THE established order took a bit of a tumble in the opening round of the Tasman Tanning Premier club rugby competition with both 2014 grand finalists being beaten.
As rugby in March always springs a few surprises due to certain players not being available because of seasonal work or summer sports, plus the fact this year's campaign will be disjointed with double byes, a true reflection on the title contenders will likely not emerge for several weeks.
But after two seasons of disappointment, Wanganui Car Centre Kaierau will take their 38-24 upset victory over McCarthy's Contracting Ruapehu up at Rochfort Park with both hands.
Multiple time champions and Grand Hotel Challenge Shield/Paul Mitchell Cup holders in the past three years, Ruapehu have lost several players from that golden run, including midfielder Logan Vaughan, No 8 Pehira Huwyler, winger Robert Hughes and lock Sonny Woodmass.
Scoring five tries to four while veteran Ace Malo was on with his goalkicking for the visitors, Kaierau maintained their 17-5 advantage from halftime.