Auckland snatch dramatic late win

9.37pm

Two tries in the final two minutes rocketed Auckland to a remarkable 35-33 win over Otago in their final-round NPC rugby match at Auckland tonight.

Otago were on track to record their first win at Eden Park since 1976 but Auckland, who scored six tries to three, sent winger Joe Rokocoko over next to the posts in the final play of a riveting game to deny them.

Moments earlier lock Brad Mika had crossed from a forward drive to give them hope after the hosts trailed a see-saw encounter 25-33 with 2-1/2 minutes remaining.

It provided a bright note for the two-time defending champions after a damp squib of a season that looked like sinking to new depths tonight, in a match played in heavy rain throughout.

While Auckland played with more attacking brilliance, they were also more inaccurate throughout in both general play and with their goalkicking.

A variety of Auckland kickers combined to land just two of their nine shots at goal while Otago first five-eighth Shaun Webb was on song all night in an 18-point haul, his sideline conversion five minutes from the end all-but sealing Auckland's fate.

The result had no impact on the disappointing final placings for two traditional strongholds of New Zealand rugby -- Auckland finishing seventh and Otago eighth.

It was probably the final game in New Zealand for Auckland and All Blacks prop Kees Meeuws, who added thrust in the second half against his old province.

An announcement on his plans for next year, which will likely see him play club rugby in Japan next year, is expected early next week.

It was notable he completed a lap of the ground, thanking supporters after the fulltime whistle. He also was given the final conversion of the game.

Conversely, it was a disappointing result for Otago hooker Anton Oliver and lock Simon Maling, who are both also expected to be leaving the province next year.

Otago led 13-10 at halftime courtesy of a try to centre Jason Shoemark and Webb's boot while Auckland winger Doug Howlett and flanker Angus MacDonald scored tries.

The lead changed hands several times in the second half but tries to loose forward Sam Harding and fullback Glen Horton appeared to put the visitors in the driving seat.

Auckland regularly struck back when in trouble, their second half tries going to winger Brent Ward, Howlett, Mika and Rokocoko.

- NZPA


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