Both teams took the field for the first time in the 2010 Nationals for the kick-off round.
Auckland were quick to score the first touchdown of the half from their first set of six touches, through #3 Wiremu Neho.
Auckland #6 Sherwin Stowers crossed the try line again hot on the heels of their opening try through a scoop and long pass; NZDF’s defence were unable to cover the gap created on the wing. Score line 2-0 to Auckland.
Individual skill from Auckland #6 Sherwin Stowers once again saw him touchdown for his second try of the game.
Auckland were looking to go out to a four-try lead when a referee call disallowed the touchdown calling the attacking player as touched prior to ball down. Score line remained at 3-0 with 9 minutes of the first half to go.
NZDF #10 Levi Kissick-Ponga through a show of speed broke the Auckland line but was unable to link up with a player to off-load too.
With 3 minutes of the first half left to go Auckland #14 Derrick Lalotoa did a fake pass and low dive to score the final touchdown of the first half. Half time score 4-0.
Second half saw the first touchdown being scored by NZDF #1 Kelsey Tayor, breaking their drought and putting them on the scoreboard.
Auckland took control of the second half, holding out NZDF for the remainder of the game whilst scoring four more tries to #3 Wiremu Neho (2) , #6 Sherwin Stowers and #2 Kamrin Repia.
The final score was 8-1 to Auckland.
Last Modified on 04/03/2010 16:53
