Rugby: Wellington topple Auckland in Mitre 10 Cup

Wellington have sent out a warning shot to the rest of the Mitre 10 Premiership with their commanding 34-15 win over Auckland at Eden Park today.

The boot of Jackson Garden-Bachop controlled the game, with the Wellington backline having a field day as they got the better of Auckland in perfect conditions in the city of sails.

It was close heading into halftime with both teams claiming two tries, with a Harry Plummer penalty kick on the stroke of halftime giving the hosts a slim one point lead into the break.

However, Wellington came out of the sheds the better side as they marched Auckland off the field with a commanding performance. Garden-Bachop was strong as he constantly turned the Auckland side around with his boot, with a perfect crossfield kick inside the 22 finding the hands of Wes Goosen, that then led to a wonderful try for Mateaki Kafatolu.

The win lifts Wellington to outright second, six points clear of third place Canterbury, while Auckland are left vulnerable in fourth place on 16 points, heading into their clash against table toppers Tasman on Friday night.