A tactically inept Southland were no match for Canterbury in their first division match in Invercargill, conceding five tries and failing to get one of their own.
While Southland competed determinedly at set pieces and breakdowns, Canterbury found the going relatively easy in wet and breezy conditions atRugby Park.
With elusive fullback Ben Blair providing the impetus from the back, Canterbury's fleet-footed back division provided four of the tries.
The other came when lock Todd Blackadder broke clear and set up hooker Matt Sexton for a simple run to the line.
Canterbury, who have a dream draw in the NPC with the - on paper - easier games while their All Blacks contingent are otherwise occupied, have taken maximum points from their first two games.
Former All Black midfielder Daryl Gibson, stretchered off with what appeared a serious groin injury in the second half, could be in doubt for Friday night's Ranfurly Shield defence against Bay of Plenty.
Gibson collapsed after kicking ahead and was in obvious discomfort.
The loss of Gibson was the only disappointment in an impressive performance by Canterbury, who rarely looked as if their line was going to be breached.
With the opening of the new grandstand and the official name of the ground reverting to Rugby Park, it was a big day for Southland rugby.
But the home team showed a reluctance to attack Canterbury, and often played into their hands by kicking directly to Blair - who was always keen to counter-attack.
Southland coach Leicester Rutledge agreed much of the kicking was aimless, but added that it was always going to be difficult scoring tries against "one of the best defensive teams in the world".
In the Canterbury pack, rugby league convert Brad Thorn had a strong game and coach Steve Hansen was happy that, as he said, he was continuing his development since switching codes.
Canterbury led 27-9 at halftime and secured the bonus point when wing Caleb Ralph scored with 15 minutes left to play.
Replacement back Joe Maddock completed the scoring, strolling over unopposed in the dying stages.
