NZ Rugby stars rally against Israel Folau's controversial social media comments
Same night, same city; note the contrast. It's the plight of Auckland's two footy franchises, the Blues and the Warriors.
For the Warriors, the future looks bright. For the Blues - increasingly dim.
Last night the Blues took on the Highlanders at Eden Park, with the Warriors hosting the Dragons 10 kilometres away to the south-east at Mount Smart Stadium.
One Auckland-based team walked back into the sheds after 80 minutes smiling and the other was left wondering what's next?
Over 18,000 fans and members were recorded to have made the trip to Mount Smart and they weren't left disappointed.
Warriors fans are flooding back through the gates at Mt Smart. Photo / Getty Images
Meanwhile, the crowd attendance at Eden Park told a very different story, with around 12,000 fans heading along to the game.
The game looked over within the first 50 seconds of the game after Dillon Hunt crossed over for the visitors and another try coming shortly after.
Following a short fightback from the Blues it looked as though the tables might have turned, but the Highlanders were able to get back in front and it stayed that way until the full-time whistle.
The empty seats weren't hard to find at Eden Park, but the diehard fans are still there. Photo / Getty Images
Social media was alight last night as both the Blues and Warriors went to battle with their respective opponents.
Warriors fans couldn't get enough after they reigned supreme over the Dragons.
Issac Luke celebrates his try. Photo / Getty Images
It might be emotion here but I can't recall a better effort or better attitude being displayed by a @NZWarriors in the club's history. You got a contender to follow this year folks. #NRLWarriorsDragons
