Canterbury have guaranteed themselves a spot in the ITM Cup Premiership semi-finals after their 18-17 fightback over Waikato in Christchurch on Wednesday night.
Canterbury celebrate win over Waikato in ITM Cup. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Trailing 14-3 at half-time, Canterbury were helped by a yellow card to Waikato prop Ben Tameifuna in the 63rd minute.
The visitors let in 12 unanswered points while Tameifuna was in the sin-bin to take a 15-14 lead with five minutes to play.
However, a 75th-minute drop goal from Damian McKenzie put Waikato back in the lead.
A penalty kick to Canterbury captain Tom taylor in 76th minute put the home-side back in front and Waikato ran out of time to try and claim the win.
The result was Canterbury's seventh straight win and has shifted the Red and Blacks to the top of the Premiership standings, two points ahead of Tasman.
Unfortunately for Waikato, they remain in fifth place, eight points behind Taranaki who are sitting in fourth.
