Auckland always in control against Northlanders
Auckland coach Nick White wanted much stiffer defence and his charges delivered that on a wet and wild winter night at Eden Park.
It was hardly awe- inspiring stuff, but it was a damned sight more effective than the capitulation in Christchurch a week ago. According to ThreeNrugby stats, Auckland missed just eight tackles on the night, though they narrowly ceded the possession and field position numbers.
The home side was always in control, taking a 15- 8 halftime lead after playing into a howling norwester and pinching several Taniwha lineout throws.
Auckland’s first try came from a high ball which Northland shelled. Wing Pryor Collier gratefully accepted the pass from fullback Melani Nanai for the opener. Hooker Kurt Eklund was as industrious as ever, and he plunged over from a lineout drive for the second.
Akira Ioane searched tirelessly for space from the openside, but there was little to be had, as the Taniwha tackled gamely. His frustration was evident at times.
But No 8 Steven Luatua’s work- rate was rewarded with two tries in five minutes, the first, surprise, surprise, from a lineout drive. His second secured the bonus point for Auckland.
Northland had the first half field position but not the attacking clout to threaten, and it did not help when No 8 Dan Pryor retired hurt.
They did score two tries of their own, to replacement Josh Larsen and Crusaders wing Jone Macilai, without seriously posing problems with the ball in hand. It is now eight years since they have beaten Auckland.
Auckland blooded t wo new players in wing Joe Ravouvou and loose forward Josh Kaifa, though Lolagi Visinia departed after less than 20 minutes for reasons that were unclear. There were plenty of willing workers in the pack, led by Luatua and Taleni Seu. It was, after all, a night for the pack to roll up their sleeves.
Auckland travel to Invercargill to play Southland next Friday, where they should have a clutch of fringe All Blacks back, while Northland host Canterbury the following day, as coach Richie Harris continues the search for his first victory. Auckland 37 ( Steven Luatua 2, Pryor Collier, Kurt Eklund, Vince Aso tries; Simon Hickey 3 cons, 2 pens) Northland 15 ( Josh Larsen, Jone Macilai tries; Peter Breen con, pen). Halftime: 15- 8.