Auckland nudge past Counties
In an uninspiring match Auckland raked up a 25-22 victory over Counties Manukau in a game riddled with penalties.
The two sides looked tired during their heavy schedule and struggled to build up any momentum in a match that was dominated by the goal-kickers.
From broken play there was one try apiece for wings George Moala and Sherwin Stowers who finished off flashes of brilliance from both sides.
However, ultimately it was the unfaltering boot of Auckland flyhalf Gareth Anscombe that made the difference and sealed the win.
Auckland 25-22 Counties Manukau
The scorers:
For Auckland:
Try: Moala
Con: Anscombe
Pens: Anscombe 6
For Counties:
Try: Stowers
Con: Kerr
Pens: Kerr 5
The teams:
Auckland: 15 Brent Ward, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Hadleigh Parkes, 12 Teddy Stanaway, 11 George Moala, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Chris Lowrey, 7 Sean Polwart, 6 Nathan Hughes, 5 Josh Townsend, 4 Steve Luatua, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 Tom McCartney (captain), 1 Tevita Mailau.
Replacements 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Pauliasi Manu, 18 Ben Masoe, 19 Sam Henwood, 20 Toby Morland, 21 Piers Francis, 22 Winston Stanley, 23 Angus Ta’avao.
Counties Manukau: 15 Tim Nanai-Williams, 14 Ahsee Tuala, 13 Reynold Lee-Lo, 12 Tasesa Lavea, 11 Sherwin Stowers, 10 Baden Kerr, 9 David Bason, 7 DJ Forbes, 8. Fritz Lee, 6 Raaymakers or Taiasina Tuifua, 5 Jamie Chipman (captain), 4 Chris McLaren, 3 Matt Talaese, 2 Grant Henson, 1 Simon Lemalu.
Replacements: 16 Mark Price, 17 Jeremiah Fatialofa, 18 Adam Cathcart, 19 Mark Selwyn, 20 August Pulu, 21 James Semple, 22 Tyrone Lefau, 23 Peter Hale.
Referee: James McPhail
