Rugby: Auckland smother Wellington in wet win

Apoua Stewart of Wellington is tackled by Jamie Helleur of Auckland. Photo / Getty Images

Auckland beat Wellington 21-15 in heavy rain at Eden Park to break a two-match losing streak against their arch-rivals tonight.

Auckland last beat Wellington in the 2007 national championship final but then lost 27-0 to Wellington in 2008 and 16-15 in 2009 -- both also Ranfurly Shield encounter.

But they were able to turn the tables on last year's finalists with better ball control when they had the ball and by slowing Wellington's ball at every opportunity to score two tries to none.

First five Matt Berquist shone for Auckland by scoring 16 of his side's points with with a try, three penalties and a conversion.

Auckland's other try, the opening points of the match was scored by hardworking lock Liaki Moli who spun through the Wellington defence after a series of phases to set up an easy conversion for Berquist.

Wellington replied with a penalty through 19-year-old debutante first five Lima Sopoaga in their first serious thrust into Auckland territory.

Sopoaga showed great composure to kick another four penalties in the game, his last coming in the 63rd minute to keep Wellington in sight of snatching a win.

Berquist potted another penalty before Auckland's forwards drove hard and deep into Wellington territory for halfback Toby Morland to set Berquist for a sharp run through a thin Wellington defence.

Berquist missed the conversion for Auckland to take a 15-6 lead into their dressing room.

The flow of the game followed similar lines in the second half with Wellington running into a brick wall defence well-marshalled by Auckland skipper Daniel Braid.

Though Berquist, who had an 82 percent success rate with his shots at goal coming into this match was not at his best in the slippery conditions tonight, he was given too many chances by Wellington.

Berquist and Sopoaga exchanged penalties to bring the score to 18-15 by the 63 minute but Wellington were caught with their hands in a ruck 10 metres out three minutes later handing Berquist an easy three-pointer which he duly accepted.

Auckland then threw the shutters up and Wellington had to be content with the one bonus point for losing within seven points.

Auckland 21 (Liaki Moli, Matt Berquist tries; Berquist 3 pen, con) Wellington 15 (Lima Sopoaga 5 pen). Halftime: 15-6.

- NZPA