KEY POINTS:
Auckland 38
Hawkes Bay 3
A bond of "brotherhood" will ensure Auckland's near-faultless national championship campaign isn't derailed in the final week by the possible return of defeated All Blacks to the domestic scene this week.
The early departure of the All Blacks from the World Cup has
created the possibility that international players who have not played a minute for Auckland this season could bump weekly regulars out of coach Pat Lam's 22 for Saturday night's final against Wellington at Eden Park.
Hooker Keven Mealamu, who didn't play against France in the All Blacks' quarter-final defeat and has not played for Auckland this season, is said to have expressed an interest in playing in the final.
Others, such as Ali Williams - who did play early in the championship - and Joe Rokocoko and Isaia Toeava, could come into contention.
After watching his side book their place in the final with an assured, clinical dismantling of competition darlings Hawkes Bay on Saturday night, Lam stressed the returning All Blacks would not cause any disruption.
"Yes, they are All Blacks but we see them as brothers," he said.
"They were part of us at the start - even the ones that weren't allowed to play were still at training with us. They are still very much a part of our team. They are not new people coming into the team, they are Auckland boys.
"We are all part of a big family. We are one big team and it is the best 22 for any particular game who will go out. We just get in on Monday and see who is available."
With 17 years having elapsed since a team went through a national championship season undefeated, Auckland stand on the verge of carving a nice little piece of history.
The chance to finish the season with a championship and Ranfurly Shield double was another strong motivating factor, Lam said.
But Auckland will be wary of a Wellington side who upset them in last year's semifinal at Eden Park and who booked their place in the final with a rare victory over Canterbury in Christchurch on Friday night.
"Wellington were superb against Canterbury and will be a big challenge for us but it is something we are looking forward to," Lam said.
Defeated Hawkes Bay coach Peter Russell said Wellington have the strikepower to match Auckland in the backs but, after watching his side be totally dominated up front for the second time this season, he doubted the Lions' pack would be able to foot it with Auckland.
Certainly it was Auckland's dominance in the tight that paved the way for a comfortable win on Saturday night.
Auckland's pack forced a tighthead on the Magpies' first scrum feed and also pinched five first-half lineouts on opposition throws.
The glut of possession that resulted brought first-half tries to Saimone Taumoepeau, David Smith and Sam Tuitupou and Isa Nacewa's immaculate place kicking meant Auckland were well clear at halftime.
Turning with the wind at their backs, the Magpies battled bravely to make a match of it but Auckland's defence was nigh-on impregnable and late tries to replacements Troy Flavell and Lachie Munro rounded out the impressive display.