30 Oct 2009

Canterbury to defend Cup

9:33 pm on 30 October 2009

The Canterbury rugby team will get to defend its Air New Zealand Cup title after beating Hawke's Bay 20-3 in the first semi-final in Christchurch on Friday night.

Canterbury led 12-3 at half time through tries to lock's Sam Whitelock and Isaac Ross, while first five Stephen Brett scored their third early in the second half.

Brett kicked the rest of their points.

Matt Berquist kicked a penalty for Hawke's Bay which have now been beaten in the semi-finals for the past 3 years.

Wellington host Southland in the other semi-final on Saturday night, with the winner travelling to Christchurch for the final.