Manawatu have kicked off their National Provincial Championship campaign with a commanding 39-21 win over Counties Manuaku in Palmerston North on Friday.
New signing Brett Cameron was the star for the hosts, scoring 29 of the team's points to make an instant impact with his new province.
The one-test All Black's tally included a try and nine of 12 shots off the tee, helping last year's championship wooden spooners instantly wash away any lingering after taste of their disappointing 2020.
Young flanker Shamus Hurley-Langton was another stand-out for Manawatu, at the forefront of a dominant forward pack which stifled its counterparts at the breakdown throughout the game.
Not even Counties' new All Blacks No.8 Hoskins Sotutu could swing that momentum, as the visitors struggled to find any rhythm on attack.
Poor discipline also proved costly for Counties Manukau, who went into the break 23-9 courtesy of two superb Manawatu tries from Cameron and fullback Drew Wild.
Counties Manukau will try to rectify their start against North Harbour on Friday, while Manawatu travel to Christchurch to take on Canterbury next Saturday.
Manawatu 39 (Drew Wild, Brett Cameron, Ray Niuia tries; Cameron 3 con, 6 pen) Counties Manukau 21 (Alamanda Motuga, Kalolo Tuiloma tries; Jarrod Halliday con, 3 pen). HT: 23-9
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