Canterbury 29 (Solomon Alaimalo try 31min, George Bell 44min, Chay Fihaki try 53min, Blair Murray try 75min; Rameka Poihipi pen, 3 con) vs. Auckland 24 (Josh Beehre tries 16min, 68 min; Salesi Rayasi try 41min, AJ Lam try 79min; Zarn Sullivan 2 con). HT: 10-7
Canterbury’s dramatic NPC quarterfinal win against Auckland on Friday night was marred by a possibly critical injury to playmaker Fergus Burke.
If a significant knee or Achilles injury is verified, it will have consequences for the Crusaders ahead of the 2024 Super Rugby season.
Burke collapsed in a heap only 10 minutes into Canterbury’s 29-24 triumph in Christchurch, prompting Rameka Poihipi to shuffle inside from second five-eighth.
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Burke was visibly distressed on the bench, burying his head in his hands after being carried to the sideline without putting any weight on his left leg.
It was revealing for the man tasked with filling Richie Mo’unga’s shoes at the Crusaders next season, as well as Canterbury’s best player this year.
Poihipi, who started a game at No. 10 for the Chiefs this season, guided Canterbury around the pitch while also slotting a penalty and three conversions off the tee.
Poihipi also made the critical break, dummying through a gap and sprinting 40 yards inside Auckland’s 22 before Chay Fihaki scored to put Canterbury up 24-12 after 53 minutes.
It was the pick of their four five-pointers on a night when the red and blacks squandered a mountain of chances, many of them through ill-advised balls out wide.
Billy Harmon, the hosts’ captain and flanker, was also outstanding, highlighted by a barnstorming charge inside the opposition 22 in the lead up to hooker George Bell’s touchdown.
Canterbury had seen their slim 10-7 halftime advantage wiped away by a brilliant Salesi Rayasi try, and it was a quick response.
Anyone who has followed Canterbury this season knows that they are specialists at coughing up leads in 2023.
Auckland, who beat them at Eden Park last month, threatened to annihilate them again, with lock Josh Beehre completing his brace after a relentless raid inside the 22.
Canterbury responded with a 10-point lead with five minutes remaining thanks to replacement Blair Murray, who nearly had his head torn off in an unpunished high tackle by AJ Lam.
Canterbury responded with a 10-point lead with five minutes remaining thanks to replacement Blair Murray, who nearly had his head torn off in an unpunished high tackle by AJ Lam.
Murray’s 75th-minute try proved to be the deciding factor. But how referee Nick Briant didn’t card Lam after a terrible high tackle on the Crusaders academy member is beyond comprehension.
Poihipi, who played all but the first 10 minutes of the match at first five-eighth owing to Burke’s injury, was named MVP. And step up he did, demonstrating why he was a highly coveted No 10 before becoming a midfielder.
Match score of 8/10. Whatever you think of the NPC, these Canterbury-Auckland matchups never get old.
The overall picture
Canterbury has secured a semifinal spot, but the opponent and location will not be determined until the weekend.
