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Taranaki has fought his way to victory over Canterbury, lifting the Log o ‘Wood in a game that will become a Ranfurly Shield classic.
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In the final moments of Taranaki’s Shield challenge with Canterbury, victory depended on Barrett’s boot, who made no mistake in scoring the 50-meter kick. Source: SKY
With just five minutes left in the match, Taranaki was behind by just one point with the score at 23-22, before receiving a penalty from nearly 50 meters away.
With the success supported by Jordie Barrett’s boot, the All Black star made no mistake and booked Shield’s return ticket to New Plymouth with a monstrous push, giving the Bulls a one-point lead.
Taranaki maintained his slim lead with Beauden Barrett sending the ball into touch on the full-time siren, sealing a 22-23 victory for the visitors.
Even though Barrett claimed the winning kick and secured the Shield, it was Lachlan Boshier’s tireless work that made the difference for Taranaki.
Throughout the full 80 minutes, Boshier was a threat in the break, displaying a relentless work rate that resulted in a series of turnovers that often stifled Canterbury’s momentum.
Boshier’s intensity set the standard for Taranaki’s forwards with another key loss coming from Tom Florence in the closing minutes as Canterbury looked to respond to Jordie Barrett’s winning kick with a menacing advance to the Bulls’ half.
In addition to Boshier’s tireless work, there were several outstanding performances that made Taranaki lose the game.
A dominant first half saw the Bulls lead 3-20 before the break.
The newly elected All Black padlock, Tupou Vaa’i, added to his attempts count this season, crossing at the 10th minute, while winger Jacob Ratumatavuki-Kneepkens proved electric in the open space, feeding off the brilliance of the Barrett brothers, making two first-half attempts.
However, it was a second-half resurgence from Canterbury that saw the Bulls give up the lead for the first time in the game.
The second half saw Canterbury come out shooting with attempts from Oliver Jager and Richie Mo’unga.
At 70th In the minute the balance tipped in Canterbury’s favor, through a spectacular attempt by Andrew Knewstubb with the home team gaining a point, although it was Barrett who had the last word at the end.
Taranaki’s last shield win was also over Canterbury in 2017 with the Bulls holding the title until 2018.
The shield is expected to return to New Plymouth with the team tomorrow.
