James Mortimer    26.Aug.2012Getty Images

The first round of the ITM Cup and Heartland Championship has been played out, with some thrilling results indicating that it will be a fierce race to claim provincial glory.

In the ITM Cup premiership, the shock of the round came courtesy of Tasman's stunning 25-22 win over defending champions Canterbury.

Auckland and Hawke's Bay kicked off proceedings with an entertaining 36-29 win in Napier, while Wellington made a strong start the following evening with a 30-11 win over local rivals Manawatu.

Taranaki, considered to be a title chance, defeatied Bay of Plenty 37-22, while two other big guns in Waikato and Counties-Manukau beating North Harbour and Southland respectively.

There was also an eight try thriller, with Otago beating Northland 46-34.

In the Heartland Championship Wanganui kicked off their defence with a tight 24-23 win over Mid Canterbury while East Coast, Buller, North Otago, Poverty Bay and Wairarapa Bush also recorded victories.

Mid Canterbury halfback Mac Sykes scored a stunning second half try but it wasn’t enough at Ashburton showgrounds.

Ngati Porou East Coast defeated West Coast 23-16, Wairarapa Bush held out South Canterbury in a ferocious battle of attrition, while North Otago took a one point victory over King Country 31-30.

To view a full wrap of the ITM Cup, Round One, click here

To view a full wrap of the Heartland Championship, Round One, click here