Canterbury fire off warning signs to BOP

Canterbury fired off an ominous warning to Ranfurly Shield holders Bay of Plenty when they thumped Otago 42-7 in tonight's NPC rugby match at Jade Stadium.

Unconvincing in their opening two matches, Canterbury roared into action against Otago by scoring six tries to one in wet and slippery conditions, and will now approach next weekend's shield challenge at Mount Maunganui with plenty of confidence.

While pleased with his side's attack, Canterbury coach Aussie McLean would have been just as happy with the way his side's defence snuffed any chance Otago had of breaking their six-year losing streak at the ground.

The performance was a massive turnaround from last week's 43-43 draw with North Harbour after they blew a 17-point half-time lead.

Otago pulled a swifty before kick off, bringing All Blacks tighthead prop Carl Hayman and lock Simon Maling into the pack and it was only up front where they proved competitive.

Elsewhere around the paddock Canterbury just had too much class, starting with first five-eighths Andrew Mehrtens, who made several big breaks and set up Scott Hamilton's second try with a nice delayed pass.

Fullback Ben Blair produced one his best efforts of the year with his running, and also kicked 12 points after missing two easy shots at goal for a success rate of five from nine.

Such was Canterbury's dominance in the second half, McLean had the luxury of emptying his bench.

Up front Canterbury were led by the likes of hooker Corey Flynn -- who scored a try and set up Hamilton's first try after a dummy pass -- and fellow frontrowers Dave Hewett and Greg Somerville.

On a night when it seemed more prudent to keep the ball close to the forwards, Canterbury showed they had the confidence to spin it wide and stretch Otago's defence, which missed 25 tackles.

Adding to Otago's woes, No 8 Grant Webb was yellow carded for infringing at a ruck in the 66th minute but by then the match was over with Canterbury ahead 37-5.

Canterbury led 22-0 at halftime, with tries to Casey Laulala, Flynn and Blair.

The first quarter was messy, with both teams struggling to hold on to the ball and kicking waywardly.

Despite the nervous start, Canterbury, with the freezing southerly wind on their back, looked most likely to score first and blew three possible tries before centre Laulala capped off a Mehrtens break to score in the 22nd minute.

For the remainder of the half Otago remained pinned in their half as the home side dominated territory.

Tries by Flynn and Blair followed Otago turnovers.

Flynn's try followed a crunching tackle by Hewett on an indecisive Danny Lee while Blair produced side-stepped to leave Seilala Mapusua grasping air after a Ben Hurst kick.

- NZPA