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From super sub to super centre: Sonny Bill Williams - Source: Photosport -
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All Blacks hopeful Sonny Bill Williams delivered an error-free
performance when he made a long-awaited and winning debut in
the ITM Cup for Canterbury in Christchurch tonight.
Canterbury, with a dominant scrum, beat Bay of Plenty 28-9 in a
three tries to none victory after a scrappy sixth round match
punctuated by a large number of penalties called by referee Garratt
Williamson.
Williams came off the bench to warm up as early as the fifth minute
when second five-eighth Ryan Crotty wrenched an ankle and then took
the field in the 18th minute when Crotty came off.
Williams did not see the ball for a while as Canterbury
concentrated on kicking for territory for most of the first half
but then showed some classy touches with some neat off loads when
the ball did get to him.
His defence was never really tested with any intent by Bay of
Plenty but he produced a try-saving touch when his dive drove last
week's hat-trick scorer Lelia Masaga into the corner flag in the
second half.
Bay of Plenty took a 6-0 lead through two Mike Delaney Penalties as
both sides applied an ineffectual kicking game with a vengeance
from kickoff although at scrum time, the Canterbury front row of
Owen Franks, Corey Flynn and Wyatt Crockett were untroubled by
their opposites.
Canterbury pivot Stephen Brett closed the gap with a penalty of his
own
and then hardworking No 8 Nasi Manu powered over from 15 metres for
a converted try which completed scoring in the first half.
An early second half penalty by Brett stretched the lead to
13-9 and Bay of Plenty had no answer once Canterbury began to
keep the ball in hand.
Blindside flanker Matt Todd was hand to take the final pass from
Sam Whitelock to score an unconverted try after a concerted buildup
from Canterbury involving backs and forwards.
Brett kicked another penalty and then in the best move of the
match, centre Robbie Fruean scythed through the Bay of Plenty
defence to score his seventh try of the season after Canterbury won
their own lineout.
Canterbury 28 (Nasi Manu, Mat Todd,
Robbie Fruean tries; Stephen Brett 3 pen, 2 con)
Bay of Plenty 9 (Mike Delaney 3 pen).
Halftime: 10-9
