5.45pm
AUCKLAND 24 TARANAKI 13
Auckland hauled themselves off the bottom half of the NPC first division rugby competition today with 24-13 win over Taranaki at New Plymouth.
After last week's 15-33 shock home loss to Waikato, which had them stuck in seventh place in the 10-team competition, today's three tries to
one victory put them into the top half.
Midfield backs Tane Tuipulotu and Sam Tuitupou and No 8 and captain Xavier Rush scored a try each for the Aucklanders, with fullback Ben Atiga kicking a penalty and three conversions.
Winger Shayne Austin scored the home team's only try. Daryl Lilley kicked a penalty and a conversion and Mark Urwin a penalty.
Auckland's last-gasp attempt for a bonus-earning fourth try was held up over the line.
Taranaki also lost a try over the line when hooker Andrew Hore spilled the ball when he was belly-up in a tackle in the 69th minute. It followed a few minutes of punishing forward play by the Taranaki pack.
The Auckland defence was otherwise rock-solid, with Taranaki unable to find their through the forwards or at midfield where Tuitupou was back.
Auckland 24 (Tane Tuipulotu, Sam Tuitupou, Xavier Rush tries; Ben Atiga pen, 3 con), Taranaki 13 (Shayne Austin try; Daryl Lilley pen, con; Mark Urwin pen). Halftime: 10-7.
- NZPA
NPC points table
