Hawke's Bay have defended the Ranfurly Shield again, beating challengers Northland 39-10 in their provincial rugby match in Napier.
Hawke's Bay's Zac Guildford is tackled by Shane Neville of Northland, 2015. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Tony Lamborn, Michael Allardice, Ash Dixon and Ryan Tongia crossed the line for the Magpies in the first 40 minutes to give the home side a 27-3 half-time lead.
Lamborn and Tongia each scored again in the second half before Northland's Troy Gilbert crossed for a consolation try for the challengers shortly before the final whistle.
Earlier, Counties Manukau survived a thrilling fightback from Manawatu to win 36-35 in Pukekohe.
Sione Fifita and Toni Pulu scored early tries for the Steelers before Antonio Kirikiri answered for Manawatu.
Sam Henwood dotted down for Counties 10 minutes later before the Turbos captain Callum Gibbons crashed over to keep the visitors in touch at half-time, 19-14.
After the break, Jared Page scored for the Steelers before Pulu bagged a second.
Counties celebrate Toni Pulu's 2nd try against Manawatu, 2015. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Going into the final 10 minutes, the Steelers led 36-14, a margin that may have caused them to relax.
Valentino Mapapalangi crashed over for the Turbos in the 73rd minute before Kirikiri scored a second four minutes later.
On the stroke of full-time Manawatu's Toby Morland crossed under the posts but the conversion left the Turbos one point short.
