Playing with the wind in the first half, they were still too guilty of overplaying their hand. The ball was often spilled at inopportune times (although there's never a good time) and it meant they put themselves under pressure.
They didn't play for territory as often as they should and it was one of the reasons they went into the halftime break trailing 10-6.
Andrew Ellis and Tyler Bleyendaal were also guilty of letting Taranaki first five-eighths James Marshall slice through 20m out and, after an exchange of passes with Willie Rickards, crossed for the half's only try.
Taranaki briefly flirted with the idea of trying to play possession rugby in the second spell but quickly worked out this was counter-productive. Instead, they banged it into the corners and set about getting the ball back.
It ushered in a period of kicks and counter-kicks and it was not a great day to be under the high ball.
It also meant it wasn't a great spectacle, but the good crowd of 10,000 at Yarrow Stadium didn't care.
The game was in the balance until the 78th minute when Scott Waldrom drove over from close range to finally give his side the breathing space they were after.
Taranaki will hang onto the Shield for at least another fortnight when Manawatu visit and remain unbeaten this season. In comparison, Canterbury were left to reflect on a rare defeat.
Taranaki 18 (James Marshall, Scott Waldrom tries; Frazier Climo pen, con; Jack Cameron pen) Canterbury 9 (Tyler Bleyendaal 3 pens), HT: 10-6.
