Canterbury's campaign for a fourth-straight Mitre 10 Cup Premiership title have been dealt an early blow, after they were beaten 25-17 by rivals, Tasman in the opening round of the 2018 season.
Last year's runners up were a class above this time around, as they led throughout the encounter in Nelson after an early penalty goal to first-five Mitch Hunt.
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Powerful centre, Levin Aumua was a constant presence on both attack and defence, scoring the game's opening try after an electrifying break from replacement loose forward, Sione Havili.
Canterbury first-five, Brett Cameron opened his side's account with a penalty goal, but it was the hosts that took a 10-3 lead into the break.
Tasman continued their dominance into the second half, scoring their second try of the game through Collingwood lock, Quinten Strange after he was the beneficiary of a huge overlap to the right following a line-break by hooker, Andrew Makalio.
Solomon Alaimalo marked his Tasman debut with a try shortly after, powering his way through Canterbury's line defence.
Hunt would add to his tally with another penalty goal before a yellow card to Blair Prinsep allowed Canterbury to score their first try through Greg Pleasants-Tate.
Pleasants-Tate would then cross for his second after strong play by Canterbury's forwards allowed the replacement hooker to crash over from short range.
Canterbury will have a chance to get their season back on track when they meet Wellington in Christchurch next Saturday, while Tasman will host Southland on Sunday.
Newshub.
