The last time they met ... Four-try fightback just fell short for Taniwha

Rene Ranger scored against Taranaki in 2012 during the Taniwha's 31-32 loss. Photo / Ron Burgin

The last time Northland and Taranaki met was in 2012 when the Taniwha left their best until last.

But, although they outscored Taranaki four tries to two, they couldn't salvage a win.

A gutsy Derek Carpenter try in the final minute earned Northland two bonus points but the chance of a miraculous comeback evaporated when they knocked on from the kickoff, leaving Taranaki relieved 32-31 winners.

The error was symptomatic of their performance in the match at Toll Stadium. Apart from the final quarter, the Taniwha had been unable to hold the ball long enough to really threaten Taranaki.

Time and time again they made metres along the flanks only to give the ball away cheaply.

A groin strain robbed the Taniwha of Ash Moeke and without his kicking abilities and field direction, the home side struggled to score in the first spell.

Tane Takulua capitalised on his first start and blitzed the defence from a set-piece to score the opening try of the match.

The lead was brief however, and Taranaki's Frazier Climo drilled three first-half penalties along with the conversion of Kurt Baker's try, as the visitors finally broached the overworked Taniwha defence, to lead 16-7 at the break.

Taranaki continued to add to the lead before Rhyan Caine put Rene Ranger into a gap with his first touch of the ball to narrow the deficit to 17-22. Climo was then driven over the line to put Taranaki ahead 29-17 before the Taniwha finally started hitting their straps.

Orene Ai'i strained his groin. Carpenter moved in to first receiver and with six minutes to go replacement winger Dan Caprice scored.