Canterbury succumb to Hawke's Bay

At Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch: Hawke’s Bay 27 (Freedom Vahaakolo, Danny Toala, Neria Fomai, Sam Wye tries; Harry Godfrey 2 con, Lincoln McClutchie pen). Canterbury 21 (Isaac Hutchinson, Kurtis MacDonald tries; James White con, 3 pen) HT: 13-13

Canterbury showed plenty of heart throughout the contest but they were on the back foot for long periods and their resistance was finally broken in the last 10 minutes when Wye scored after a break from Hawke’s Bay winger Freedom Vahaakolo.

The victory was nothing more than the Magpies deserved after outscoring their hosts four tries to two, and if they can beat Manawatū on Sunday they will be well-placed for a strong campaign.

Both sides rested key players due to the demands of ‘Storm Week’, the challenging period when all teams must play three games in a week at some point during the season.

The Magpies felt the absence of in-form halfback Folau Fakatava and midfielder Nick Grigg, while the likes of Braydon Ennor and Mitchell Drummond were missing from Canterbury.

Canterbury’s young No 9 pairing of Nic Shearer and James White showed some good signs but for the second game in succession Canterbury’s scrum was in big trouble.

The set-piece was monstered from the outset, with experienced loosehead Daniel Lienert-Brown and young No 3 Gus Brown both coming under enormous pressure in a replay of the performance against Auckland on Saturday.

Hawke’s Bay’s set-piece dominance meant they won penalty after penalty but they struggled make all the pressure truly pay on the scoreboard.

Canterbury twice repelled Hawke’s Bay lineout drives in the first half, holding the ball up over their own line in a great show of determination.

White was involved in the second of those key moments just before the halftime break, giving the home side a psychological boost.

Canterbury continued to defend bravely under pressure in the second half, winning some crucial breakdown penalties.

Veteran midfielder Ryan Crotty also provided excellent value in the No 12 jersey on both sides of the ball until he dropped a low pass inside the final 10 minutes.

However, Hawke’s Bay’s impact players did the business off the bench, with big hooker Tyrone Thompson prominent with several strong carries.

Magpies No 12 Danny Toala and No 15 Harry Godfrey also showed their Super Rugby class with some strong runs and well-executed tactical kicks.

Canterbury launched a series of late raids but their inexperience showed as young winger Isaac Hutchinson knocked on a difficult pass from replacement Toby Bell.

Canterbury play Wellington in Christchurch on Sunday, and they will have to find a solution for their wobbly scrum before the Lions arrive.