However, the shackles were finally broken in the 27th minute when Potroz, standing at first receiver inside Taranaki territory, went on a trademark, looping run that beguiled Northland, linking with Waite, who in turn set Sean Wainui away for the try.
It was then Northland's turn to get the wobbles, with Ormond latching onto some loose ball to send Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi in for a try. With Waite converting both, Taranaki went into the interval with a 14-7 advantage.
Less than a minute after the restart, Ormond was in for his first try after NZ Sevens rep Scott Gregory – who will have nightmares about the match – failed to take a Taranaki kick.
It set Taranaki on a point-scoring blitz as a hapless Northland fell apart.
The powerful Vaa'i finally got on the score sheet following a quick tap penalty, and Waite too got in on the act after Northland had cleared poorly.
Ormond added a second as well, again after Northland failed to take a Taranaki kick and in the space of just 20 minutes, the score had blown out to 45-7.
An extended injury break soon after changed the dynamics of the game, but not before Waite deservedly set Potroz up for a try.
Northland finished the match as it had started – brightly – two late tries giving some consolation.
As captain Mitchell Brown noted: "We were stoked to be home in front of the crowd. We know they (Northland) have big hearts, so we are very happy."
Taranaki's next match is against Tasman at Yarrow Stadium this coming Sunday.
At a glance:
Yarrows Taranaki Bulls: 52 (Tries: S Wainui 2, J Ormond 2, T T Tahuriorangi, T Vaa'i, D Waite, J Potroz, Cons:Waite 6 )
Northland: 19 (tries: R Wright, R Roberts-Tenana, C Te Whata-Colley, Cons: J Debreczeni 2).
Half Time: 14-7.