Air NZ Cup final win for Canterbury

Canterbury wins back-to-back Air New Zealand Cup titles, beating Wellington 28-20- send-off for Laulala

8 November 2009
Canterbury have won back-to-back Air New Zealand Cup titles.

They have beaten Wellington 28-20 in Christchurch to hand the Lions their fourth straight defeat in finals.

Canterbury dominated the first half to lead 18-3, before Wellington worked back into the game with tries to Alapati Leuia and Scott Fuglistaller.

Canterbury prop Andrew Olorenshaw says their staunch defence, even when down to 14 men, was impressive.

He says they stuck to their systems and believed in each other.

Canterbury first five Stephen Brett says losing the Ranfurly Shield two weeks ago gave them extra motivation to be the first team to win back-to-back titles.

Provincial rugby fans now wait with interest to see if the competition loses any teams for next season.

The win was a perfect send-off for Canterbury centre Casey Laulala.

The former All Black is leaving to take up a contract with Cardiff following seven years with the red and blacks.

Laulala says he could not have asked for a better way to go out, with the added bonus of the team using his name as a substitute in the classic 'Reuben Thorne' celebratory song.

However Laulala says it just did not quite fit.

Canterbury also farewell Michael and James Paterson.

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