Clarke the catalyst as Auckland bag points

By WYNNE GRAY

Auckland 37 Taranaki 16

Clinical finishing from rare chances allowed Auckland to keep their unbeaten record last night in New Plymouth and continued Taranaki's frustrating start to the season.

Seasoned centre Eroni Clarke tormented the Taranaki defence and scored the bonus point fourth try for the visitors' during a second half blitz, as Auckland dwelt on Taranaki mistakes.

The rot started early in the second half when Taranaki lock Keith Robinson was sinbinned for punching after advice from the touch judge. Television replays later showed Robin Brooke getting in the first hit which the linesman did not detect.

A man down, Taranaki conceded an overlap try to Iliesa Tanivula which gave Auckland a little momentum.

Then a weaving break from halfway by Clarke turned the defence inside out and Mils Muliaina had a clear run to the line before Clarke, with an outrageous dummy scampered 30m for the next.

As Auckland brought on most of their subs for the last minutes, replacement Justin Wilson scored the final try from a sloppy Taranaki clearance.

The margin did not reflect the weight of Taranaki possession and territory but showed how efficient Auckland are if they are given a chance to counterattack.

A magnificent run from Samiu Vahafolau just before halftime had delivered Auckland an unlikely lead as they battled into a very strong breeeze. The No 8 surged through midfield, beat a number of defenders and when he was finally held, delivered the ball quickly enough for Auckland to have a blindside overlap.

Recalled wing George Harder still had a couple of defenders in his view but barrelled over the top of them to celebrate his first game back in Auckland colours since 1998. It was a huge moment for Auckland, capped by a gem of a conversion from the sideline in the swirling wind by Carlos Spencer which gave them a 10-6 lead.

Taranaki had spent almost the entire half down in the attacking 22.

But a combination of their uncertainty with the ball, huge defence from Auckland including a cluster of professional fouls denied them any tries.

Daryl Lilley kicked two penalties but only after Taranaki turned down the chance of several other goals to try and drive their way over the visitors' line.

In Paul Tito, they had a dominant lineout force but while they invariably gained the ball, Taranaki were not able to convert the possession.

Ironically straight after the break, playing into the stiff breeze, Taranaki scored after spurning another penalty kick.

From a lineout and a twisting, turning drive, wing Faapulou So'olefai emerged with the try and Taranaki with the 11-10 lead.

It was the last time they were in front as Auckland drew away through the precision of their outside backs.

against North Harbour next Saturday night, while Taranaki are away to Waikato that afternoon.nte

Auckland 37 (G Harder, I Tanivula, M Muliaina, E Clarke, J Wilson tries; C Spencer, 2 pen, 3 con)

Taranaki 16 (F So'olefai, B Robins, tries; D Lilley, 2 pen) HT 10-6.