BOP run out of steam against Auckland

TOUGH GAME: Steamers first-five Te Aihe Toma takes on two defenders in the 27-12 loss to Auckland. PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES

Bay of Plenty were run down in the second half by Auckland to lose 27-12 in front of a small home crowd, in slippery conditions at Rotorua International Stadium this afternoon.

Two years ago Auckland came to Rotorua and got an old fashioned hiding, losing 37-16, and they were behind 12-0 at halftime to a fired-up Steamers side.

But Auckland scored 27 unanswered points in a remarkable second half turnaround to leave Rotorua with the John Drake Boot on the team bus.

The Steamers looked very good in the opening 40 minutes. Winger Tino Nemani made a slashing break and with a penalty due, hooker Joe Royal spilt the ball from a tricky catch over the goalline. But from the penalty, Royal fed the lineout and the Rotoiti man scored the try from a perfect driving maul.

Evemy kicked a fine goal to put the Steamers up 7-0 after 15 minutes. The usually reliable Gareth Anscombe missed two penalties for Auckland and the muscular intensity Steamers teams are renowned for was clearly shaking the visitors.

Steamers flanker Johan Bardoul, who has had a fine ITM Cup, then finished off a slick move, started by second-five Doug Edwards, with a bustling 20 metre run to score in the corner. Steamers up 12-0.

Auckland turned over the ball again in tough contact. Evemy was so close to scoring the Steamers third try, but in a photo finish with Auckland's Simon Hickey, knocked on just short in the slippery conditions.

The last play in the half was frantic, with Steamers mobile lock Tim Bond making two spritely 20 metre runs and openside flanker Hamish Gosling stealing Auckland ball, but the under-par Aucks cleared to touch to finish the best 40 minutes of the Bay of Plenty season.

Auckland started the second spell a different team with a freshening breeze behind them. Anscombe kicked a penalty and then uber-talented Lolagi Visinia shocked the Steamers with an opportunistic try from the kick-off. The conversion went over to change the game's complexion, and the Steamers lead to just two points.

Steamers fullback Leroy Van Dam's inability to catch the high ball continued, which proved costly as Anscombe kicked a mighty 48 metre penalty to give Auckland the lead after 48 minutes.

Nemani also spilled a high kick to give Auckland the chance to counter quickly, with young Visinia cleverly scoring under pressure from three defenders.

Auckland had 18 points in just 14 minutes and it was the Steamers who were now making errors under pressure. Anscombe capitalised, stretching the lead to 27-12 from the tee, and the Steamers left wondering what hit them in the second half.

Auckland 27 (Lolagi Visinia 2 tries; Gareth Anscombe con, 5 pen)
Bay of Plenty 12 (Joe Royal, Johan Bardoul tries; Nic Evemy con)