"This is actually the first time we've come first in our pool, so that was good for the boys and gave them a bit more belief. They'll have a lot of belief going into tomorrow's game, I'm hoping they take a lot from this game," Davis said.
The Waicoa Bay 15s finished second in their pool and pushed Auckland all the way in their semi-final, but ultimately could not get across the line, losing 16-8. Auckland went ahead early, with the wind at their backs, and took a 10-4 lead into halftime.
Waicoa Bay looked to be in the hunt as they scored early in the second half and an Auckland player was sin binned. However, Auckland managed to dominate territory and score a converted try to seal the victory. They will play Akarana, who beat defending champions Counties Manukau 10-6, in the final.
In the third and fourth place playoffs tomorrow,the Waicoa Bay 15s will play Counties Manukau at 11.30am and the Waicoa Bay 17s will play Southern at 11am.
The 15s final will be played at 12.30pm and the 17s final will be played at 2pm to round out what has been an entertaining week of rugby league in Rotorua.
National Youth Rugby League Tournament semi-final results
15s:
Counties Manukau 6 v Akarana 10
Waicoa Bay 8 v Auckland 16
17s:
Akarana 38 v Southern 18
Counties Manukau 64 v Waicoa Bay 10