Taranaki see off Manawatu in Shield defence

Taranaki have fended off Manawatu in their opening Ranfurly Shield of the season with a 41-21 win in New Plymouth on Friday night.

Taranaki dominated the set pieces with their scrum particularly strong and led 31-14 at halftime.

The home side outscored Manawatu six tries to three.

Taranaki's next defence if against Waikato in two weeks