Two-time defending Mitre 10 Cup champions Canterbury, have flexed their muscles in a brilliant come from behind win over fellow premiership side North Harbour in Albany.
Trailing 21-10 at halftime, the red and blacks wrote a familiar script in the second-half, scoring three tries in 13-minutes to turn an 11-point deficit into a 10-point lead.
Playing with 80 percent of the ball the visitors dominated up-front and turned the tide on a Harbour side that played with tenacity and flair, worthy of their rising title credentials.
Tries to Matt Duffie, Harrison Groundwater and Gerard Cowley-Tuitoi appeared to have set the homeside on their way to proving they are indeed worthy contenders.
But it was Canterbury who ultimately ended the match as title favourites, despite a late fight-back by the Harbour, running out with a 41-28 win.
Halfback Mitchell Drummond scored two-tries and playmaker Richie Mo'unga proved his rapidly-rising class, masterminding the Cantabs comeback.
Next up for the red and blacks is a Ranfurly Shield defence against Waikato in 7-days, while Harbour host Hawke's Bay on Friday night.
Newshub.
