It was a game of two halves.
University A dominated the first spell and Taieri came back in the second half and almost snatched the game at the University Oval.
The loose trio of Brad Cameron, Hoani Matenga and Paul Grant were unstoppable as the student pack dominated the first spell.
The students scored four tries and first five-eighth Chris Noakes added the extra points to give University A a commanding 32-8 lead at the break.
Noakes controlled a backline that always looked dangerous with the ball in hand.
Andrew Parata provided power in the midfield and broke the advantage line.
But the game changed in the second spell as Taieri took charge.
The forwards, well led by No 8 Charlie O'Connell, played as a unit and took control.
Lock Kurt Webster won usable line-out ball and flanker Rowan Beadle was dangerous with the ball in hand.
Taieri scored three tries in the second spell and first five-eighth Hayden Parker added the extra points to give Taieri the bonus point in a game that looked out of its grasp at halftime.
University A 32 (Matt Faddes, Andrew Parata, Brad Nichol, Hoani Matenga tries; Chris Noakes 3 conversions, 2 penalty goals), Taieri 31 (Kurt Webster, Matt Kiore, Rowan Beadle tries; Hayden Parker 2 conversions, 4 penalty goals).
Halftime: University A 32-8.
Referee: Ross Barnett.
