Blaze in Tito's eyes said it all

Taranaki 40 Auckland 19

All season, Auckland have declared their rugby motto is about playing what is in front of them.

It sounded more an excuse for the free-for-all adventure the team want to indulge in than any measured strategy. But it was difficult to query the rationale as Auckland charged unbeaten through the first half of the NPC.

That momentum came to an embarrassing halt on Saturday in New Plymouth as the Paul Tito-led Taranaki gave their visitors a rugby lesson.

When Auckland's coaching staff complete their match review, they will be further discomfited that their side lost so comprehensively after taking a 13-0 lead.

Taranaki shredded Auckland's defences to score six tries while Auckland's only touchdown, to Brad Mika, came when he intercepted a loose Taranaki pass.

This was a belting in anyone's vocabulary, an afternoon when rugby sense, hard work and attention to basics squashed an Auckland unable to build a platform for their undoubted attacking flair.

It showed Auckland's mental vices, the frailty which has arisen as they go searching more for the froth than the substance needed to put away the range of sides who inhabit the first division.

Had they dealt with the obstacles on Saturday, had they played what was in front of them in the first half, especially, and pegged Taranaki in their own quarter, Auckland might have bagged another win.

It was unlikely, though, because Taranaki finally produced the blend of rugged passion, grit and skill which worked for them last season.

Their pack ploughed into its work. Men like Andrew Hore and Gordon Slater understood the requirements for tight forwards while Chris Masoe was a perpetual menace.

Taranaki rushed Auckland into mistakes, hit and felled them behind the advantage line, created turnovers and made them count.

After the early setbacks, Taranaki scored twice quickly through James Hilgendorf and Masoe as Auckland's defence looked thinner than usual. With a one-point deficit and the wind behind them for the second spell, Taranaki smelled an upset. Coach Kieran Crowley demanded it and his side responded.

When Angus Macdonald was sinbinned for punching, Taranaki made their move. They drove a lineout but the video ref did not have enough evidence to award a try. Tito drove over from the subsequent scrum and drives.

Macdonald returned but Auckland were mired in their 22m. Replacement halfback Steve Devine and Tasesa Lavea could not kick them clear while the attacking gambles were also cut down.

An attempted clearing kick from Lavea was charged down and his opposite, Sam Young, barrelled over, knocking out Auckland captain Justin Collins in the confusion. As the game was held up for Collins' departure with Taranaki 26-19 ahead, Tito gathered his troops in a huddle.

He stared each of his team-mates in the eye, asking if they wanted the victory enough after blowing several other matches this season.

The response was emphatic. From another turnover, Lifeimi Mafi stepped the Auckland line and shovelled a try-scoring pass to the flying Masoe. Auckland then missed a lineout throw on their line and the persistence of lock Jason Eaton was rewarded with the sixth and final try.

"We got stuck in, we put our foot on their throats for 80 minutes," a delighted Tito exclaimed.

It was a feeling he had enjoyed at Eden Park but on Saturday it felt even better at home.