Taieri's goal-kicking woes continued as it struggled to beat Pirates 25-3 at Peter Johnstone Park.
The Achilles heel of last year's champion continued this season as first five-eighth Hayden Parker kicked only two goals from six attempts. His replacement, Andrew Reid, missed two conversions.
A late first-half try by aggressive running fullback Ben Nowell gave Taieri an 8-3 lead at the break.
It was made by centre Kieran Moffat, the best back on the field, who made a half-break inside the 22m.
The aggressive Taieri pack, spearheaded by loose forwards Charlie O'Connell, Nathan Young and Karl Bloxham, dominated the second spell.
It camped for long periods inside the Pirates 22 and kept recycling the ball. Two of Taieri's second-half tries were made by the driving play of the pack.
Pirates' injury woes continued when it lost fullback Kieran Fowler and first five-eighth Andrew Bremner in the first spell.
But a gutsy Pirates team refused to concede a game that was only made secure for Taieri when wing Shannon Young scored two late tries.
The constant Taieri attacks met a solid Pirates defence spearheaded by halfback Steve Bruce and midfielders Siale Piutua and Marshall Suckling in the backs and by loose forwards Shaun McCarroll and Solomon T-Pole and his replacement Paul Miller.
Lock Travis McIntosh and prop Hisa Sasagi were aggressive in the tight.
Taieri 25 (Ben Nowell, Shannon Young 2, Ryan Hammer tries; Hayden Parker con, pen), Pirates 3 (Kieran Fowler pen). Halftime: Taieri 8-3. Referee: Adam Morrison.
