Taranaki have retained the Ranfurly Shield for at least another two weeks after thrashing Manawatu, 41-21 in Friday's Mitre 10 Cup clash in New Plymouth.
The holders were far too strong for their opponents, outmuscling their opponents at the set piece, before capitalising with some scintillating attack.
Taranaki opened the scoring just after five minutes through winger, Manasa Mataele after an impressive build-up of offloads.
Manawatu hit back through Junior Laloifi to level things up, but Taranaki scored three more tries through Beaudein Waaka, Teihorangi Walden and Toa Halafihi to claim commanding half time lead.
Nick Crosswell would get one back for the visitors before the break but Daniel Waite crossed shortly after as Taranaki extended their lead to 41-14 after just 47 minutes of play.
Manawatu had the final say with a try to star Highlanders centre, Rob Thompson but some strong Taranaki defence kept them from crossing again for a losing bonus point.
Taranaki will have a short turnaround as they make the trip north to take on Counties Manukau on Wednesday, while Manawatu host Otago next Saturday.
Earlier on Friday, Otago were beaten 31-25 by Hawke's Bay.
Newshub.
