Black Ferns halfback Kendra Cocksedge proved unstoppable in guiding three-time Farah Palmer Cup defending champions Canterbury to a business-like 54-12 win over Wellington in Christchurch.
Kendra Cocksedge Photo: Photosport
Cocksedge scored twice herself in the eight-try win, and missed only one conversion in a 22-point haul while pacy centre Grace Brooker picked up a hat-trick.
Earlier, Auckland consolidated their position at the top of the north pool with a 22-19 win over Bay of Plenty.
Ahead 12-0 at halftime, the Aucklanders looked well in control, but had to repel a strong second half from the fourth-placed Volcanix before the win was secure.
Second-placed Waikato also had to work hard for their victory over a stubborn Counties-Manukau in Putaruru. But after leading 15-14 at the break, a well-organised defensive effort in the second half was enough to grab a 34-28 win.
And in Whangarei, Northland overwhelmed North Harbour 65-5, running in 11 tries including braces to Portia Woodman and Leilani Erwin.
In men's provincial rugby, Counties Manukau shook off a half-time deficit to record their first Mitre 10 Cup win this season, downing fellow Championship strugglers Manawatu 36-30 in Pukekohe.
Manawatu took a 20-12 lead into the break, but Counties maintained composure to run in three second-half tries - openside flanker Alamanda Motuga dotting down twice to bring up his hat-trick after also scoring in the first spell.
In the second Championship match of the day, Northland built on a 15-7 halftime lead to down Taranaki 35-25, their third win in four matches.
