A second-half masterclass has seen Canterbury grab their third win of the season, cruising past Manawatū 34-10 on Friday.
On a mild night in Palmerston North, Chay Fihaki had a barnstorming night, scoring two tries and setting up another, whilst rangey forward Billy Harmon also starred to ensure the Turbos remain the competition's only winless side.
The first half was a scrappy affair, with both teams unable to convert a number of great opportunities in the final third due to simple errors.
But despite Manawatū dominating territory and possession, it was Canterbury who went into the sheds with a 10-0 lead courtesy of a Rameka Poihipi try, who cashed in on an opportunist break from stand-out Fihaki.
In the second half, the Cantabrians stormed out of the gates.
Impressive first-five Fergus Burke's superb regather from his own tactical kick was the first of a three-try blitz.
Minutes later, Luke Romano's superb back-hand flick pass created a try for Mitchell Drummond.
A Harmon break sparked the next try, Fihaki capitalising on a mammoth overlap to score in the corner.
The big wing then capped off a sweeping 80m break, galloping 30m to essentially kill off the contest.
Manawatū got two late consolation tries through midfielder Josiah Maraku and replacement back Drew Wild but it was too little too late.
Canterbury now return home to take on Waikato, while Manawatū will attempt to snap a five-game losing streak against Bay of Plenty.
Canterbury 34 (Chay Fihaki 2, Fergus Burke, Mitchell Drummond, Rameka Poihipi tries, Burke 3 con, pen) Manawatū 10 (Josiah Maraku, Drew Wild tries)
