A late Ash Moeke penalty gave Northland a thrilling 20-17 win over Tasman at Lansdowne Park in Blenheim last Sunday.
It was an entertaining match that was riddled with bombed tries and missed opportunities.
But it was Northland who were able to take advantage of their chances when it counted most, scoring a try and nailing a penalty in the final 10 minutes to claim back-to-back wins for the first time this season.
Auckland provided a glimpse of the future when dismantling Ranfurly Shield holders Taranaki 43-32 in their ITM Cup game at Eden Park on Wednesday night.
Taranaki finished with a flourish scoring three tries in eight minutes to secure a four-try bonus point and they went looking for a second as a result of losing within seven points.
