Normal transmission resumed for the Tasman Mako, as they got their Mitre Cup 10 campaign back on track with a resounding 53-17 victory over Taranaki in Nelson.
One of the form teams of this year's premiership competition, the South Islanders had stumbled big time in their previous outing against Auckland and needed a solid performance to re-establish their title credentials.
A seven-try romp certainly achieved that, while also keeping their rivals firmly in the relegation zone for next year's championship.
Tasman were already seven points - through a Mitch Hunt penalty and prop Tyrel Lomax's try, converted by Hunt - ahead before the visitors could get on the scoreboard through a penalty from Beaudein Waaka.
But Mako hooker Andrew Makalio grabbed two tries within four minutes, as his team piled on 24 straight points to take the contest by the scruff of the neck and leave their opponents grasping at air.
Taranaki lost the Ranfurly Shield to Waikato in their previous appearance and saw their premiership hopes slide in this one. They grabbed a couple of consolation tries late in the game, but also conceded the last two tries of the game, as the Tasman reserves had their way.
"We're really proud of how the boys bounced back from last week," said Tasman skipper David Havili. "We spoke about nailing our jobs and I thought we did that tonight."
His side are still firmly entrenched in the premiership semi-final picture with four wins and just one loss. They visit Manawatu next on Wednesday, while Taranaki host Auckland next Saturday.
Tasman 53 (Andrew Makalio 2, Tyrel Lomax, Mitch Hunt, Solomon Alaimalo, David Havili & Will Jordon tries; Hunt five conversions & two penalties; Tim O'Malley conversion) Taranaki 17 (Kane Thompson & Ciarahn Matoe tries; Beaudein Waaka two conversions & penalty)
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