Wellington 37 North Harbour 13
The shake of the head from Piri Weepu as he left the field after 52 minutes was a sign that all was not good with the talented halfback.
Weepu had to play yesterday to show the All Black selectors he was fit after being on the sidelines
since the August test against South Africa in Bloemfontein.
He got through his work well enough, was his usual authoritative self, but there was a look in his eyes when he came to the touchline that said it all; it was a look of angst - of a man who knew that his ankle wasn't up to five weeks of touring with the national squad.
He'll find out this morning whether the selectors have faith in his lower leg or whether they believe Weepu would be better off having an operation, cleaning out all the debris causing the pain and get himself ready for Super 14.
Weepu's departure may have had big consequences on his immediate future, but it had little impact on the game.
By the time he hobbled off, Wellington were already turning the screw and edging away from an abrasive Harbour side that will be disappointed they weren't better able to reflect their efforts on the scoreboard.
They were competitive where they needed to be and made some in-roads around the edges of the breakdown, with Anthony Boric showing up well.
They were quick to take early opportunities, Andrew Mailei pouncing on a loose ball inside his 22 to release Nafi Tuitavake for the opening try of the game.
But the thing about Wellington, especially when they are studded with their All Blacks, is that you have to suffocate them; make them look at the score and then feel panicky.
That's where Harbour failed. They reached the break tied at 13-13 but couldn't sustain a second half challenge.
Cory Jane came into his own. Sporting a blood-spattered head dressing, he was everywhere. His work under the high ball was as solid yesterday as it was in his last test outing.
His real value, though, was in the way he used the ball. He had time and space and he gave his forwards the perfect platform they were looking for.
A fullback who can carry the ball across the gainline and give his forwards a target in front rather then behind them is a rare and valued beast.
The Wellington backs relished the space and momentum built by Jane and they gradually came more and more into the game - using the width to stretch a scrambling Harbour defence to breaking point.
Alipate Leuia was worked free on the right to open the scoring in the second half before Hosea Gear and Ma'a Nonu used their strength to barge over from close range.
It was comprehensive in the end, Wellington scoring 24 unanswered points in the second 40 minutes and looking every inch a title-winning side.
The challenge for them will be dealing with the loss of their All Blacks, which is kind of ironic. Earlier in the season when they were potentially available, coach Jamie Joseph didn't want his test stars. He was happy to do without them - believing their short stints would do more to disrupt rather then enhance his side.
He later suggested he was wrong to take that stance, but maybe he wasn't. The Lions are expected to lose Jane, Gear, Nonu, Tamati Ellison, Rodney So'oialo and Neemia Tialata.
If Weepu doesn't go, it's doubtful he will be fit to play for Wellington either and his replacement in the All Blacks could well be Alby Mathewson.
That's a lot of talent to be denied, especially when every All Black involved yesterday made his presence felt. Nonu, just with his power alone, was an enormous handful and Ellison is an innate footballer who threw some nicely weighted and timed passes.
On the plus side, Wellington do have an enviable strength in depth and will at least be able to cover some of their losses in personnel.
They also have the advantage of staring at a straightforward equation - they just have to win this week against Tasman to be safely in the playoffs.
Wellington 37 (J. Ellison, A. Leuia, M. Nonu, H. Gear tries; F. Fili 3 pens, 4 cons) North Harbour 13 (N. Tuitavake try; M. Harris 2 pens, con).
