By Huw Beynon Both Canterbury and Taranaki were looking to take a step closer to the premiership final when they met in game one of four on a packed day of domestic rugby.
There were thousands of red and black fans on hand for the lunch time kick off and they were rewarded almost immediately.
Running amok the Cantabs had their third try before half time. A poor kick from the Naki picked up by half back Willie Heinz who found Ash Parker on his outside.
Canterbury gathering steam at the business end of the season and Robbie Fruean finishing off the 27-0 victory.
Auckland would have hoped for a bigger turnout on what could be Joe Rokocoko's last game at Eden Park. It was smokin' Joe providing the valuable momentum that lead to the first try against the Bay of Plenty.
The Bay hit back with a period of pressure. The resulting seven points coming from a quick penalty.
But two tries from the home side after the break saw Auckland to a 25-16 win.
After a stellar start to the season Bay of plenty have now lost four in a row, which is better than North Harbour who are searching for their first win in seven games.
They were the first to cross in their game with Northland but the boot of Lachie Munro has kept the taniwha in it. The score 13-12 to Harbour at half time.
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