Auckland win the NPC – again

Photo: Allblacks.com/Getty Images

Auckland scored seven tries without answer, but it wasn't until the final quarter that they shut a game Wellington effort out. Captain Fiao'o Fa'amausili said after the game that Wellington had them under pressure but they had confidence in their own patience and as long as they stayed composed they would have the chance to play their own game. That was how it panned out and she said attitude made champions which was crucial to her side.

Wellington captain Jackie Patea said her side came into the game with nothing to lose and prepared to throw everything they could at Auckland. "We were unlucky but I am still proud because we achieved our goal of making the final. Hopefully next year," she said.The Storm started the better, camping in Wellington's half and enjoying the bulk of possession, and were soon on the board when fullback Kiritapu Demant waltzed in to score in the 6th minute.They kicked to the corner from a penalty and attempted to work a lineout maul and then tried several close drives before moving the ball to the backs. Demant ran into the backline and her speed carried her over in the corner.Wellington fly-half Lizzie Golden landed the first of her three penalty goals, after 22 minutes but at a lineout on her own line five minutes later her clearance failed to find touch. Auckland left wing Mele Hufanga headed across field, moved the ball on and then doubled around to set up centre Theresa Fitzpatrickwho dived over in the right-hand corner to make it 10-0.

Once possession evened out, though, so did the contest. Lock Joanah Ngan-Woo, prop Noeleen Nonu and No. 8 Jackie Patea got Wellington on the front foot and five minutes into the second half Auckland were just 10-9 ahead.However, a surging run after taking a lineout ball by lock Eloise Blackwell created the drive Auckland needed and the ball was moved for Hufanga to cross out wide.

Fa'amausili then led another surge at the Wellington line and while grounded just short of the goal-line the ball emerged on Wellington's side over the line and Blackwell pounced to touch the ball down before Wellington could react. Halfback Emma Jensen had her reward for a good game when crossing in the 65th minute.The floodgates were well and truly open and Fitzpatrick cross for two more; the first after Jensen fed her into a space on the line, and then after a strong run by lock Shannon Leota.Scorers: Auckland 39 (Theresa Fitzpatrick 3, Kiritapu Demant, Mele Hufanga, Eloise Blackwell, Emma Jensen tries; Ruahei Demant 2 con) Wellington 9 (Lizzie Goulden 3 pen). HT: 10-6

Reports thanks toThe Dominion PostandAllblacks.com