Manawatu's won its first provincial rugby game in this season's ITM Cup with a 33-20 away win over Northland in Whangarei.
After Northland's upset win over Waikato the Taniwha were brought back to earth as Manawatu totally dominated, leading 22-6 at half-time and scoring four tries to seal the bonus point.
Two late tries to Northland were never going to be enough and they're joined by the Turbos in second-equal place in the Championship. Counties Manukau are guaranteed to lead the second tier competition after three games, with 11 points to Northland, Manawatu, Tasman and Otago's current score of five. The Makos and the Razorbacks are yet to play a third game.
