Canterbury 71 (McLeod, Knewstubb, Brewis, Punivai, Harmon, Poihipi, Mataele x2, Chay Fihaki, Sam Darry x2 tries; Cameron 8 con) bt
North Otago 7 (Hayward try; Phipps con)
HT: 45-0
Canterbury have romped to a 71-7 Ranfurly Shield victory over North Otago at Rugby Park in Christchurch.
The red and black machine scored six tries in the first 29 minutes against the Meads Cup champions, to show off the gaping gulf between the two sides.
Canterbury had 14 debutants on display on Friday, but they were never threatened by the overmatched Heartland Rugby side.
Making his first appearance in two months, Crusaders flanker Cullen Grace was a standout, bossing the breakdown and providing several turnovers for the Shield holders.
Sic of the debutante red and blacks crossed over for tries including All Blacks sevens star Andrew Knewstubb.
Canterbury's next defence is against Taranaki on September 19, with defences scheduled against Wellington, Waikato, Otago and Auckland this season.
The victory draws Canterbury within seven of the all-time record of Shield defences, set by Auckland (148)
