Racing
League
Rugby
Football
Cricket
Golf
Sport Nation
Motorsport
Netball
Basketball
Combat Sports
Olympics
Other Sports
Live sport on SN this weekend‘Everyone wants to beat you’: Canterbury hope to silence haters in NPC semi-final
Sport Nation • October 16th, 2026 9:15 am
Sam Darry | Photo: John Davidson/Photosport
Canterbury are aware many will cheer against them when they face Taranaki in this week’s NPC semi-final, and Sam Darry says that comes with the territory of representing a team with a history of success.
The All Blacks lock said the reigning champions are used to being the side others want to beat and that won’t change on Sunday.
“I think coming from Canterbury, you know that everyone wants to beat you,” Darry told Sport Nation.
“We don't talk about it too much, but we're very aware of it.
“Obviously when I got to the Blues for Super Rugby, it's much the same in Super Rugby with the Crusaders. So, I've kind of been on one side of it and now on this side of it.”
Sam Darry | Photo: John Davidson/Photosport
Rather than dwell on the pressure that comes with Canterbury’s reputation, Darry says the team is focused on its own ambitions.
“At the end of the day we’re very determined to go and achieve our goal and obviously we've got a very successful history but we're keen to kind of pave our own path and try and make some memories of our own.”
Darry, who entered the squad for last week’s quarter final is fresh off the plane from the All Blacks tour of South Africa, has admitted he feels fortunate to arrive after the team has done the work throughout the regular season.
“Feel like a wee bit of a fraud coming in for the final three games.
“The boys have done an awesome job all year to position us in a great spot with home advantage and now it's just about getting out there in the weekend and putting out a performance we can be proud of.”
Listen to the full interview below:
