Auckland battle past North Harbour in seventh round of ITM Cup - Rugby News
Auckland grabbed a hard fought victory over North Harbour in the seventh round of the ITM Cup 2011, by 29-13 on August 7 in Albany. The Auckland side was trailing by 8-13 at the end of first-half but managed well to bounce back into the game during the second-half.
They scored four tries to clinch an important victory in the ongoing event. Gareth Anscombe played a vital role in his team’s victory. He scored a brilliant try along with three conversions and one well guided penalty shot.
After trailing by 8-13, Auckland put togehter a desperate effort to overcome their opponents after the interval. The wet conditions of Albany were also a big obstacle for the Aucklanders but they had displayed a tremendous display of team-work to disrupt
the hosts, North Harbour.
North Harbour, which was rated as favourites for this particular match, started off the game nicely and put itself on board very quickly in the game. However, North Harbour could not maintain their lead until long in the match as Steven Luatua crossed the
white wash line for Auckland few minutes later in the match. The match continued at a snail’s pace until the end of the first-half and North Harbour was standing slightly ahead of Auckland with 13-8.
The second part of the match belonged to Auckland as they scored 21 unanswered points after the break. North Harbour had totally lost their momentum in the game and looked off colour in the defence lines. They provided easy chances to score for Auckland,
who were waiting for the opportunities. Chris Lowrey, George Moala and Gareth Anscombe elevated their side with one try in the second-half. Auckland finished the game with an impressive total of 29-13.
Auckland will stand toe-to-toe with Counties Manukau in their next clash of ITM Cup on August 11.
Both sides played the match with following line ups:
North Harbour: 15 Willie Walker, 14 Nafi Tuitavake, 13 Rudi Wulf, 12 Brendon Watt, 11 David Raikuna, 10 Ben Botica, 9 Chris Smylie (capt), 8 Mat Luamanu, 7 Malakai Ravulo, 6 Solomon King, 5 Filo Paulo, 4 James King, 3 Ben Afeaki, 2 James
Parsons, 1 James Afoa.
Replacements:16 Mike Mayhew, 17 Alex Woonton, 18 Irwin Finau, 19 Brent Wilson, 20 Brenton Helleur, 21 Pita Ahki, 22 Ken Pisi, 23 Taione Vea
Auckland: 15 Isaia Toeava, 14 Brent Ward, 13 Teddy Stanaway, 12 Hadleigh Parkes, 11 George Moala, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Toby Morland, 8 Chris Lowrey, 7 Sean Polwart, 6 Nathan Hughes, 5 Steven Luatuam, 4 Josh Katene, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2
Tom McCartney (c), 1 Pauliasi Manu.
Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Tevita Mailau, 18 Liaki Moli, 19 Ben Masoe, 20 Alby Mathewson, 21 Piers Francis, 22 Joe Rokocoko, 23 Angus Ta'avao.
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