Steve Brett shone in Canterbury's hard-fought 25-21 victory over franchise partners Tasman at AMI Stadium yesterday.
With Dan Carter helping retain the Bledisloe Cup with the All Blacks in Sydney, first-five Brett took full advantage of his chance and had an excellent game.
He scored a very good try in which he showcased his speed, nearly set up another with a perfect kick to wing Sean Maitland, and generally showed he is back to near his best after struggling with the aftermath of leg injuries in the recent Rebel Sport Super 14.
Brett said afterwards: "That was great fun. I enjoyed it. I wanted to make the most of the opportunity but didn't want to try too much. I just wanted to get into the game and take it from there."
Canterbury outscored Tasman three tries to two and led 17-6 after Brett's try in the 19th minute, but the Makos refused to buckle and kept fighting back. It led to a nervous final few minutes for Canterbury, who were defending a four-point lead.
The Red and Blacks were on the scoreboard after only one minute - impressive new No8 Mike Coman putting in a massive hit on Tasman wing Blair Cook, with the Makos judged offside immediately afterwards.
Colin Slade slotted the penalty but Tasman first-five Andrew Goodman had Tasman back on level terms with a penalty of his own after nine minutes.
Canterbury wing Maitland then demonstrated his speed and composure with a try which was converted by Slade.
Canterbury were in their own 22 but decided to run the ball and Brett's long pass found Tim Bateman who put Maitland into space. Maitland chipped ahead then kicked soccer-style twice more before grounding the ball just before it went dead.
Goodman replied with another penalty before Brett scored a fine individual try. With Canterbury on attack, the No10 dummied and breached the first wave of defence before running around former flatmate and Crusaders team-mate Kahn Fotuali'i to score untouched.
With Slade converting, the score was 17-6 and the Cantabs were threatening to run amok.
Slade missed a penalty before Tasman reasserted themselves and put some pressure on inside Canterbury's 22m. A five-metre scrum was forced and halfback Fotuali'i scored in the tackles of George Whitelock and Luke Romano.
Goodman converted then kicked a penalty to narrow the gap to 17-16.
Canterbury struck back in timely fashion through wing Tu Umaga-Marshall, making his first appearance since signing from Wellington. He was at the end of a crisp backline move and dummied to easily fool two Tasman defenders before sprinting 40m to score.
Slade missed the conversion attempt but at 22-16, it seemed certain that Canterbury would come out after halftime and dominate proceedings.
Slade's penalty early in the second half eased Canterbury out to a nine-point buffer before Tasman wing James Kamana took advantage of some poor defending to score a five-pointer.
Goodman's conversion attempt from wide on the right missed - it was his first miss after 12 successful kicks (he kicked eight from eight at home against Counties in round three).
At 25-21, both sides were in the game but the second half meandered somewhat thanks to a series of injuries and constant re-setting of scrums.
Maitland almost scored a double but fluffed a chance when failing to handle Brett's pin-point cross kick.
Canterbury received a boost when hooker Corey Flynn and halfback Andy Ellis came on halfway through the second half. Both have been out of the game for some time due to injuries and it was pleasing to see them return for Canterbury.
Brett missed a dropped goal attempt and Slade missed a penalty but Canterbury held on to win against their plucky neighbours.
For Canterbury, Coman and George Whitelock played well in the forwards, who struggled at times against a battle-hardened Tasman pack. The Canterbury lineout generally functioned OK, but the scrum wasn't as good as usual.
Brett was outstanding at first-five, second-five Bateman had a very good first half and left wing Umaga-Marshall showed some very good touches which suggested he will be a valuable addition to the defending champions.
He in particular will be looking forward to Saturday's game against his former Wellington team - a match which will be a Ranfurly Shield challenge.
Lock Luke Romano, wing Chris Small and prop Rodney Ah You also earned their first caps for Canterbury.
Canterbury - Tries: Sean Maitland, Steve Brett, Tu Umaga-Marshall. Conversions: Colin Slade (2). Penalties: Slade (2).
Tasman - Tries: Kahn Fotuali'i, James Kamana. Conversion: Andrew Goodman. Penalties: Goodman (3).
HT: Canterbury 22-16.
Canterbury:
1. Andrew Olorenshaw
2. Ti'i Paulo (16. Corey Flynn 55min)
3. Pete Borlase (17. Rodney Ah You - blood bin)
4. Luke Romano (18. Sam Whitelock 55min)
5. James Broadhurst
6. Michael Paterson
7. George Whitelock (c)
8. Mike Coman (19. Matt Todd 71st)
9. Tyson Keats (20. Andy Ellis 55min)
10. Stephen Brett
11. Tu Umaga-Marshall (22. Chris Small 70th)
12. Tim Bateman
13. Adam Whitelock
14. Sean Maitland
15. Colin Slade
Reserves not used:
21. Ryan Crotty