Shocker: Otago oust Canterbury from NPC final!

October 14, 2005

Overnight upset -- The New Zealand Herald reports:

Otago's 15-man rugby caused the biggest upset of the NPC first division rugby season when they eliminated hot favourites Canterbury 37-22 in the first semifinal tonight.

Despite playing in front of Canterbury fans at Jade Stadium, Otago scored five tries to three in a typical tense southern derby and booked a spot in the final against either Auckland or North Harbour, who meet at Eden Park tomorrow.

Go here to read the rest.

Pretty unbelievable, can't wait to watch this one. After viewing last week's Ranfurly Shield game against Auckland, I thought Canterbury's impregnable defence, patience and experience were going to guarantee them a win. But I guess it's a s good a lesson as any to never underestimate any team that has Anton Oliver and Carl Hayman in their front row.

[Update] A good game review is now up at Rugby Planet: "The second half, in which 46 points were scored, was a thrill a minute."

DON'T FORGET... World Cup wonder-boy Jonny Wilkinson gets his first game time since flaming out in New Zealand with the Lions. Rugby Planet says, "Injury-jinxed England star Jonny Wilkinson will make his first start of the season at Welford Road on Friday night. Wilko will don Newcastle's No.10 jersey for their Premiership battle with league leaders Leicester." Read the preview...