Lam's plan for Auckland finally comes together

All that talk of another upset being on the cards got Auckland thinking it would be best to nip that particular nonsense in the bud early last night.

And so it was that they went into the sheds at halftime with the victory theirs to pop in the kitbag.

That led to the inevitable Harbour resurgence in the second half where they managed to put respectability on the scoreboard without ever threatening to get themselves back into contention.

It might actually have been better for Harbour had they stayed on the canvas. It made the night so much more frustrating to know they were capable of competing if only they hadn't stared into the headlights for the first 40 minutes.

Until Auckland were out of sight, Harbour had adopted a Girl Guide approach to defence.

Maybe the occasion got to them or maybe there are some off-field issues that have been kept under wraps. Whatever the reason, coach Allan Pollock will have been distraught that his side opted to be more pussycat than tiger.

Faced with such timid resistance, Auckland were able to send a message to Otago, who they will meet in next Saturday's final.

It wasn't cryptic or difficult to decipher - it said Auckland have exorcised the ghosts of last season and now want to do the haunting, not be the haunted.

And that final place is nothing less than they deserved after managing to cut out the final ball errors that have blighted their season.

Those who have followed the fortunes of Auckland will know this was a performance waiting to happen. A balmy night, big crowd, full moon and a slightly awestruck opponent all conspired to help Auckland produce some rugby that was worth clearing space in the memory bank for.

There was some beautiful running from the likes of Isa Nacewa, Tasesa Lavea, Mils Muliaina and Joe Rokocoko. Then there were cameo performances from less likely sources such as Saimone Taumeopeau and Angus Macdonald.

There was also some wonderful sleight of hand, again from Nacewa - he must be cursing his decision to commit to Fiji. The forwards, too, showed an astute understanding of when to hold on and when to pass out of contact. It gave Auckland the continuity they have craved but had only previously been able to produce in patches.

The big difference last night, though, was that the support runners took the right lines and clung on until they had ventured goal-side of the chalk.

It meant that Auckland had scored five tries before the break, the pick of which was probably Joe Rokocoko's just before halftime. It came after Lavea broke from inside his own 22, danced to the opposite 22 and then set the All Black wing free. Needless to say, Rokocoko had the gas to make it home.

As did Macdonald a few minutes earlier when he intercepted a loose Junior Poluleuligaga pass and then set off as if he'd heard news his house was on fire. He threw an outrageous dummy on the way just for fun, almost to make a statement that Troy Flavell is not the only all-singing, all-dancing gig in town.

Macdonald, like Brad Mika, faces a nervous wait to see if he has made it into the Blues' protected 24. Both players have had their best seasons in professional rugby and it seems a harsh reward to learn that they will have to compete with the much-vaunted Flavell, who is believed to have been signed by Auckland.

It also shouldn't have escaped Otago's notice that, for the first time this season, Auckland showed a willingness to kick long and deep from hand, to force the inexperienced Harbour back three to turn and weigh up their options.

It made Auckland less predictable and added a telling new dimension, particularly as Lavea's right peg found a rhythm many thought it didn't possess.

Few from Harbour really did much to push their claims for places in the Blues, with only Luke McAlister, who was carried off with what appeared to be a painful leg injury, bothering the Auckland defence.

Poor old Anthony Tuitavake and Rua Tipoki might as well have brought their travel version of Trivial Pursuit to keep themselves busy, although Tuitavake did get on the scoresheet in the dying minutes.

If Auckland can stay in the zone for another seven days, Otago will do well to live with them.

Auckland 38

(A. MacDonald (2), K. Mealamu, D. Howlett, J. Rokocoko, M. Muliaina, tries; B. Ward 4 cons).

North Harbour 24

(V. Waqaseduadua (2), G. Pisi, A. Tuitavake tries; L. McAlister 2 cons).

Halftime: 33-7

- HERALD ON SUNDAY