Provincial rugby premiers Taranaki have walloped Northland 50-7, before Counties Manukau were defeated by Bay of Plenty 26-37.
Taranaki thrash Northland
In Whangarei, the visitors got first points on the scoreboard when they were awarded a penalty try after Northland collapsed a surging Taranaki scrum in the 20th minute.
Taranaki celebrate winning the ITM Cup Premiership Final. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Toa Halafihi and the captain Charlie Ngatai crossed the line for Taranaki in the final five minutes of the first half to give the visitors a 21-0 half time lead.
In the second half, the first-five-eighth Daniel Hawkins broke the duck for Northland with a try before Ngatai scored his second.
Taranaki's Latu Vaenu also got a brace following a touchdown to centre Seta Temanivalu.
Bay of Plenty beats Counties Manukau
In Pukekohe, the Bay of Plenty fullback Chase Tiatia scored the opening try in the second minute of the game before his team mate Shahn Eru crossed the line 10 minutes later.
Te Aihe Toma Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Sione Fifita struck back with a try for the Steelers before Bay of Plenty half back Te Aihe Toma extended the visitors' lead.
Te Rangi Fraser grabbed a fourth try bonus point for the Steamers just before the break to give them a 24-5 half time advantage.
Counties tried to mount a comeback in the second half with two tries to Richard Judd and another to Sikeli Nabou.
But Bay of Plenty held on, thanks to a spectacular solo effort from Whaimotu Craft-Chemis, who chipped, chased, regathered and grubbered before scoring in the corner.
