Inside back Ben Nowell displayed courage under fire and explosive pace to become a major contributor to Taieri's win at Hancock Park.
Nowell slotted in at first five-eighth in a David v Goliath battle in the first half, where eighth-placed Pirates appeared to be holding its own against table-topping Taieri.
No 8 Paul Miller was able to expose some Taieri weaknesses around the flanks, and Taieri led only 6-3 at halftime.
Taieri made changes at the break, with Andrew Reid moving into first five and Nowell moving out to second five, where he found more space to weave his magic, leading to a try to winger Rhys Collins just 43sec into the half.
Nowell was on hand in support play soon after to score himself, following a break from loose forwards Nathan Young and Charlie O'Connell.
Nick Roulston was another to have an impact in the second half, scoring two tries as a replacement halfback, while locks Matt Davidson and Karl Bloxham featured in broken play.
Steven Bruce led by example from halfback for a Pirates side that was full of heart but let the game slip away in the final quarter, when it leaked 22 points.
Taieri 33 (Nick Roulston 2, Ben Nowell, Rhys Collins tries; Collins 2 pen, Andrew Reid 2 con, pen), Pirates 13 (Ben Hanley try; Kieran Fowler con, 2 pen). Halftime: Taieri 6-3.
