At the start of the ITM Cup many would have predicted the week five match between Canterbury and Wellington to be a clash of two unbeaten teams.

It was less convincing on the scoreboard but Canterbury's narrow victory over Otago tonight was almost as impressive as their early-round routs.

There won't be many more lopsided affairs on paper in this year's ITM Cup than Canterbury hosting Northland and for the opening quarter of last night's contest, the Taniwha held their own.