Canterbury repelled Taranaki's Ranfurly Shield challenge at AMI Stadium last night, the Red and Blacks' dangerous back three scoring all four tries for a bonus point 29-17 victory.

Sean Maitland, shining in his relatively new position of fullback, and wings Tu Umaga-Marshall and James Paterson scored Canterbury's tries, with the distribution skills of second-five Tim Bateman playing a big part in getting those players over the line.

Bateman, captaining the side in the absence of injured flanker George Whitelock, was a handful for Taranaki, constantly challenging the defence with his footwork and accurate wide passes which allowed attackers space to drift outside their markers.

Canterbury coach Rob Penney said after the match: "I think he [Bateman] is the best midfielder, distribution-wise, in the country."

Canterbury were on the scoreboard after only four minutes through a converted Maitland try - his first of two five-pointers. From a solid scrum 40m out, Bateman missed Umaga-Marshall and Casey Laulala and hit Maitland with the pass - the flying fullback doing the rest with his speed.

It was a fantastic way for Canterbury to start and especially pleasing to score from a set piece. It would be a recurring theme on the night which would have pleased backs coach Tabai Matson.

Taranaki bounced back straight away to score on the left through wing Shayne Austin, Canterbury making a mess of a defensive lineout and flanker Scott Waldrom making yards before the ball found its way to Austin.

Stephen Brett missed a penalty chance for Canterbury after good work in the tackle from 21-year-old flanker Matt Todd in his first start for the Red and Blacks.

Todd was again in the action following a Brett run but was pushed into touch after offering good support to the first-five.

A Willie Ripia penalty put Taranaki ahead 8-7 but it would be the last time the challengers would have the lead.

Umaga-Marshall scored a spectacular try for Canterbury straight from the re-start following a short kick to Michael Paterson. The blindside flanker broke through and slipped a sensational ball inside to Umaga-Marshall, who stepped off his right foot and crashed over. Brett converted and it was 14-8 to Canterbury.

Two more Ripia penalties locked the score at 14-all at halftime, Taranaki second-five Jayden Hayward missing with a drop goal attempt just before the whistle.

After the break a fired-up Canterbury put on 10 points in four minutes to effectively seal the game and crush Taranaki's hopes.

Brett kicked a penalty after an infringement from the kick-off then wing Paterson displayed great strength and tenacity to score.

A good run by Maitland and another astute pass by Bateman put the ball into Paterson's hands and he dived over in the tackle for a try converted by Brett.

A Ripia penalty narrowed the gap to 24-17 before Maitland's second try, arguably the best of the match.

From a lineout, Brett doubled around Bateman and showed great pace to ghost through the gap and put in a left-foot grubber kick for Maitland to run on to.

At 29-17 with 20 minutes to go, Canterbury were safe and were a little unlucky not to add to their score.

Wing Paterson went close twice after chasing down two kicks and Brett narrowly missed a drop goal.

The first-five again had to turn on the afterburners to chase down Austin after his pass was intercepted by the wing. His desperate run back and follow-up scrambling defence by Canterbury kept Taranaki try-less in the second half.

Though the backs shone last night, the platform was set by a very good performance by Canterbury's forwards. Andrew Olorenshaw was outstanding at loosehead prop and Todd had an excellent game at openside flanker.

Blindside flanker Paterson ranged wide and asked questions of the defence as usual.

Coach Penney said of his thoughts at halftime: "I was happy with the way the set piece was going, relatively happy with our intensity. It was just a matter of stringing some phases together."

The Shield is safe for another week. Now Canterbury will turn their attentions to Northland next Saturday afternoon - another Shield challenge.

Canterbury - Tries: Sean Maitland (2), Tu Umaga-Marshall, James Paterson. Conversions: Stephen Brett (3). Penalty: Brett.

Taranaki - Try: Shayne Austin. Penalties: Willie Ripia (2).

HT: 14-14.

Canterbury:
1. Andrew Olorenshaw
2. Corey Flynn (16. Ti'i Paulo 65th min)
3. Peter Borlase
4. Sam Whitelock
5. James Broadhurst
6. Michael Paterson
7. Matt Todd
8. Ash Parker (18. Nasi Manu 55th min)
9. Andy Ellis (20. Tyson Keats 65th min)
10. Stephen Brett
11. James Paterson (21. Adam Whitelock 77th min)
12. Tim Bateman (c)
13. Casey Laulala
14. Tu Umaga-Marshall
15. Sean Maitland

Reserves not used:
17. Rodney Ah You
19. Aaron McCoy
22. Chris Small