The Auckland rugby side bounced back from their loss to Bay of Plenty to beat Taranaki 43-32 in their ITM Cup clash at Eden Park.
Auckland led 17-8 at half-time and were up 43-13 before Taranaki stormed home.
Auckland were rampant through the middle stages and scored four tries while Gareth Anscombe kicked 20 points.
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.
Auckland now share the lead with Taranaki and Wellington.