Canterbury, Tasman to contest final

Tasman and Taranaki’s reputation for thrilling games in recent years continued in their semifinal clash at Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth yesterday.

The two premiership sides have forged that reputation based largely on their desire to play positive rugby and that evident as they put together a 10-try thriller.

In the end it was Tasman who got through to Saturday’s Mitre 10 Cup final against Canterbury after their 41-29 win yesterday.

Canterbury beat Counties Manukau 22-7 in their earlier semifinal.

Marty Banks, who who largely stayed calm in front of goal while opposite Marty McKenzie could not find the accuracy he had shown for most of the season, proved a pivotal figure as he finished with

Few would deny Tasman their spot in the final as they took advantage of too many Taranaki mistakes that left them chasing the game that proved just out of their reach.

Canterbury’s 15-point win was the perfect way to bounce back from a 33-21 loss to Counties in Pukekohe a week ago, and ensured coach Scott Robertson remained on target to win a third title as head coach, to go with the five he won as an assistant coach.

‘‘I’m extremely proud,’’ Robertson said when asked about his team’s run the past nine years.

‘‘It’s a great record, but like every other final, we know how desperate the opposition will be next week. We will prepare with respect, but just get excited because this is what we play for.’’

Canterbury outscored Counties Manukau three tries to one, with newly named All Black ‘apprentice player’ Jordie Barrett scoring one of them and adding seven points off the tee.

Barrett had a standout game and showed why All Black coach Steve Hansen and his coaching staff are taking him on the end-of-year tour.