Northland have made it three out of three in the Mitre 10 Cup, humbling injury-plagued Southland 26-10 at Okara Park tonight.
The Taniwha got off to a slow start but pounced on whatever opportunity fell their way, scoring a hat-trick of tries in 10 minutes to lead 19-3 at the break.
Despite missing key forwards Tom Robinson and Josh Goodhue, Northland's tight-five worked hard to set up ideal attacking platform for the backs, led superbly by the halves pair Sam Nock and No 10 Jack Debreczeni.
Lock Murray Douglas scored a brace while Matt Matich and halfback Sam Nock also touched down in the four try to one, bonus-point win.
Three tries were scored in the first half and the fourth with time almost up in front of a good crowd on a Thursday evening.