South Canterbury’s 37-29 win over North Otago on Saturday saw the 2020 side enter the ‘Green and Blacks’ record books.

Covid-19 financial constraints meant South Canterbury season was shortened to five games but the side went through unbeaten for the first time ever.

Four wins, two each over North Otago and Buller, and a draw against Mid Canterbury gave the ‘Green and Blacks’ an almost perfect season.

Saturday’s win also meant South Canterbury retained the Hanan Shield as well as the new Placemakers’ Challenge Cup which will squeeze into a brimming trophy cabinet.

The game at Alpine Energy Stadium was in the balance until two minutes from fulltime when hooker Juniaah Faavae burst away from a maul and sprinted 25m to score in the corner.

Up until then North Otago looked in with a chance to steal an upset win, with a strong nor’west wind at their backs in the second half and South Canterbury down to 14 men for 16 minutes.

South Canterbury coach Nigel Walsh said he was happy with the win.

“We knew North Otago were up for a fight, and we got one. They had nothing to lose and threw everything at us.

Walsh said while it was a short sharp season he was pleased to go through unbeaten.

“It’s been enjoyable and the fact we were able to give half dozen boys or more the opportunity to play Heartland rugby [with the locals-only rule] was great.

“They certainly took the opportunity, and we have plenty of talent.”

The start of the game was far from ideal.

South Canterbury lost impressive blindside Tangi Savielo to a dislocated shoulder in the opening minute when he dived in the corner. It was a double blow as the try was also disallowed for a foot in touch.

Three minutes later No.8 Siu Kakala drove over from close range and Faalele Iosua converting.

North Otago replied with a try to lock Josh Hayward but quick South Canterbury wing Kalavini Leatigaga charged the conversion and his hand deflected the kick away making it 7-5.

South Canterbury then extended their lead when lock Henry Bryce scored from close range as South Canterbury dominated early but North Otago then replied with a penalty to first five Tyler Burgess.

Halfback Theo Davidson then followed up his clever long punt and caught North Otago wing Jacob Day in possession as the ball bounced away from him to the uprights.

A quick tap from the resulting penalty saw second five Zac Saunders basically fall across the line to score, with Iosua converting and landing a late penalty to give South Canterbury a comfortable 22-8 lead at halftime.

With the wind at their backs North Otago came out firing in the second half.

With a minute gone prop impressive prop Kelepi Funaki scored after a lineout drive and Burgess’ conversion had the margin down to seven points.

The pendulum swung again when Kakala bust through the North Otago defence and offloaded to Davidson, who sprinted 40m to score under the posts, with Iosua adding the conversion.

A penalty then had South Canterbury up 32-15 with 20 minutes to play.

North Otago came back again with a try to second five Samuel Tatapu who used his strength to carry two defenders with him over the line, with Burgess converting.

South Canterbury then had replacement halfback Willie Wright yellow carded for a high tackle, just after he arrived on the field.

North Otago then had a couple of opportunities to narrow the margin before replacement forward Jason Kelly scored and Burgess landed an excellent conversion to make it 32-29 with 12 minutes to play.

A silly act by fullback Liueli Simote had South Canterburyback to 14 men after he pushed an opponent’s face into the ground.

Fortunately South Canterbury’s live wire hooker Faavae came up with a moment of brilliance to make the game secure with what was in effect a runaway try with two minutes left.

For South Canterbury locks Bryce and Solomone Lavaka got through plenty of work, while Kakala was impressive ball in hand.

Captain Davidson was at his best while centre Pita Siale and wing Clarence Moli made plenty of hard metres.

North Otago’s best were Funaki, lock Josh Hayward and No.8 Junior Fakatoufifita in the forwards with Tatapu and veteran Lemi Masoe impressing at fullback at 38 years of age.

Stu Piddington

Article added: Monday 05 October 2020