Taranaki have retained the Ranfurly Shield with a hard-fought 22-6 win over Hawke's Bay in New Plymouth.
The score was 0-0 at half-time. Taranaki's next defence is against champions Canterbury on Saturday.
In Friday night's other match, Counties-Manukau ran rampant in the first half on their way to a 47-13 win over Bay of Plenty in Pukekohoe.
Counties led 34-8 at half-time.
