Auckland 37
Counties-Manukau 14
A late bonus point try against Counties-Manukau kept Auckland steaming towards an Air NZ Cup rugby semifinal today although a significant obstacle awaits next week.
The Aucklanders emerged satisfied with a 37-14 defeat of the competition's last-placed team at Eden Park after loose forward Peter Saili crashed over for a crucial fourth try two minutes from time.
It kept Auckland on the fringe of the playoffs in sixth place and licking their lips ahead of a virtual ``quarterfinal' in the final round against fifth placed Waikato in Hamilton on Saturday. The winners may well creep into the semis.
For Auckland it would be the reward for some rejuvenated late-season form, having won three on the trot since a stinging loss to Tasman.
Things looked dicey at times today, leading just 10-7 at halftime after playing with the aid of a decent breeze.
They were still just 20-14 up with 15 minutes remaining before All Blacks flanker Jerome Kaino and Saili crossed late.
Auckland dominated first half territory and fullback Paul Williams scored early but a lack of breakdown security kept their battling opponents in the picture.
Counties-Manukau scored the games' two best tries, team efforts midway through each half which were both finished by Tim Nanai-Williams. The second saw the talented fullback chip and regather superbly, capping a fine game in which he scored all the visitors' points.
Flanker Onasa'i Auva'a dived over in the lefter corner soon after the break to give his side breathing space while Auckland's chances were helped by perfect goalking.
First five-eighth Ash Moeke landed his four shots while his replacement Gareth Arlidge slotted three from three.
Auckland 37 (Paul Williams, Onasa'i Auva'a, Jerome Kaino, Peter Saili tries; Ash Moeke 2 pen, 2 con, Gareth Arlidge pen, 2 con) Counties-Manukau 14 (Tim Nanai-Williams 2 tries; Nanai-Williams 2 con). Halftime: 10-7
- NZPA
Rugby: Auckland fend off Counties challenge
A 37-14 victory over Counties-Manukau kept Auckland in the hunt for a semifinal berth in the Air New Zealand Cup at Eden Park this afternoon. Photo / Getty Images
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