Canterbury gained maximum points with a solid all-round display when they vanquished North Harbour 36-3 in their ITM Cup match in Christchurch on Saturday.
Canterbury had too much finesse, scoring five tries to none and scoring 26 unanswered points in the second half.
They seemed tired at times, it was their third game in eight days, but their defence held well and they capitalised on most of their scoring chances. They now have 10 points from their three games while North Harbour are pointless after two.
Defending champions Canterbury were the clear favourites after their 33-11 win over Auckland followed a shock first round loss to Tasman. Harbour, who play in the championship, had lost 22-42 to Waikato in their only previous game.
Captain George Whitelock led Canterbury out in his 50th match for the province and they opened the scoring after 14 minutes when centre Robbie Fruean burst over from a quick tap penalty by Nasi Manu. Tom Taylor converted well and it was 7-0.
North Harbour was proving competitive but a dazzling run by wing Johnny McNicholl led to Taylor kicking an easy penalty and extending the lead to 10-0.
Bryn Hall kicked a penalty to score Harbour's first points after 32 minutes after a brilliant break by midfielder Francis Saili.
Canterbury had a gilt-edged chance to score their second try three minutes before halftime but flanker Matt Todd dropped the ball with the line open.
Canterbury had 55 percent territory in the first half and snaffled three turnovers to one but too many handling errors (eight, compared to four by Harbour) stymied their progress.
But Canterbury scored their second try five minutes into the second spell when McNicholl intercepted a pass from Michael Hobbs and sped 30m to the posts. Taylor converted and it was 17-3.
Manu, who had had an outstanding all-round game, scored Canterbury's third try midway through the spell when he crashed over in the left corner after a lovely break by Tyler Bleyendal to extend the lead to 22-3.
Canterbury scored their fourth (and bonus point) try three minutes later, McNicholl getting his second after Fruean scorched down the left wing from a turnover. Taylor converted and it was 29-3.
Harbour had Canterbury under severe pressure at times but could not deliver the knockout blow against a well-organised defence.
Canterbury scored their fifth try nine minutes from the end, replacement Andy Ellis scooting away after he gathered an in-pass from Fruean. Taylor converted and it was 36-3.
Scores were:
Canterbury 36 (Robbie Fruean, Johnny McNicholl 2, Nasi Manu, Andy Ellis tries; Tom Taylor 4 con, pen) North Harbour 3 (Bryn Hall pen. HT: 10-3.
