Canterbury through to the Final

Bay of Plenty's dream of a first ever Air New Zealand National Provincial Championship (NPC) Final was washed away by a torrent called Canterbury on Saturday, with the Cantabs going on to record a convincing 44-12 victory in their semi-final at the Jade Stadium.

For Canterbury that means a trip to Wellington next week, where they will meet the Wellington Lions in the Final.

For BoP it means heartbreak and the end of a dream in a season that must rate as arguably the Steamers' best ever. Ironically Canterbury also ended Bay of Plenty's brief Ranfurly Shield tenure earlier this year.

But on Saturday, playing torrential rain in Christchurch, there was only one team in the game.

It was a ruthless Canterbury that quashed the Steamers' challenge in the first half, when the All Black-laden home side opened up a 23-0 lead.

The Steamers tried to play catch-up rugby in the second half, but in the wet conditions it meant such tactics were futile.

Bay of Plenty's first score, a try through winger Anthony Tahana, came in the second minute after half-time. But by then Canterbury were well and truly in command and they continued to shut the visitors out, with their only other score coming in the final minute.

Canterbury's All Black star Daniel Carter, playing at fullback, had an outstanding night with the boot - kicking a perfect eight-from-eight, five conversions and three penalties for a 19-point return.

Bay of Plenty, who's defence had been one of their stand-out features all season, had no answer to the relentless pressure of Canterbury. The home side continued to turn over ball and their rucking was of the highest order on a night that called for brave, strong forwards.

Canterbury's best try was a brilliant team effort which swept 70m and saw Sam Broomhall cross, while Casey Laulala's individual effort was his seventh try of the season and was scored in the elusive running style that has marked his season.

The scorers:

For Canterbury:
Tries: Mauger, Broomhall, Jack, Laulala, Johnstone
Cons: Carter 5
Pens: Carter 3

For Bay of Plenty:
Tries: Tahana 2
Con: Jackson