Canterbury have edged Counties-Manukau 20-15 in their provincial rugby match at Christchurch, while Auckland overcame champions Taranaki 30-24 at Eden Park.
Luke Whitelock of Canterbury gets a line out ball from Dan Hyatt of Counties Manukau. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Counties scored the opening try in Christchurch when their fullback Jared Page ran the length of the field.
Two Tom Taylor penalty goals, however, gave Canterbury a 6-5 half-time lead.
In the second half, Counties prop Pauliasi Manu was sin-binned for a late tackle on Ryan Crotty.
The Canterbury No.8 Luke Whitelock capitalised on his side's one-man advantage when he crashed over the line in a burst from the back of the scrum in the 48th minute.
Counties centre Sam Vaka got the Steelers back in the game in the 65th minute when he scored from an intercept. But his side's poor discipline enabled Taylor to kick five penalty goals and take the win.
After a first-round loss to Wellington, Taranaki are yet to win a game this season, following their 30-24 defeat at the hands of Auckland.
The Auckland All Black Charles Piutau fends Taranaki's Kurt Baker. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Auckland winger and All Black Sevens star Ben Lam scored the opening try in the 16th minute when he broke the Taranki line.
Sixteen minutes later Taranki centre Shaun Wainui answered by scooping up the ball from an Auckland fumble.
George Moala quickly responded for the home side by fighting over the try-line from a pick and go to give Auckland a 20-16 half time lead.
Early in the second half, the Auckland captain and first-five-eighth Simon Hickey scored a try before Taranaki's captain Charlie Ngatai dotted down after intercepting a loose pass.
One minute before full-time, the rising All Black Sevens star Reiko Ioane dived over in the corner for Auckland, after swooping on a dropped ball.
