Two late tries from captain Mitch Drummond have propelled Canterbury through to next week's Mitre 10 Cup premiership final - their 10th title game in 11 years - with a chance to defend their crown.
The red-and-blacks trailled for most of their semi-final clash with near neighbours Tasman, but prised the advantage away over the final 20 minutes, as their opponents lost players to yellow cards, to win 21-16.
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Canterbury scored first, through a Brett Cameron penalty, but the Mako began the stronger of the two rivals, evening the score after half an hour and crossing for the game's opening try through captain David Havili before half-time.
Another Cameron penalty closed the margin to 13-6 at the break and the teams swapped penalties after the break, as the tussle continued.
Veteran prop Wyatt Crockett was substituted out of the game in the 50th minute and Tasman lost their vocal leader. The game began to turn from that point and swung Canterbury's way moments later, when number eight Michael Curry was sin-binned for repeated offside.
While the Mako were short-handed, Drummond crossed for his first try, running from the base of a five-metre scrum and finding a wide path to the goal-line. Cameron's conversion levelled the scores.
Fullback Will Jordan also earned a spell on the side-lines, when he deliberately knocked on while attempting an interception. His exit left Tasman to again battle with a man down and they held out until the 77th minute, when Drummond struck again for the matchwinner.
When the ball went right, Canterbury centre Braydon Ennor was tackled high, but Drummond secured possession and grubbered to the line, regathering for the try.
The result puts Canterbury through to the premiership final, where they await the winners between Auckland and Wellington in Saturday's second semi.
If Auckland win, the final will take place at Eden Park - if the Lions prevail, Christchurch will host the title game.
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