Canterbury and Manawatu sit first and second on the provincial rugby championship table midway through the third round, after both posted their second wins on Friday night.
Manawatu's surprise 25-23 win over Southland in Invercargill came through ill discipline and some poor kicking from the home side, while young Manawatu first five Aaron Cruden continued his impressive year with a try, two conversions and a penalty.
Both sides scored three tries.
One of the favourites to be culled from the top flight after this season, the Turbos are showing plenty of resolve with their young side, coached by under-20 NZ maestro Dave Rennie.
Canterbury are top for now after a 46-13 thrashing of Waikato in Christchurch.
The defending champions scored five tries to one, and the All Black first-five Dan Carter had another good 70-minute outing ahead of his expected international return next weekend, scoring 19 points with five penalties and two conversions.
