Canterbury and Hawke's Bay have played out a hard-fought 23-all draw at AMI Stadium in Christchurch to open both teams' provincial seasons.

Replacement first-five Andrew Horrell kicked an 83rd minute penalty for Hawke's Bay to level the scores after it appeared the home side would escape with a three point win.

Canterbury fullback Sean Maitland scored an early try when he sliced through the Hawke's Bay defence and scored without a hand being laid on him.

But the Magpies defence tightened up after that and were able to thwart most of what Canterbury could throw at them.

The visitors lost first-five Daniel Kirkpatrick to concussion mid-way through the first half but his replacement Horrell did a fine job in his absence and held his nerve to kick the game-tying penalty from 30 metres out, three minutes after the final hooter had sounded.

Canterbury 23: Sean Maitland, Tu Umaga-Marshall tries; Colin Slade conversion; Slade 3 penalties.
Hawke's Bay 23: Hika Elliott try; Daniel Kirkpatrick 3, Andrew Horrell 3 penalties.