Northland snatch outrageous victory

By WYNNE GRAY - Northland 44 Auckland 43

Auckland conceded an NPC victory for the second successive week after an incredible turnaround from Northland last night.

Auckland, who cracked and lost to Otago by a point in the previous round, led until the final few minutes last night before going down to their neighbours for the first time in NPC history.

Auckland, who led by 20 points at one stage of the first half, paid a huge price for not tempering their play. They chased bonus points all night, got too loose and are now at serious risk of missing the playoffs.

The plaudits had to go to Northland, who scored four second-half tries. The match-winner came when Fijian flyer Rupeni Caucaunibuca used his sizzling pace to outrun the speedy Doug Howlett as he chased a kick made into the deadball area by fellow Fijian wing Fero Lasagavibau.

Victory, the first for Northland in 21 NPC meetings with Auckland, hung on the conversion from five-eighths James Arlidge, on loan from Auckland. He had missed two closer efforts in the half, but steered his final kick over the bar for an outrageous win.

On the best night they have had for rugby this season, Auckland tossed away their safety-first manual and went for all-out attack. They thought a place in the final four could hinge on bonus points, and pinpointed this game as one in which to shoot for the extras.

That intention was obvious as Carlos Spencer spurned several handy shots at goal to kick for setplays from close lineouts.

The first few did not work, but razzle-dazzle in other parts of the field brought tries to Christian Califano and Doug Howlett - though Auckland also coughed up a try when their scrum was put under pressure and Brad Miller struggled over.

But the lineout payola came with an Ali Williams' catch and pass to captain Xavier Rush, who burst through the middle to score on a night where he excelled.

Then halfback Steve Devine chipped in with two tries as Auckland exploited some sloppy inside defence. The first came after a 40m run by Keven Mealamu, and then Samiu Vahafolau broke from a scrum to feed Devine for his second.

After 27 minutes of point-a-minute rugby, Auckland had nailed four tries for their bonus point and should have settled for victory.

But the excitement of playing fast and loose had permeated their play.

It was freewheeling footy rather than some of the dour returns seen this winter. But there was a price to pay for that freedom, as Auckland's defence became a little lax.

They conceded some penalties and then a solo try to Jason Shoemark, who broke some weak tackles straight off a lineout.

Shoemark had another try soon after the break, Sam Pinder scored from yet another outrageous Caucaunibuca break, and Auckland were under the hammer.

They returned with a couple more tries, but so did Northland to extract their wondrous win.

Northland 44 (J. Shoemark 2, B. Miller, S. Pinder, B. Meyer, R. Caucaunibuca tries; J. Arlidge 4 con, 2 pen) Auckland 43 (S. Devine 2, C. Califano, D. Howlett, X. Rush, E. Clarke, I. Tanivula tries; C. Spencer 4 con). Halftime: 20-33.