A five-try onslaught in the first half ensured Auckland a shot at their third NPC rugby title in four years with a highly entertaining 38-24 semifinal win over North Harbour in Auckland today.
The much-hyped Battle of the Bridge was all one-way traffic in the first 40 minutes as the
All Blacks-laden Auckland turned on the razzle dazzle which has highlighted their season.
Two tries to lock Angus Macdonald, and one each to Keven Mealamu, Doug Howlett and Joe Rokocoko ensured a 33-7 lead at halftime that they never looked like relinquishing.
It set up a final back at Eden Park next Saturday against Otago who rocked defending champions Canterbury with a 37-22 upset in the first semifinal yesterday.
Tonight Auckland burst out of the blocks with stunning passing and handling between backs and forwards -- Macdonald and Mealamu scoring converted tries to make it 14-0 after eight minutes.
Macdonald's second on the 20 minute mark came from a Harbour turnover deep in Auckland territory, with the rangy lock sprinting 70m before diving over in Luke McAlister's tackle in the corner.
McAlister sent alarm bells through the All Blacks camp on an unhappy night when limped off with an ankle injury just before fulltime.
Howlett's try came after a 40m burst from prop Saimone Taumoepeau before Rokocoko, on as a replacement, dived over in the left corner on the halftime whistle.
Harbour's only first half try came from wing Vili Waqaseduadua who finished off an 80m breakout for the first of his two tries on the night.
the second half into life with a try from a sustained Auckland buildup to make it
All Blacks Mils Muliaina, in an impressive first NPC start of the season, sparked 38-7.
But they couldn't cross the line for the remaining 39 minutes as Harbour fought back with tries to fullback George Pisi, Waqaseduadua and Anthony Tuitavake right on fulltime.
"We worked on our rucks after last week's game and the first half hour made it for us -- we got some fast ball and things went well," Auckland captain Justin Collins said.
Harbour had nearly 60 percent of possession but errors cost them.
"It was a disappointing way to end our season but we showed great character to hang in there," captain Rua Tipoki said.
"The boys never gave up but it was just those errors, we can't afford those. We've been able to get away with them in the games leading up to the semis but tonight we got punished for them.
Auckland 38
(Angus Macdonald 2, Keven Mealamu, Doug Howlett, Joe Rokocoko, Mils Muliaina tries; Brent Ward 4 con)
North Harbour 24
(Vili Waqaseduadua 2, George Pisi, Anthony Tuitavake tries; Luke McAlister 2 con).
Halftime: 33-7
NZPA
Auckland hooker Keven Mealamu scores a try. Ross Land / Getty Images
A five-try onslaught in the first half ensured Auckland a shot at their third NPC rugby title in four years with a highly entertaining 38-24 semifinal win over North Harbour in Auckland today.
The much-hyped Battle of the Bridge was all one-way traffic in the first 40 minutes as the
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