Wellington are in need of a challenge in the ITM Cup and Canterbury might finally give them one next week.
Sure, Bay of Plenty got within seven points of the Lions at one stage in the capital last night but the competition front-runners eventually moved to a 33-16 win over the Steamers.
The win solidified Wellington's claim to being a true contender as they asserted themselves on the Premiership's whipping boys, who are staring down the barrel of relegation.
Wellington have now won six from six and five have come with a bonus point - not a bad strike rate.
Last night's victory may have come at a cost though with starting halfback Frae Wilson taken from the field in the 10th minute with a painful leg injury.