Auckland XV defeats Wellington XV in NPC warm-up match

An Auckland XV boasting a high profile coaching staff of Sir Graham Henry, Filo Tiatia and Alama Ieremia have beaten a Wellington XV 50-33 at Evans Bay Park this afternoon.

In a National Provincial Championship warm-up fixture, Auckland never trailed in an affair which featured a chance for 50 players to show their wares ahead of the actual competition which commences on August 16.

Auckland asserted their authority from the outset by stealing the ball from a ruck inside the Wellington 22, building phases and scoring a try to No.8 Hoskins Sotutu.

Hoskins is a New Zealand Under-20 selection out of Sacred Heart College, whose father Waisake was a Fijian international 

Auckland halfback Leon Fukofuka is another player with a fine pedigree. Leon’s father Tu’akalau Fukofuka propped the Togian scrum eight times.

The Auckland scrum was a source of strength for the visitors and Fukofuka profited twice from five-metre scrums moving forward. Initially he darted over on the right side, out-pacing the cover defence, then switched in the opposite direction for startlingly soft scores.

Wellington flanker Greg Foe and second-five Isaiah Petelo scored the hosts only tries of the first half. Foe scored following multi-phase construction while Petelo pierced through in the first of his series of powerful charges. 

Unfortunately the MSP veteran was yellow carded for a horizontal tackle late in the first spell which allowed Fukofuka to complete a hat-trick.

Quick hands down the short side enabled Wellington Axeman wing Ollie Sapsford to cross first after the break, reducing the deficit to 28-19.

Nine points was as close as Wellington got, Auckland the more motivated and polished outfit.

Beast centre Tumua Manu bullied over for Auckland’s fifth try while former Wellington club players Taniela Koroi (Tawa) and Salesi Raysai (Upper Hutt Rams) were full of running and both appeared on the scoresheet. Raysai made a number of breaks and could enjoy a breakthrough season this year.

Wellington's remaining tries were scored by Bruce Kauika-Petersen (Petone) and Todd Svenson (Upper Hutt Rams). The Rams wing dashed 40-metres after a dance and bust from Petelo.

The match also saw the return of Thomas Waldrom (Avalon Wolves) for the Wellington XV. Waldrom played the first half and some of the second spell before being subbed. He was typically industrious with everything he did, making several strong carries and going close to scoring a try off an attacking scrum.

Auckland starts their NPC campaign on August 18 when they hosts Counties at Eden Park. Wellington invites Otago to the Westpac Stadium the following day, a match local fans will be obliged to miss owing to the First XV Premiership final at Porirua at the same time.