ITM Cup: Auckland beat Wellington in dramatic comeback

Joe Edwards of Auckland bursts away from Chase Tiatia of Wellington during the round four ITM Cup match between Auckland and Wellington at Eden Park. Photo / Getty Images

Auckland 31
Wellington 30

Auckland almost played Wellington back into some form with a mistake-addled opening stanza today, but incredibly overturned a 30-6 halftime deficit to preserve their unbeaten three-year home record.

In doing so, they reclaimed the Fred Lucas Memorial Trophy, and consigned Wellington to a winless 0-4 record so far this season.

Auckland mounted a rousing second-half comeback, showing far more energy than in a limp first spell. Their forwards, in particular, marked up when it mattered.

Replacement flanker Blake Gibson atoned for some mistakes of his own with a try after nice lead-up work by prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi and centre George Moala. Gibson then made a crucial turnover when Wellington were pushing hard after the siren.

First-five Simon Hickey speared over off a concerted build-up. Wing Vince Aso scored in the corner for Auckland to take the lead with five minutes to play.

The only bright sparks of a lacklustre first half were the standard of goalkicking (100 per cent) and the ability of Wellington to thrice punish Auckland's myriad errors with some clinical finishing. Other than that, it appeared an even battle, but Auckland faced a long way back from 30-6.

Hickey threw a pass which was gratefully intercepted by Lions centre Tu Umaga-Marshall, who galloped 50m for the try. To that point, neither side had seized the initiative before about 3500 on a drizzly, dark day.

Francis Saili was all hustle and bustle with the ball, but he just makes too many mistakes, which is why Ryan Crotty is rated ahead of him in the All Blacks' pecking order.

The chief Lions benefactors of his loose play were Shaun Treeby and Ambrose Curtis, the latter showing his undoubted speed. All three tries came from 50m-plus out.

Fullback Gareth Anscombe, who often ran at first receiver, flanker Sean Polwart and Moala, were the best of an Auckland side that was unrecognisable from the opening spell.

Fullback Jason Woodward, Treeby and lock Mark Reddish were to the fore for the victors.

Halfback Leon Fukofuka ran on at the 66 minute mark for his Auckland debut, following in the footsteps of his father, former Tongan international prop Kalau Fukofuka.

The Auckland players, in honour of Father's Day, walked out onto Eden Park with their dads and/or children.

Auckland 31 (B. Gibson, S. Hickey, V. Aso tries; G. Anscombe 2 cons, 4 pens) Wellington 30 (T. Umaga-Marshall, S. Treeby, A. Curtis tries; J. Woodward 3 cons, 3 pens) Halftime: 6-30.

*In the women's NPC curtainraiser, it was a different story. Auckland decisively defeated Wellington 48-3, with wing Mele Hufanga crossing for a quartet of tries. Auckland is now 2-0 for the championship.