The tight five helped kick-start the season for Pirates with a bonus-point 29-20 victory over Harbour at Hancock Park.
Harbour started well, using the elements of the sun at its back and a tail wind.
A sensational try to Craig Sneddon in the opening minutes promised much from last year's championship finalist.
Pirates were quick to reply through some Kieran Fowler magic down the right flank before both sides then exchanged further five-pointers minutes apart as the game appeared as if it was going to open up.
But it was the engine room of the Pirates pack that began to exert itself and dominate both at the breakdown and set piece.
This pressure began to show late in the first half when an overthrown ball at the lineout cost Harbour dearly as it was gathered in at the back by prop Craig Miller, who, with a turn of speed, burst up field 30m before off-loading to Marshall Suckling to hand Pirates a 17-13 lead at the break.
The Pirates pack dominated the first 20min of the second half, an early tighthead cementing its intentions up front.
Openside flanker Shaun McCarroll capped off a top game to stretch his side's advantage and secure the bonus point try.
That was followed quickly afterwards with a second try to halfback Steve Bruce, who was excelling behind a dominant pack.
Harbour always appeared as though it may break out. Halfback Johnny Legg, with a try that brought Harbour back into the game in the second half, was lively in broken play and gave good service to his outside backs and supported the good work from the loose forward trio of Sam Ready, Angus Duckett and Eben Joubert.
Pirates 29 (Steve Bruce 2, Kieran Fowler, Marshall Suckling, Shaun McCarroll tries; Kieran Fowler 2 con), Harbour 20 (Craig Sneddon, George Folau, Johnny Legg tries; Ollie Cuthill 1 con, 1 pen). Halftime: 17-13. Referee: Jeff Grubb.
