Hawke's Bay have triumphed in their first Ranfurly Shield challenge of the year, defeating South Canterbury 38-20 in Napier.
Taking to the field at McLean Park for their first defence of 2022, the Magpies ran in six tries, but conceded three in return to avoid the embarrassment of losing the Ranfurly Shield to the Heartland Championship side.
After resisting for the opening 10 minutes, South Canterbury's resistance ended in the 12th minute when debutant flanker Sam Smith went over from close range.
But a penalty from first-five Sam Briggs and a try to prop Vaka Tealaga gave South Canterbury a surprise lead, taking an 8-7 advantage before the halfway point of the first half.
Spurred into life after conceding, Hawke's Bay hit back three times before the break, as scores from centre Keenan Higgins, halfback Connor McLeod, and fullback Caleb Makene gave the hosts a 24-8 halftime lead.
After the resumption, McLeod had his second, and Hawke's Bay's fifth, as the Magpies' superior fitness told.
Winger Paoraian Manuel-Harman touched down for the sixth try of the night, to all but seal Hawke's Bay's victory.
South Canterbury scored two consolation efforts through second-five Paulo Fifita and replacement halfback Theo Davidson with the last play of the game, allowing captain Nick Strachan an unsuccessful shot at goal to end his 100th appearance for the side.
Hawke's Bay will face a second challenge from a Heartland side this season, when Poverty Bay head to Napier on July 30.
Hawke's Bay 38 (Smith, Higgins, McLeod 2, Makene, Manuel-Harman tries; McClutchie 4 conversions)
South Canterbury 20 (Tealaga, Fifita, Davidson tries; Wright conversion; Briggs penalty)
