The Bay of Plenty Steamers have put together an impressive performance to beat Mitre 10 Cup championship rivals Taranaki 31-17 in New Plymouth.
Taranaki scored early, fullback Jayson Potroz gave the hosts the lead after a well-worked backline move which saw an overlap that Potroz benefited from.
They kept attacking well but couldn't breach the defence of the Bay of Plenty, the Steamers made their way down the field and scored - Richard Judd threw an inside pass to Chase Tiatia who opened the scoring for the visitors.
The Steamers crossed again in the 35th minute, winger Emoni Narawa finished off a lovely passing move from the backline.
The slick backline handling continued as the visitors scored again on the cusp of half-time, Dan Hollinshead slicing through the Bulls' defence to take the lead to 17-10 at the break.
The Steamers came out of the sheds with the wind at their backs in the second half and never looked back.
Fa'asiu Fuatai pounced on a loose pass from Stephen Perofeta to score an intercept try to take the lead out to 24-10.
The home side stayed patient with the limited ball they had in the second half and scored a much-needed try in the 57th minute through Teihorangi Walden, making the score 24-17.
Waisake Naholo went close for the hosts with 20 minutes to go but desperate defence from the Steamers kept the hosts out.
Both sides struggled late off the kicking tee, neither able to convert their penalties in the final 20 minutes.
Outstanding vision from replacement Jason Robertson who put over a cross-field kick which fell into the hands of Joe Ravouvou who eased over for the Steamers' fifth try, sealing the victory.
The win keeps the Steamers hot on the heels of Hawke's Bay who are unbeaten at the top of the Championship table.
Bay of Plenty take on Northland next Sunday and Taranaki travel to Napier to face Hawke's Bay on Friday.
Newshub.