KEY POINTS:
Air New Zealand Cup champs, Ranfurly Shield holders and an undefeated season. That was the vision Auckland coach Pat Lam had for Auckland rugby when he was interviewed for his position as head coach - so a jubilant Lam was feeling "good as gold" yesterday as he and forward coach Mike Casey, and assistant coach Shane Howarth gathered with the entire squad to celebrate the season.
Saturday night's win was the first time in 17 years a team has been unbeaten in the national championship.
Lam said the trophies were rewards for a lot of hard work on and off the field.
"We've worked hard to build a strong team culture, " he said, praising the team's "maturity and leadership".
The number of tries scored and wins in different game conditions reflected the "superb" attitude of the players, Lam said.
"They're a great group and this is a good send-off for the players who are leaving."
