Waikato have continued their late-season Mitre 10 Cup form to send a warning to championship playoff rivals Northland in Whangarei.
The result means both teams are now assured of post-season play and are likely to meet again in the semi-finals in two weeks.
But the Mooloos' resounding 71-28 win demonstrated their explosive qualities, running in 11 tries to secure the biggest winning margin ever over their northern rivals.
Waikato wasted no time denting their hosts' home-field supremacy, when fullback Matt Lansdown expertly fielded a high clearing kick, broke up-field and put centre Bailyn Sullivan away for the opening try in the very first minute.
But veteran Rene Ranger sparked Northland into response, throwing a long cut-out pass to wing Renata Roberts-Tenana, and then looming inside for the return pass and a straight sprint to the line.
At that point, Northland led 7-5.
But the Lansdown-Sullivan combination struck again, when wing Sevu Reece took a quick tap on halfway and sent the fullback away for his second try.
Reece added one to his own try-scoring tally, before first-five Fletcher Smith found half a gap to pierce the defence to bring up the bonus point.
Second-five Quinn Tupaea and flanker James Tucker also crossed before half-time, and at the break, Waikato were already 38-7 ahead. From there, it was just a matter of holding on.
After the restart, Tupaea secured a double and halfback Raniera Takarangi had a try to bring up 50 points, and the onslaught continued.
Northland broke out for four tries - replacement Aorangi Stokes stormed over in the 74th minute to earn the bonus point needed to clinch a playoff spot- but they will need to improve on this performance, if they are to progress further.
The outcome reversed recent score-lines between these age-old opponents - Northland defeated Waikato 37-7 last year and 48-27 two years ago, both in Whangarei.
"I think the last two years were a fair bit of motivation for the Mooloo men, coming into this week," said Waikato captain Tim Bond. "We knew the Taniwha would throw the kitchen sink at us - I think today it came too late for them.
"We definitely came up here with a chip on our shoulder and we're very glad we got it off."
Waikato face a Ranfurly Shield challenge from Otago next Saturday, while Northland close their regular season itinerary against Bay of Plenty that same afternoon.
Waikato 71 (Bailyn Sullivan 2, Quinn Tupaea 2, Sevu Reece 2, Fletcher Smith, Raniera Takarangi, James Tucker & Pepesana Tatafilo tries; penalty try; Smith seven conversions) Northland 28 (Renata Roberts-Tenana, Rene Ranger, Sam Nock & Aorangi Stokes tries; Jack Debreczeni four conversions)
Newshub.
