Canterbury has lost an entertaining ITM Cup game 37-28 to Wellington at Westpac Stadium.

Robbie Fruean scored for Canterbury after only 20 seconds, and Tom Taylor scored about 17 minutes later, but after that it was all Wellington before Canterbury fought back late in the second half and scored tries through Nepo Laulala and Ben Funnell.

The four tries gave Canterbury a bonus point but they will be disappointed with the result following their fine start.

Fruean scored one of the quickest tries in national provincial history after Wellington made a hash of Canterbury's kick-off and he charged through from 30m out.

Taylor scored a fine try after a good Johnny McNicholl break, second-five Taylor showing a nice hit-and-spin to bamboozle the last defender.

Laulala and Funnell, two front row substitutes, went over from close range in the final minutes - hooker Funnell scoring in the corner after the final hooter. Tyler Bleyendaal, in his first ITM Cup match, did well to convert from near the sideline.

Victor Vito, Wellington's captain, was in fine form for the home side, which put pressure on Canterbury's lineout and scrum.

Joining Vito on Wellington's scoresheet were Michael Hobbs, Scott Fugistaller and Frae Wilson.

Jason Woodward should have made it on there too but for an amazing try-saving tackle from McNicholl after Woodard had dived over the line. McNicholl prevent the wing from putting the ball down and the TMO agreed.