Taranaki fans show their support during the round one Mitre 10 Cup match between Taranaki and Waikato at Yarrow Stadium. Photo: Getty ImagesTaranaki have begun their Mitre 10 Cup campaign on a winning note, but they had to hold off a storming Waikato comeback to do so. However, Taranaki's defence held firm in steadily increasing rain to close out a hard-earned victory.​Elsewhere, Hawke's Bay have avoided a season-opening upset in the Mitre 10 Cup, mounting a comeback to overcome Southland 24-16. Hawke's Bay didn't win a single home game last season and were relegated from the Premiership as a result, and their return to the Championship had some early struggles. The injuries left Hawke's Bay with an uphill task in the second half, but in a span of ten minutes, the game changed.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 19, 2017 11:35 UTC