Old rivalries take centre stage again
A MAIN event and curtain-raiser rolled into one precedes the battle between world rugby’s closest rivals – Canterbury and Auckland fit the bill as the ideal scene-setter for the All Blacks and Springboks.
New Zealand’s enduring provincial sporting rivalry is reinvigorated in Christchurch tonight as the NPC’s two most successful unions contest the premiership final for the first time since 2012.
Although that time-frame is not significant numerically, the rugby-related antagonism between Auckland and Canterbury has been arguably overtaken in recent seasons, mirroring the decline of the NPC.
Although this contest is basically a diversion, a means of killing time before the semifinal at Twickenham, for the next generation of All Blacks hopefuls it’s contests like the premiership decider that serve as a potential stepping stone to higher honours.
Only fringe All Blacks are involved – and that is where Canterbury may have an edge.
The experience of Tom Taylor – in his 100th Canterbury/ Crusaders game – and midfielder Ryan Crotty should be vital in marshalling the backline; in the pack Matt Todd, Dominic Bird and Nepo Laulala have test exposure to rely upon against a squad already found wanting in their first high-pressure situation: an unsuccessful Ranfurly Shield challenge in Napier.
Captain Luke Whitelock has only one cap but also shapes as a key component of the Canterbury setup with coach Scott Robertson, a former All Black No 8 himself, lauding his contribution.
‘‘Luke’s a great leader. He’s very process-driven, he knows what he wants.’’
While Whitelock is in his fifth NPC campaign his rival, No 8 encapsulates Auckland’s regeneration process as they chase their first title since 2007.
Akira Ioane has already been anointed as a future All Black and spearheads a free-spirited roster that includes 15 players who have been blooded this year by coach Paul Feeney.