Replacement back Isaiah Punivai intercepted a pass and ran 60 metres to score in the fifth minute of extra time to secure Canterbury a 31-26 bonus point win over Wellington in Mitre 10 Cup in Christchurch yesterday.

The scores had been level at 26-all at fulltime after Canterbury flanker Tom Christie scored in the 77th minute.

The result lifts Canterbury to fourth in the premiership, after back-to-back defeats, while Wellington remain third a point ahead of the red and blacks.

Meanwhile, Northland defeated Taranaki 35-25.

[Source: Radio NZ]