Auckland break Northland hearts
AUCKLAND remain on track for a home semifinal in the Mitre 10 Premiership after a gutsy comeback victory over Northland at Eden Park yesterday.
Forced to play the majority of the match with 14 men due to an injury crisis upfront, Auckland looked in real danger of losing to their Blues franchise partners for the first time in 12 years, when they trailed 8-0 at halftime.
However, a second half double to in-form wing Salesi Rayasi, including the 76thminutematch-winner, and a late defensive stand saw them escape with a thrilling 24-20 victory.
The result pushed Auckland five points clear of Tasman at the top of the table, with the Mako hosting Canterbury last night.
But while coach Alama Ieremia would have been a hugely relieved man just to get the win, their failure to collect a bonus-point could be crucial in
the race for first place, with just one round remaining before the semifinals.
Auckland travel to Canterbury next Sunday and while the red-and-blacks have had a season to forget, theywill be fighting for survival in the Premiership. Tasman, meanwhile, are away to Otago in their final regular season game.
Auckland’s injurywoes began in the seventh-minute when they lost Soane Vikena in bizarre circumstances. The hooker clutched at his shoulder after a wayward lineout throw and immediately signalled to the sideline, whileNo 8 Sione
Tuipulotu followed him off shortly after.
Northland then caught a huge break when Auckland’s replacement hooker Leni Apisai hobbled off in the 25th minute, bringing uncontested scrums into play. And becauseAuckland caused the issue, theywere forced to play the rest of the match aman down.
Having held a 3-0 lead for most of the first half, Northland finally capitalised on the numbers advantage just before the break as Rene Ranger put wing Jone Macilai over in the left-hand corner.
Northland were their own worst enemy at times as their accuracywith ball in hand left a lot to be desired.
Ten minutes into the second half, an 8-0 lead quickly morphed into a two-point deficit after a massive Zarn Sullivan penalty goal against the wind followed by an intercept try to Rayasi.
It was the perfect defensive read by the wing, but his gamble didn’t pay off a second time around as Northland made the most of the overlap, halfback Sam Nock on the spot to finish off a brilliant team try.
Auckland found an unlikely hero in the form of Jarred
Adams to hit back. The stand-in hooker showed a good turn of pace to break clear and stayed in support to finish what he started.
The topsy-turvy clash continued as Northland skipper Jordan Olsen barged over to give his side a three-point lead with seven minutes to go. But Harry
Plummer put that man Rayasi over for their 10th-straight win over their neighbours.
Despite the loss, Northland remain in the top four.