Canterbury thrash North Harbour

Canterbury try-scorer: Robbie Fruean

Canterbury moved to the top of the ITM Cup table after claiming a convincing 36-3 win over North Harbour in Christchurch.

The home side, who played matches against Tasman and Auckland over the past week, looked tired in the first half and held a precarious 10-3 lead at the interval.

Their only try during this period was scored by Robbie Fruean, who barged North Harbour's try-line from close quarters after Nasi Manu opted to run the ball from a penalty.

Canterbury turned on the style during the second half, however, with left wing Johnny McNicholl leading the way with two well-taken tries.

His first was an intercept try which put daylight between his team and the visitors and Manu also got his name on the scoresheet when he rounded off in the corner.

McNicholl clinched the bonus-point try after running onto a pass from Fruean and Andy Ellis added to North Harbour's woes when he scored Canterbury's fifth try late in the half.

The scorers:

For Canterbury:
Tries: McNicholl 2, Fruean, Manu, Ellis
Cons: Taylor 4
Pen: Taylor

For North Harbour:
Pen: Hall

Canterbury: 15 Tom Taylor, 14 Adam Whitelock, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Johnny McNicholl, 10 Tyler Bleyendaal, 9 Willi Heinz , 8 Nasi Manu, 7 Matt Todd, 6 George Whitelock, 5 Luke Katene, 4 Dom Bird, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Wyatt Crockett .
Replacements: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Paea Fa'anunu, 18 Joel Everson, 19 Luke Whitelock, 20 Andy Ellis, 21 Telusa Veainu, 22 Rhys Llewelyn.

North Harbour: 15 Luke Devcich, 14 David Raikuna, 13 Cory Aporo, 12 Francis Saili, 11 Nafi Tuitavake, 10 Michael Hobbs, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Vili Fihaki, 7 Sam Hayes, 6 Irwin Finau, 5 Filo Paulo, 4 Chris Smith, 3 Ben Afeaki (c), 2 James Parsons (c), 1 Salesi Manu.
Replacements: 16 Manu Leiataua, 17 James Afoa, 18 Api Ratuniyarawa, 19 Malakai Ravulo, 20 Brenton Helleur, 21 James Semple, 22 Pita Ah Ki.