Bay of Plenty have started their 2018 Mitre 10 Cup campaign with a convincing 30-10 win over Taranaki in Rotorua on Saturday night.
The win was the Steamers' first over the Naki since 2006, and it was the Bulls' first lost at Rotorua International Stadium since 1975.
Bay of Plenty held a narrow 14-10 lead at halftime and extended that in the second half, scoring 16 unanswered points while holding Taranaki scoreless.
Hooker Liam Polwart and lock Kane Leaupepe both dotted down for the hosts in the first half, while fellow lock Aaron Carroll scored their third in the second half to go along with three Mike Delany penalty goals.
Seta Tamanivalu scored Taranaki's only try.
Next week Taranaki head home to New Plymouth to defend the Ranfurly Shield against Manawatu, while Bay of Plenty will face Counties Manukau in Pukekohe.
Newshub.
