The Counties-Manukau Heat have knocked over perennial contenders the Auckland Storm at Eden Park.
The Heat have beaten last year’s Farah Palmer Cup runners-up 36-22, after leading 12-5 at halftime.
Counties-Manukau picked up a bonus point in the process and now sit third in the north pool, one point behind Auckland, who have played an extra game.
Waikato sit a further two points clear at the top of the group.
Earlier, the Manawatu Cyclones recorded a resounding 88-0 win over the Tasman Mako in Palmerston North.
Manawatu scored 13 unanswered tries and led 47-0 at halftime.
The Cyclones are now third in the south pool, five points behind Canterbury and Wellington Pride.
Tasman sit bottom of the group, having conceded 150 points without scoring.
