Four-try cleanout reflects attitudes

By WYNNE GRAY

Auckland 32 North Harbour 15

Huge lock Bryce Williams has been picked as the go-to man in the middle of the Auckland lineout, the man to do the NPC business now that his namesake, Ali Williams, is on test duty.

Harbour also went to the unmarked Williams with a third-minute throw which gave him an easy lunge for his first provincial try.

It was a moment of frailty which Harbour repeated too often to threaten in the local derby as Auckland put away their franchise partners at Albany on Saturday night.

In another measure of the NPC champions' superiority, the margin was four tries to none.

Harbour were restricted to five penalties from Luke McAlister. Auckland had three tries by halftime, all from pressure and opposition errors.

Williams clanked over from a stray lineout throw, Iliesa Tanivula crossed after an errant clearing kick and Tane Tuipolotu scored when Harbour lost the ball as they tried to run out of their 22-metre line

The forward slog was physical. Harbour had a huge pack, with locks Blair Larsen, Greg Rawlinson, flanker Troy Flavell and captain Ron Cribb.

But their work was not quite as cohesive as Auckland's and their defence certainly not as sound.

Auckland also brought a different attitude, a refreshing inclination to attack, carry the ball and support their teammates.

There was constant danger from backs Orene Ai'i, Sam Tuitupou and Brent Ward, and forwards such as Justin Collins, Xavier Rush and Bradley Mika.

At every breakdown, every tackle, Auckland looked for support to continue the movement.

Harbour were more individual, and some of their play suggested a far more defensive frame of mind. That was underlined when loose forwards Craig Newby, Matua Parkinson and Flavell all kicked on attack when they had support.

Kicking seemed to be Harbour's first thoughts; Auckland continued the positive running rugby they delivered in last year's NPC.

The contrast in styles brought frustration from the small crowd, with one spectator yelling out late in the game: "C'mon Harbour, you're not second division ... yet."

There was quite a pause before the "yet". Harbour and the unidentified doomsayer know the task ahead is no snack.

The immediate difficulty is Southland at Invercargill.

Auckland were in better mental nick - even if they would rate themselves not much higher than average - for their next challenge, from Wellington on Friday night.

Auckland may have tried to force too many passes instead of setting up further rucks, but that was a mild criticism of a side wanting to express themselves after the dull start in round one against Otago.

The result, Harbour coach Russell Jones accepted, went the way of the better quality side, the one who made fewer errors.