5 Reasons Why Canterbury Will Beat Auckland In The ITM Cup Final

As the premiership final of the 2012 ITM Cup draws near, Canterbury are looking to clinch their fifth straight title, while Auckland are looking to be the ones to dethrone them.
Being the one eyed cantab that I am, here's 5 reasons why Canterbury will claim their fifth title in a row over their northern rivals:

1. Coaching Staff

The Canterbury coaching line up have a wealth of experience between them, both playing and coaching. Head coach Tabai Matson, although in his first year as head coach, has been the understudy to Rob Penny when Canterbury claimed their last four titles. Therefore he knows how to coach a winning side, he knows how to combat the pressure of finals footy and he knows how to inject a game plan capable of taking out the final, especially against rugby giants Auckland. Matson. Crucial. Enough said.

2. Home Ground Advantage

Whilst playing at home is always said to be an advantage, playing at home in Canterbury is something just a little bit different. Widely regarded as the best fans in the country, and the hardest to play in front of as an opposing team, these Canterbury fans will make it very hard for Auckland to get in the game, and will make full sure that they are behind Canterbury for the full 80, being as vocal as they can. Remember these fans have been missing rugby for a couple of years (earthquakes you see, real shame) so they will ensure that they make their presence known tomorrow night.

3. Canterbury Know How To Win Finals

Remember, Canterbury are gunning for their fifth consecutive title. That means that they have the four previous ITM Cup competitions. Which means they happen to know a thing or two about winning, and how to win finals. With the experience they have in their side going into the final, they will be a very difficult side to put away. They've won finals away from home, they've won finals at home. They know how to do it. Period.

4. Robbie Fruean

I think the picture says it all about this man really. He's a beast. He can rip teams apart and change the game instantly. He will be crucial to Canterbury's attack tomorrow night, we need to get the ball into this mans hands, and when we do he will be a nightmare for opposition. His pure strength and decisiveness on attack has been key to the functioning of the Canterbury backline all year, and this must continue in order for Canterbury to claim their fifth title.

5. Andy Ellis

This guy is in the form of his life at the moment, and how he isn't wearing an All Black jersey I'm not sure. But the way he is controlling the game and dictating Canterbury's attack is second to none, not even Aaron Smith. His kicking game is putting constant pressure on opposition and his speed to the breakdown ensures continuous quick ball for the Canterbury backs. There's no need to ask 'if he fires Canterbury will be unstoppable' because he WILL fire and Canterbury WILL be unstoppable.


Canterbury gun for their fifth title tomorrow night at 7:35 live on SkySport1 from AMI Stadium in Christchurch.