Taranaki hold on for a 34-29 win over Waikato after they led 19-10 at the break. Taranaki built up a 34-15 lead heading into the final quarter of the match, but two late tries saw Waikato right back in the match trailing by just five points with 5 minutes to play. The final minutes were tense as Waikato looked to complete the come back, but Taranaki survived to begin their campaign with a victory.

Into touch and that will be the ball game

Taranaki keep it tight

Just seconds remaining

Lost forward and Taranaki will have the scrum near their own 22 inside the final minute

Burn crashes it up

Inside the final 2 minutes

Back to McKenzie who clears to the safety of touch