Wellington's NPC title defence is off to a positive start - beating Manawatu 22-6 in Palmerston North

But the Lions were made to earn their win, coming back from 6-3 down at halftime.

Wellington captain DuPlessis Kirifi told Sky Sport there's plenty to improve on.



In other results, last year's beaten finalists Canterbury made a statement in Whangarei, defeating Northland 43-11.

And Hawke's Bay pipped North Harbour 23-21 in Napier.

There's two matches today...with Bay of Plenty hosting Auckland and Waikato travelling to Southland.

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