Photos: Air NZ Cup kicks off

Waikato's Brendon Leonard puts pressure on his opposite Aaron Good of Manawatu during their match in Palmerston North. Photo / Getty Images

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The Air New Zealand Cup got underway on Thursday night with defending champions Waikato romping to a 41-15 win over Manawatu in Palmerston North.

Click on the link below the image to view photos from the opening round.