VIDEO: Steamers roll over Taranaki
NPC WRAP: It was a boil-over in Rotorua as Bay of Plenty inflicted Taranaki their first loss in the city since 1975.
They also claimed the inaugural Chiefs Country Cup with a comprehensive 27-10 win at Rotorua International Stadium.
Bay of Plenty hadn't tasted victory against Taranaki since 2006 and knew they had to come out strong if they were any chance of breaking the decade-long losing streak', but it was the way they finished that proved decisive.
Scorers:
For Bay of Plenty:
Tries: Liam Polwart, Aaron Carroll, Kane Leaupepe.
Cons: Mike Delany 3
Pens: Delany 3
For Taranaki:
Try: Seta Tamanivalu
Con: Beaudein Waaka
Pen: Waaka
Other Saturday matches
Manawatu 24-19 Waikato
The Manawatu Turbos have overcome a sluggish start to record a bonus-point 24-19 win over Waikato in Palmerston North.
After being relegated from the Premiership last year, Waikato was out to make a statement in Palmerston North and did just that with two tries in the opening eight minutes to stun the Turbos early in the first half.
Waikato continued to dominate possession and territory in the first half, forcing the Turbos into racking up a big number of tackles to ensure the deficit remained at 12 points. The Mooloos could have been further up but a combination of scrambling Turbos defence and lack of composure kept the score at 12-0 for a long period.
With a number of strong injections from the bench, Manawatu displayed more energy and direction in the second half and took the lead through tries to reserve prop Faalelei Sione and classy midfielder Rob Thompson.
But just as it looked like the home side were going to take complete control, Waikato laid on a brilliantly worked team try to Declan O'Donnell to tie up the game 19-19 with 15 minutes to play.
Manawatu broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion with a try that seemed to feature every Turbos player on the park and ended with Laloifi grabbing his double in the corner.
Waikato tried hard in the closing minutes to snatch a victory but the Turbos defence held firm to cling on for the crucial bonus point 24-19 win.
The scorers:
For Manawatu:
Tries: Junior Laloifi 2, Faalelei Sione, Rob Thompson
Cons: Sam Malcolm 2
For Waikato:
Tries: Sevu Reece, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Declan O'Donnell
Cons: Fletcher Smith 2
Auckland 23-19 Counties Manukau
Auckland opened its 2018 campaign with a tight, merited, yet far from flawless, 23-19 Eden Park victory over southern neighbours Counties Manukau.
This Premiership clash always appealed as a rugged encounter, and there was niggle aplenty in the packs as befits this annual Dan Bryant Memorial Trophy stoush.
Counties Manukau unsurprisingly brought its physical approach to the forward exchanges and set-pieces, while Auckland looked more penetrative and put the visitors' defence under severe pressure. If flyhalf Harry Plummer had done better than three from seven from the tee, though he was solid in general play, Auckland may have moved out to safety long before the full-time whistle.
As it was, new Auckland coach Alama Ieremia will take satisfaction at the most important factor: the four Premiership competition points.
The Scorers:
For Auckland:
Tries: Salesi Rayasi, Blake Gibson, Melani Nanai
Con: Harry Plummer
Pens: Plummer 2
For Counties Manukau:
Tries: Kalolo Tuiloma, Sam Henwood, Howard Sililoto
Cons: Latiume Fosita 2
Source: mitre10cup.co.nz