Canterbury hunt their first win at home for 2022

Canterbury has their sights set on back-to-back wins, with the Wellington Lions coming to town on Saturday.

After an exciting 62-15 win over Manawatu to open their NPC campaign, Billy Harmon’s troops have arrived back in Christchurch with the task of defending home territory for the first time in 2022.  

“That was a good start,” said Harmon, who will captain the side again in his 50th match in red and black. “But we know the Lions are a different beast and it’ll be a different challenge this week.”  

A revved-up Marty Bourke has put the pressure on his side to seek out a performance that the people of Canterbury can be proud of. “The last thing we want is for teams to think they’re coming to Christchurch for a jolly. This is our home ground, and we will defend it with everything that we have.” 

With that in mind, Bourke loaded the chambers with experienced loosehead Daniel Lienert Brown retuning to the starting line-up, forming a formidable front row alongside hooker Brodie McAlister and tighthead Owen Franks. Finlay Brewis, Oli Jager, and George Bell provide the second round of ammo. Highly regarded Bell, who captained the New Zealand Under 20’s to their recent Oceania title, gets his first opportunity in Canterbury colours.  

Backs coach Alex Robertson is sticking to his guns, resisting any changes to his backline from week one, with Mitchell Drummond and Fergus Burke loaded at 9 & 10, Dallas McLeod and Rameka Poihipi in the midfield and firing shots from out wide. “Our guys connected really well last week, so it makes sense to build on that,” said Robertson.  

“We want the boys to go out there and try their hand, back themselves to have a crack, and forming combinations that are familiar will really help that.”  

Bourke also made mention of the Miles Toyota Club Day with the team set to be led out by the next generation of club players. “It’s really important for our players to remember where they’ve come from, and to showcase the pathway to professional rugby. Our guys have been training in their club jerseys all week and sharing their stories about where they’ve come from, which has been really exciting.”