaimanu said his players showed "a lot of mettle" for most of the game.

"For the first 10 minutes after halftime Canterbury picked the pace up and split us through the middle. I thought we battled back well and we came close to a bonus point."

Canterbury were rocked in the third minute when right wing Selesi Moimoi evaded Sam Broomhall and Mark Mayerhofler to score wide out.

Canterbury fullback Ben Blair kicked a penalty in the 15th minute when centre George Leaupepe was sinbinned for a swinging arm on Sean Cuttance, which resulted in the Canterbury hooker being carried off.

Blair gave the home team the lead in the 25th minute with a 30m penalty, but Counties Manukau first five-eighth Blair Feeney kicked a 22m penalty in the 39th minute to put his team ahead at the break.

Thorne made an immediate impact when he came on, sliding over for a try early in the second half, and then first five-eighths Derek Maisey just got downward pressure on the ball on the line to take Canterbury ahead 18-8.

However, Counties hit back with a long penalty to Feeney and a try to replacement wing Joeli Vidiri.

Canterbury surged ahead when Thorne was driven over from a lineout and sealed the match when replacement halfback Billy Fulton twisted over from a tap penalty in the 77th minute.

- NZPA