Waikato has come out on top in an error ridden and fairly ugly provincial rugby encounter in Hamilton.

The Mooloos have beaten Bay of Plenty 13-10. The Steamers had a chance to snatch a draw in the dying minutes, but centre Phil Burleigh's penalty attempt landed short.

Waikato midfielder Jackson Willison thought they may have thrown away four points. He says they were nervous towards the end but backed their strong defence and it held out.

Despite the errors, Willison says they are pleased to start to the competition well. He says their discipline was good and they created plenty of chances that will be turned into points with more game time.

In other results of the triple header, Counties Manukau embarrassed Otago with a 29-13 win in Pukekohe and Southland disposed of Manawatu 37-23 in Palmerston North.

Today's matches see North Harbour host Auckland in the battle of the bridge while Tasman travel across the Cook Strait to Wellington.