METRONEWS
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Canterbury's speed too much for Counties

Zion Dayal
Richie mounga2
Richie Mo'unga helped the Red and Blacks to an easy win over Counties Manukau.  Supplied

Canterbury's quick ball movement left Counties Manukau gasping for air, as the Red and Blacks notched up 78 points to keep the Ranfurly Shield.

Canterbury's rugby machine rolled over Counties Manukau at AMI Stadium last night, with the northerners managing just five points. 

The result was not in doubt by half time, with Canterbury logging 43 points after scoring two tries in the first five minutes.

Halfback Mitchell Drummond ran in four tries and was joined on the scoreboard by midfielder Tim Bateman and wing Braydon Ennor.

Canterbury's offloads and pace proved the difference, with Counties unable to halt the free flowing Red and Blacks. 

Drummond's quick ball movement caught Counties napping several times and they tired quickly. 

Counties' only try came from Nigel Ah Wong off a solid scrum couldn't spark a comeback as Canterbury ran in 3 of their own. 

Canterbury coach Glenn Delaney said he was pleased with the performance.

"A big focus this week has been looking at the small parts of the game and improving on that, the boys we have been training for a day and they have managed to sharpen those things up," he said.

The only low point for Canterbury was a knee injury to captain Luke Whitelock, who limped off in the second half. 

Canterbury will play Wellington on Sunday in round 6 of the Mitre 10 Cup.  

Counties faces relegation from championship unless they can win their five next games. 

The Cantabrians are in the toughest part of their schedule having to play 3 games in 11 days.

 

Canterbury 78 (Mitchell Drummond 4, Braydon Ennor, Tim Bateman 3, Rob Thompson, Poasa Waqanibau, Josh McKay tries; Richie Mo'unga penalty, 10 conversions) Counties Manukau 5 (Nigel Ah Wong try)

HT: 43-0

Man of the match: Mitchell Drummond