Lions pack roars into final assignment
Wellington’s pack stood up as the Lions beat a tactically rigid Canterbury side 30-19 to book a place in the Mitre 10 Premiership final against Tasman in Nelson next weekend.
Wellington’s young front row – All Blacks hooker Asafo Aumua, tighthead Alex Fidow and loosehead Xavier Numia – were outstanding for the first 50 minutes in Wellington last night.
They repelled Owen Franks and co at scrum time and then brought real energy around the park, constantly getting their side on the front foot with their ball carrying.
Aumua, in particular, made a big statement. He wasn’t without error but his power was there for all to see and he left Franks grasping thin air with one surge down the left flank.
With their big men on top, Wellington’s backs also did their part to punish a Canterbury side that kicked away a mountain of possession, particularly in the first half.
Fullback Trent Renata and wing Ben Lam scored tries either side of a five-pointer from lock James Blackwell as Wellington surged to a 24-0 lead early in the second half and were never caught.
Wellington No 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi was also a ball of energy and All Black Vaea Fifita, playing at lock, had his moments.
Canterbury threatened a comeback after Luke Whitelock charged over from a scrum and rookie hooker Shilo Klein went over twice from lineout drives, closing the score to 27-19, but the damage had already been done and a late drop goal by Jackson Garden-Bachop sealed the deal.
It took 30 minutes for the game to come to life after an opening spell dominated by aimless tactical kicking down the middle of field.
Following yet another hack downfield by Canterbury, Wellington No 8 Teariki BenNicholas sparked a counterattack with a nice break before Trent Renata and Peter Umaga-Jensen combined to send Renata over.
Soon afterwards Blackwell cantered over after athletic tighthead prop Alex Fidow had created room down the blindside with an ambitious offload that was scooped up smartly by Lam.
Canterbury had an opportunity to grab some points just before the break but they couldn’t get their lineout drive going,
(Trent Renata, James Blackwell, Ben Lam tries; Garden-Bachop 2 pen, drop goal, 3 con) (Shilo Klein 2, Luke Whitelock tries; Brett Cameron 2 con). 17-0.
Wellington 30
Canterbury 19
HT:
much to the delight pumped-up Kirifi.
Tasman will start the final as warm favourites, but they will be expecting a highly physical encounter after watching Aumua and his mates go about their work. of the