The Ranfurly Shield is on the move again with Taranaki too strong as they challenged and beat Tasman in Nelson.
The 42-29 victory means Taranaki will get to keep the Log o’ Wood for the remainder of the season and have a chance to complete the domestic rugby double.
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The win put Taranaki second on the National Provincial Championship (NPC) ladder and means they face Waikato in next weekend’s quarterfinals in New Plymouth on Saturday (kick-off 7.05pm).
Top-of-the-table Wellington will play Counties-Manukau in the Capital on Friday (kick-off 2.05pm), Bay of Plenty have a battle of the 'Bays' against Hawke's Bay on Saturday (kick-off 2.05pm) and Tasman are up against Canterbury in Blenheim on Sunday (kick-off 2.05pm).
In their last four Ranfurly Shield challenges, Taranaki have won it three times and had the upper hand from the get-go at Trafalgar Park.
For Taranaki, centre Daniel Rona scored a try in each half, while first-five Josh Jacobb kicked 17 points.
Lock Tim Sail scored a try early in the second half for Tasman, however, the visitors replied with two quick tries through Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens and Rona with his second.
Tasman front rower Ryan Coxon crossed before All Blacks midfielder David Havili also dotted down with, brother William converting the try.
All of a sudden Tasman were within range at 35-29 but Tranaki had an answer through halfback Adam Lennox, and another conversion from Jacomb, putting the score beyond doubt.
Taranaki 42 (Daniel Rona 2, Michael Loft, Jacob Ratumaiavuki-Kneepkens, Adam Lennox tries; Josh Jacomb 4 con, 3 pen) Tasman 29 (Tim Sail, Jack Gray, Ryan Coxon, David Havili tries; William Havili 3 con, pen). HT 23-8