Auckland will be very relieved to be leaving here with a win after a very close encounter. The hosts hit the ground running with 2 tries inside the first half hour and for a while Auckland looked rattled. However they showed their composure and quality in the second period with two tries of their own. They also dispalyed a great ability to close out the game too once they got themselves into the lead and in the end were deserving winners as Manawatu just ran out of fire power.

Auckland are clinging on to their 3 point lead as the clock approaches 80 minutes

Both sides come close with Auckland seeing their kick through go dead and Manawatu conceding a penalty when Gibbins got isolated from his support after making a break

Both sides are fighting desperately to get the next score which will be crucial however the match has turned into a bit of an arm wrestle and we are without a score now for almost 20 minutes

Auckland are penalised for offside at the ruck which gives the home side the chance to find touch inside the opposition's half

Both sides are looking to keep the ball in hand today as they try force the opposition into making errors and giving away penalties

Manawatu find themselves with a scrum 5 out from the Auckland line as they look to pile on the pressure

Tomasi Cama re-enters the fray after 10 minutes in the bin.

The visitors quickly follow up their first try with a second from flanker Sean Polwart who dives over from close range to suddenly give them a 3 point lead. They have really upped their game in this second half! Hickey is unsuccessful with his conversion attempt this time round

After piercing the home defence with some direct running Auckland are rewarded as second row Patrick Tuipulotu blasts through a couple of defenders to score his sides first try. Hickey adds the extra 2 points