Wellington have upset the defending champions Taranaki 19-14 in the opening round of rugby's national provincial competition.
Taranaki's Jamison Gibson-Park scores a try as he is tackled by Lions' Vaea Fifita in 2014. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Wellington were relegated from the Premiership to the Championship last season, but outscored the hosts three tries to one on Saturday in New Plymouth.
The visitors led 12-0 at half-time following tries to loose forwards Brad Shields and Vaea Fifita.
Cody Rei crossed the line for the home side in the 57th minute before Wellington's Joe Hill dotted down seven minutes from full-time.
Elsewhere Canterbury defeated Otago 38-24 in Dunedin.
Ben Funnell of Canterbury, Dunedin, 2015. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
A try to Jack Wilson gave Otago the the first quarter advantage before Richie Mo'unga and Reed Prinsep crossed for the visitors and a 26-10 half-time lead.
Otago scored two more tries in the second half through Josh Dickson and Matt Faddes but tries to Canterbury's Ben Funnell and Matt Todd ensured the visitors' derby victory.
