Auckland 39 Counties-Manukau 5
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Auckland eventually subdued Counties-Manukau 39-5 with the help of bench players in the opening round of the Air New Zealand Cup rugby competition at Eden Park today.
All Blacks winger Doug Howlett scored three of their six tries and their 34 unanswered second-half points came after they had resorted to the reserves which included such players as Ben Atiga, Brad Mika, big halfback Taniela Moa and the powerful Onosai Tololima Auva'a.
Auva'a scored two tries and two of Howlett's tries resulted from Mika's direct involvement.
Tuitupou said he was pleased with the impact off the bench.
"It was great to see those fellows come in and make the difference," he said.
"We couldn't hold on to the ball in the first half and when we did in the second half we scored some tries.'
Ormsby said his team would get some positives from their first-half play.
"Our scrum was good, we need a bit more work in the lineouts," he said.
Howlett and the other Auckland winger David Smith looked dangerous with ball in hand.
Counties built up their game well at times, but for various reasons, including Auckland's strong defence, they were denied quick ball to test the Auckland backs.
It took Auckland 23 minutes to eventually make a mark on the scoreboard, after Nacewa had missed a penalty goal attempt in the ninth minute.
Halfback Steve Devine took a quick tap penalty, Auckland attacked left and from the next phase Devine switched their progress to the right where fullback Brent Ward joined in to put Howlett through.
Ormsby's try in the 32nd minute was a direct result of Counties' decision to pick and go through the middle. After six phases they managed to reach the Auckland 22 for the first time, and halfback Kane Hancy moved the ball right where his captain finished the move.
Both kickers missed a penalty goal attempt each in the leadup to halftime.
Though it was one-way on the scoreboard in the second half, Counties threatened Auckland's line several times when they were behind 5-27.
Hancy smashed his way through in the 66th minute but failed to ground the ball properly. Then No 8 Talasina Tuifua bulldozed through and grounding was inconclusive. Openside flanker was next over after they kept Auckland pinned down close to the line, but he was held up by Jerome Kaino.
From the ensuing five-metre scrum lock Dave Duley moved wide, took the ball and thumped it down near the corner flag but he had stepped over the touch line.
Avua'a and Howlett crossed over in the 77th and 78th minute respectively as Auckland took full control of the game and Counties' defence became non-existent.
Auckland 39 (Doug Howlett 3, Onosai Tololima Auva'a 2, Kurtis Haiu, tries; Isa Nacewa pen, Brent Ward 3 con), Counties-Manukau 5 (Kristian Ormsby try). Halftime: 5-5.
- NZPA
