Results went somewhat against the form book in the opening games of round seven of the Air New Zealand Cup rugby competition, with Taranaki beating Wellington 29-16 in New Plymouth and Counties-Manukau beating Northland 37-21 in Whangarei.
Taranaki scored 16 unanswered points in the second half to claim their first NPC win over Wellington in 20 years, scoring two tries to one with first five Willie Ripia also kicking seven of his eight attempts at goal.
Wellington remain fourth on the table with Taranaki now up to fifth.
Meanwhile Counties scored five tries to two for their best win in years, which moves them off the bottom of the table and on the same points as Northland.
Tonight Tasman host Waikato and Southland host bay of Plenty in a top of the table clash.
