Jade Te Rure extends the home sides lead to 9 points with a tricky kick at goal after an Auckland infringement,
not the start the second half that the visitors were looking for

Auckland start the second half as they finished the first and look dangerous with the ball however the Manawatu defence holds strong

After a blistering start which saw them score 2 tries inside the first half hour the hosts will be disappointed with their indiscipline towards the end of the half which allowed Auckland sneak back into touching distance. Only a 6 points separate the sides with all to play for now

Again Manawatu infringe and Tomasi Cama finds himself in the sin bin. Hickey converts the resulting penalty on the stroke of half time to leave 7 points between the teams

The penalties are stacking up against the hosts here as they are given their final warning from the ref. They find good field position inside the 22 from a penalty touch and look to build phases

Visinia is just held up on the line however the ref brings the visitors back for a penalty advantage. Hickey makes no mistake this time a gives his side 3 points

Auckland work their way into the Manawatu 22 but Sauileoge loses the ball forward in contact as the visitors handling errors begin to rack up however Piri Weepu wins a turnover for his team off the resulting scrum to leave them in a great attacking position inside the 22

Auckland manage to put phases together in the opposition half and are soon rewarded with a penalty for not rolling away however Hickey fails to capitalise on the opportunity as the hosts are let off the hook

Brilliant cover tackle from Lolagi Visinia to stop Stirzaker inches from the line however the ball is ripped free and Tomasi Cama pounces on the lose ball to score his sides second try. Te Rure adds the extras to give the home side a 12 point lead and a dream start to this match

Both sides are looking to keep the game flowing with both opting for quick line outs when given the opportunity. Manawatu try to keep possession inside opposition territory however turnover the ball after more than 20 phases which gives the visitors the chance to relieve the pressure