Canterbury extended their Ranfurly Shield reign with a rousing win over Waikato in an NPC first division rugby match at Christchurch's Jade Stadium this afternoon.
Canterbury made light of pre-match predictions favouring a Waikato win, effectively sealing the match immediately after halftime when they led 27-5.
Comingoff their first defeat in 22 years to Southland last weekend, Canterbury rose to the occasion as New Zealand domestic rugby's most famous trophy was put on the line against a side who entered the sixth round of the NPC at the top of the standings.
They were too clinically efficient for three-quarters of the game before Waikato finished strongly to secure a bonus point fourth try in the last movement of the match.
Canterbury's fine first-half performance owed much to former All Blacks first five-eighth Andrew Mehrtens, who made a surprise appearance after not being listed to play.
Mehrtens, who has been sidelined in recent weeks because of a thigh injury, offered Canterbury control and accuracy as they earned a 20-5 advantage by the interval.
When centre Casey Laulala ran half the length of the field for a try, following a midfield turnover immediately after the resumption, Canterbury led 27-5 and their lead was never threatened.
Canterbury 35 (Scott Robertson, Ben Blair, Casey Laulala and Johnny Leo'o tries; Blair 2 pen, 3 con, Cameron McIntyre dropped goal)
Waikato 24 (Loki Crichton, Greg Smith, Todd Miller and Sosene Anesi tries; Crichton 2 con)