Taranaki have fended off Manawatu in their opening Ranfurly Shield of the season with a 41-21 win in New Plymouth on Friday night.
Taranaki dominated the set pieces with their scrum particularly strong and led 31-14 at halftime.
The home side outscored Manawatu six tries to three.
Taranaki's next defence if against Waikato in two weeks.
Taranaki's Seta Tamanivalu on the burst. Photo: Photosport
-RNZ