Tasman has thrashed Counties Manukau 40-20 at Pukekohe, the Championship visitors scoring a bonus point victory at the home of the promoted Steelers.
Despite making the step up to the Premiership after a dominant season down in the second tier with Tasman, Counties were no match for a determined Makos outfit, despite leading 17-16 at half-time in Pukekohe.
The Steelers struggled for kicking metres and tactically without injured first five eighths Baden Kerr, the Blues pivot pulling out before kick-off, while Tasman were clinical, Crusaders utility Tom Marshall sealing the fourth try to ice the upset near full-time.
Counties scored two tries.
