Alando Soakai and Fetu'u Vainikolo proved inspirational forces for Kaikorai as it continued its late run towards a semifinal spot with a big win over Pirates at Hancock Park.
The sides appeared evenly matched, with each giving the ball plenty of air in the opening exchanges.
This led to Kaikorai enjoying a decisive territorial advantage as mistakes crept into the Pirates side.
Kaikorai halfback Tomasi Palu capitalised on some Pirates indecision when he opted for a quick tap of the ball at a penalty and ran in 15m virtually unopposed.
Two further tries in quick succession, one by winger Richard Cowley and the other by flanker Alando Soakai, also had Kaikorai exposing weakness in the Pirates defence.
Pirates then regrouped and tightened its game up in the second half but, despite dominating territory, was unable to turn this into points until the 65th minute, when Marshall Suckling worked his magic and ran from 40m out to score.
Injuries took a toll on Pirates, but Kaikorai would be buoyant after such a good performance against a side placed second in the competition.
Kaikorai 35 (Tomasi Palu, Richard Cowley, Alando Soakai, Jim Stevenson tries; Cam Rutherford 3 conversions, 3 penalty goals), Pirates 13 (Marshall Suckling try; Suckling conversion, Kieran Fowler 2 penalty goals).
Halftime: Kaikorai 24-6.
Referee: Ross Barnett.
