Bay of Plenty have made it two wins in five days to start their National Provincial Championship (NPC) season.
The Steamers shot to the top of the NPC standings, with a 44-31 victory over Counties Manuka at Rotorua International Stadium on Wednesday night, following up their away win over Waikato on Saturday.
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No 8 Nikora Broughton and fullback Cole Forbes each scored two tries as BOP outscored the ill-disciplined Steelers six tries to four.
Bay of Plenty capitalised when Counties Manukau had two players yellow-carded in the first half, scoring 26 points with the man-advantage.
Counties flanker Cam Church was sin-binned in the 23rd minute for continuous infringements, leading to tries to Cody Vai and Forbes, and a 22-10 lead.
Deep into first-half stoppage time, wing Peniasi Malimali dived over a ruck and received 10 minutes on the sidelines.
Forbes went over for his second before the break, putting BOP up 29-10, then Broughton scored his second in the 46th minute to put the result beyond doubt.
Unwanted All Blacks loosie Hoskins Sotutu scored his second of the season for Counties but No 7 Joe Johnston answered minutes later.
The score bounced out to 44-17 before a pair of converted tries to Josh Gray and Tevita Ofa in the last 15 minutes gave the scoreline some respectability.
The two sides complete their 'Storm Week' on Sunday, with the Steamers at home to North Harbour at Tauranga Domain (kick-off 2.05pm), while the Steelers host Waikato in Pukekohe (kick-off 4.35pm).
Bay of Plenty 44 (Nikora Broughton 2, Cody Vai, Cole Forbes 2, Joe Johnston tries; Lucas Cashmore 4 con, pen, Junior Matautia pen) Counties Manukau 31 (Alamanda Motuga, Hoskins Sotutu, Josh Gray, Tevita Ofa tries; Tevita Ofa 4 con, pen). HT: 29-10
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