Canterbury produced a stunning second-half display to snatch an 18-17 victory over Waikato and maintain their winning record in the ITM Cup.

For the first time this season, the Premiership leaders found themselves behind at the break, but they battled back and wrested victory away from Waikato thanks to Tom Taylor's late penalty.

Waikato impressed in the opening 40 minutes and deservedly took a lead into half-time thanks to tries from Shaun Stevenson and Damian McKenzie – the latter kicking both conversions to make the score 14-3 to the visitors.

Canterbury's comeback began just after the hour after Waikato prop Ben Tameifuna had been shown a yellow card for striking Joe Moody.

With a man advantage the hosts were able to bring about a reversal in fortunes as Ben Funnell and Matt Todd both profited from powerful driving mauls from the Canterbury pack to score.

Taylor added one conversion to give his side a 15-14 lead going into the final 10 minutes, but McKenzie restored Waikato's advantage with six to go thanks to a perfectly executed drop goal.

There was to be no shock, though, as Taylor was handed a penalty chance in the closing moments, and he made no mistake to give Canterbury their seventh win out of seven this season.