Auckland have taken their place atop the Mitre 10 Cup Premiership ladder.
Led by a hat-trick from winger Salesi Rayasi, Auckland finished strong to beat previous ladder leaders Waikato 31-10 – earning a vital bonus point in the dying stages to seal their move to the top of the table.
Waikato started the match in strong fashion, with halfback Xavier Roe selling a huge dummy to beat his Auckland counterpart Jonathan Ruru, getting in to score untouched.
Auckland hit back soon after through Rayasi, who got on the back of a deft kick behind the line from second five-eighth TJ Faiane and, after Waikato fullback Beaudein Waaka slipped when trying to clean it up in the greasy conditions, leaving a clear shot from Rayasi to score.
It was a similar play that saw Auckland take the lead, this time centre Tumua Manu putting in the kick behind the line for Rayasi to scoop up at dot down to give Auckland a 14-7 halftime lead.
Auckland were making the most of their time in Waikato territory in the opening 40 minutes, with most of the rugby played in the Waikato half despite the visitors having a higher share of the possession.