Boost for Canterbury

Rugby: Canterbury boosted its prospects of avoiding relegation with a comprehensive 290 win against Tasman in the Mitre 10 Cuo Blenheim on Saturday.

Ngatungane Punivai, Josh McKay, Chay Fihaki and Isaiah Punavai all scored tries, while Brett Cameron landed a penalty and three conversions. Canterbury will play Auckland in its final roundrobin game next weekend.

Auckland edged Northland 2420 at Eden Park to consolidate its spot at the top of the Premiership standings, while North Harbour cruised to a 325 win against Counties Manukau.

Yesterday, Hawke’s Bay recorded a 3418 win against Wellington to successfully defend the Ranfurly Shield and move to the top of the Championship standings. Bay of Plenty edged Waikato 3330 in Hamilton and Taranaki defeated Manawatu 3519 in Feilding.

In a game of three 30minute periods, Mario Ledesma’s Pumas piled on the tries at a closed Leichhardt Oval against a team of fringe Wallabies and a selection of players from the Waratahs and other Super Rugby franchises.

Argentina plays its first match of the TriNations against the All Blacks in Sydney on Saturday, having prepared for a month in Sydney and completed a twoweek quarantine under Covid19 rules. — Reuters

‘‘Pete was somebody I looked up to when I was growing up, so to match his record is a dream come true’’ Djokovic said. ‘‘I will also keep striving to be a better player, hopefully have more success and break more records in a sport I love with all my heart.’’— Reuters