The gulf in class was evident as North Harbour defended rugby's Ranfurly Shield by belting Horowhenua-Kapiti 99-6 today.
North Harbour scored 17 tries in turning back a challenge from the visitors which at no stage threatened to trouble them at North Harbour Stadium in Albany.
Having beaten ThamesValley 69-0 in their first shield defence of the season, North Harbour had to wait just 80 seconds for their first try when a ghosting run from halfback Luke Hamilton created space for left wing Viliame Waqaseduadua.
Another five followed by halftime, at which stage North Harbour led 36-3 despite Horowhenua-Kapiti enjoying brief periods when they pressured the home side.
It was one-way traffic after the halftime break though, with the challengers falling off tackles as North Harbour's superior fitness told.
Left wing Jack McPhee scored three tries and added six conversions for a personal haul of 27 points, while Waqaseduadua, Tusi Pisi, Ryan Wilson, Tom Chamberlain and Chris Smith all scored two each.
First five-eighth Dion Nepia accounted for Horowhenua-Kapiti's points with two penalties.
North Harbour 99 (Jack McPhee 3, Viliame Wasaqeduadua 2, Tusi Pisi 2, Ryan Wilson 2, Tom Chamberlain 2, Chris Smith 2, George Pisi, Michael Harris, James Afoa, Nick Williams tries; McPhee 6 con, Harris con) Horowhenua-Kapiti 6 (Dion Nepia 2 pen). Halftime: 36-3.
