Auckland had their big men to thank after grinding out an 11-6 national provincial championship rugby defeat of Bay of Plenty at a sodden Mt Maunganui today.
Neither team could maintain possession for long periods due to dreadful conditions at Bay Park Stadium, leaving an early try to Auckland winger
Atieli Pakalani to prove the difference.
That lone try was unconverted before opposing first five-eighths - Auckland's Matt Berquist and Bay of Plenty's Phil Burleigh - traded two penalties each prior to halftime.
The second spell was a scoreless affair, with the hosts dominating much of the closing quarter but struggling to break through, even when Auckland flanker Onosai'i Auva'a was shown a yellow card for persistent infringing in the closing minutes.
In a game when muscle was the order of the day, Auckland fielded the most influential figures in props Charlie Faumuina and Tevita Mailau. The Blues Super rugby duo were at the forefront of a dominant scrum - forcing three scrum turnovers - and were physically imposing around the field.
Both were unlucky to score tries. Referee Josh Noonan ruled Auckland captain Daniel Braid ran obstruction when Faumuina crashed over soon before halftime while Mailau was deemed to be held up over the line midway through the second stanza.
Bay of Plenty lock Culum Retallick was also held up soon afterwards, the closest his team came to scoring as they spent ample time on attack late in the game.
They were left to regret the early mistake which led to Pakalani's try. Under-pressure winger Lelia Masaga threw an intercept pass to Auckland second five-eighth Jamie Helleur, who linked with Braid. The flanker was stopped short of the line in a tackle by younger brother Luke but the ball was moved swiftly to the right where Pakalani had too much pace.
Both teams remain firmly in the semifinal hunt, having been fifth and sixth before round three began.
Bay of Plenty still haven't beaten Auckland since their famous Ranfurly Shield heist at Eden Park in 2004.
- NZPA
