Southland stun Carter's Canterbury
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The defending champions have lost their second match in five days, going down in a dramatic thriller at AMI Stadium 28-26 to Southland.
It is a defeat that could have serious ramifications for their season, with Canterbury dropping to third on the NPC Cup table, meaning that Taranaki and Tasman, with a valuable two competition point buffer over the champions, have their destiny in their own hands when it comes to a potential home semifinal.
However as it was five days ago when North Harbour played giant killer, the plaudits must go the victorious.
Southland, with strong contributions from centurion Tim Boys, fellow loose forward John Hardie, and one of the best signing of the campaign in Lima Sopoaga, were not overawed by their opponents.
Every time Canterbury lifted the tempo, the Stags remained in touch, and in the end it would have been difficult for the immortal bard himself to pen the script.
Meanwhile, the Tasman Makos, newly promoted from the NPC Cup Championship last year, have made history by becoming the first such union to secure a spot in the Premiership semifinals with a 32-24 win over Otago.
Otago were full value in this gripping contest in front of another healthy crowd for Tasman, with the home team unable to put the blue and golds away as the game was in the balance until a strong finish gave the Makos victory.
The success ensures that Tasman cannot finish outside of the top four.
They had heroes all across the park. Former All Blacks scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan had his best game since arriving back in New Zealand, captain Shane Christie continues to lead by example while Marty Banks continues to slot balls over the cross bar.
Depending on final results Otago could find their spot in the top four under pressure, and their fifth loss of the season was a cruel one, with the team unable to grab a bonus point thanks to a 79th minute penalty from Banks.
Scores and scorers:
Canterbury 26-28 Southland
Canterbury
Tries: Apa, penalty try
Cons: Carter, Mo’unga
Pens: Carter 3, Mo’unga
Southland
Tries: Milne, Hardie, Halaholo
Cons: Sopoaga 2
Pens: Sopoaga 3
Tasman 32-24 Otago
Tasman
Tries: Fonotia, Havili, Cowan, Geldenhuys
Cons: Banks 3
Pens: Banks 2
Otago
Tries: Spence, Blake, Anderson-Heather
Cons: Parker 3
Pen: Parker
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