Rugby: Southland unable to break Eden Park curse

Auckland's Ash Moeke tackles Southland's Jason Kawau during his side's 27-13 win over the southerners at Eden Park, Auckland.

Auckland maintained their long winning streak over Southland at Eden Park with a 27-13 win in an Air NZ Cup rugby match.

The last time Southland won at the home of Auckland rugby was in 1939 but they came into today's game with high hopes after showing good form this season.

They had been among the front runners since the start of the season while Auckland had been inconsistent from round to round.

But their dreams were dashed today by a lacklustre performance which saw their usually efficient game wither under a series of handling errors and missed tackles.

Auckland also benefited from a number of Southland indiscretions while under pressure in the first half which allowed first five-eighth Ash Moeke to kick four penalties.

Southland first five-eighth Robbie Robinson had a subdued game and was unable to unlock a sound Auckland defence. He put over two penalties in the first half but missed another couple from handy positions.

Southland, trailing 6-12, closed the gap when they finally managed to string eight phases together from a 5m lineout which ended with blindside flanker John Hardy crashing over in the corner.

Auckland took control of the scoreboard on the stroke of halftime when halfback Taniela Moa found a gap on the blind side from a 5m scrum.

Southland looked a side short of inspiration in the second half despite some good work from their forwards, particularly hooker Jason Rutledge and prop Jamie Mackintosh.

Two brilliantly executed solo tries from Auckland lit up the second half.

The crafty Moa got his second when he caught the Southland defence napping with a run from the base of a ruck from 40m out.

He was then upstaged by substitute Peter Saili whose powerful solo effort started from just outside Auckland's 22 and ended by the posts.

Jerome Kaino had an outstanding game from blindside flanker with a number of powerful carries while fellow All Black John Afoa was also solid.

Auckland 27 (Taniela Moa 2, Peter Saili tries; Ash Moeke 4 pen) Southland 13 (John Hardie try; Robbie Robinson 2 pen, con). Halftime: 17-13.

- NZPA