The Bay of Plenty Steamers have been shown what it takes to be a ITM Cup powerhouse after being dismantled 48-18 by a powerful Canterbury side in Rotorua tonight.

Ahead of the Round Four match both sides came in with contrasting fortunes, the Steamers with the sole victory against Hawke's Bay while Canterbury continues to impress as the constant frontrunners with an unblemished record.

Canterbury dominated the game tonight in Rotorua. Photos by Tracy Hardy.

In a tense opening 40 minutes the sides traded penalties through the boot of Canterbury's Tyler Bleyendaal and Steamers Willie Ripia before two late tries pushed the vistors lead out to 20-6.

In the second stanza it was all one way traffic for the five time ITM Cup champions running in four tries to two including a brace to wing Milford Keresoma.

For the Steamers, Kenny Lynn and Joe Royal crossed the stripe to try and restore some pride in the scoreline.

The task does not get any easier for the Bay boys with an away trip against Wellington next Thursday to try and right their slump of one win, three losses.

Bay of Plenty 18 (Kenny Lynn, Tino Nemani tries; Willie Ripia 2 pen)

Canterbury 41 (Milford Keresoma 2, Ryan Crotty, Adam Whitelock, George Whitelock, Rob Thompson tries; Tyler Bleyendaal 2 pens, 5 cons, Richie Mo'unga con)