Canterbury came from behind against Manawatu in Palmerston North tonight to win a 27-26 nailbiter, their first victory of the season.
Replacement centre Robbie Fruean scored two tries for Canterbury in the second half - his powerful running was a real boost to the Red and Blacks and he added a lot of momentum to a strangely off colour performance.
Fruean missed Canterbury's first game of the season against Hawke's Bay due to an irregular heart beat but he is back on track now and showed he will be a force to be reckoned with this season.
Canterbury needed a little inspiration as they were often beaten to the punch by a more motivated Manawatu, who were playing in front of a lively FMG Stadium crowd.
The home side struck first through sevens star Lote Raikabula, who strolled over for a converted try in the first few minutes.
Like he did against Hawke's Bay, Sean Maitland opened Canterbury's account, ghosting outside his marker when coming in from fullback. His pace will be a real weapon for Canterbury this season and he is sure to add to his try tally.
Canterbury took the lead with a Colin Slade penalty before Manawatu struck back with two tries through Raikabula and Tomasi Cama.
With the score 19-8 to Manawatu, Canterbury had to cut down on the mistakes and get into the game, although they were unlucky not to score through second-five Stephen Brett after Slade put him through under the posts.
The try was disallowed because of a George Whitelock 'obstruction' at the back of the lineout, despite the Canterbury captain having his back to the defender and following play.
Halftime gave the Cantabs time to regroup but worryingly for them it was Manawatu who scored first after halftime, a Shannon Paku midfield burst broke the Canterbury defence and Casey Stone took his offload at speed to show Maitland and Sam Monaghan a clean pair of heels.
The conversion made it 26-8 and it was a long way back for Canterbury, but they set about their work and slowly clawed their way into it.
The sinbinning of Manawatu lock Reece Robinson and the introduction off All Blacks halfback Andy Ellis helped the visitors immensely.
Ellis' organisational skills and danger from the base of the ruck got the visitors on the front foot as Fruean (twice) and wing Telusa Veainu scored tries.
It was perhaps a little harsh on Manawatu but they picked up two bonus points and had a chance to win the match with a late penalty attempt from 55m which was missed by former Meridian Canterbury Academy player Hadleigh Parkes.
Fruean, who replaced Tu Umaga-Marshall (hamstring injury) late in the first half was Canterbury's star. NZ under-20 wing Veainu looks a good prospect with his pace and evasiveness and Sam Monaghan had a good debut on the wing before being replaced.
Slade (pictured) again looked assured at first-five.
In the forwards, look Isaac Ross shone in the loose and his skills in midfield helped set up Veainu's crucial score.
Canterbury: Tries - Robbie Fruean 2, Sean Maitland, Telusa Veainu tries. Cons - Colin Slade 2. Pen - Slade.
Manawatu: Tries - Lote Raikabula 2, Tomasi Cama, Casey Stone. Cons - Shannon Paku 2, Craig Clare
HT: Manawatu 19-8
Canterbury:
1. Wyatt Crockett
2. Steve Fualau (Paul Ngauamo 46th)
3. Peter Borlase (Andrew Olorenshaw 60th)
4. Luke Romano (Rob Verbakel 46th)
5. Isaac Ross
6. Matt Todd (Brendon O'Connor 56th - blood bin)
7. George Whitelock (c)
8. Ash Parker
9. Matt George (Andy Ellis 52nd)
10. Colin Slade
11. Sam Monaghan (Robbie Flynn 66th)
12. Stephen Brett
13. Tu Umaga-Marshall (Robbie Fruean 21st)
14. Telusa Veainu
15. Sean Maitland