Full time at AMI stadium, and its the five time defending champions who romp home in emphatic fashion. Auckland were well in this on at half time, but in the second half this classy Canterbury side really showed their ability, with some fine offloading leading to great tries. Wellington are in great form, but this Canterbury side will surely fear no one as they aim for a sixth consecutive title. From all of us at Ultimate Rugby, thanks for following, see you next time!
TRY CANTERBURY! Block down from Poluleuligaga allows Sebastian Siataga dot down for an easy score. Bleyendahl again slots the conversion.
Lovely play from Auckland, Visinia and Poluleuligaga linking up to go close to the line, before Visinia stabs a kick through for his team mate. Heinz however wins the footrace.
TRY CANTERBURY! This one is beyond question now, Crotty getting over after taking a nice line off a wide Bleyendahl pass in the Auckland 22. Bleyendahl again is good from the conversion.
Auckland attacking well here in the Canterbury 22, Parkes and Hickey combining, but Canterbury looking solid in defence.
With Auckland on the attack Ellis poaches the ball at the breakdown, and Adam Whitelock stabs a kick down field. George Whitelock then nearly out sprints the Auckland backs to the ball, and the visitors are forced to clear to just outside their own 22.
Great defence from Canterbury, especially the pack, who show great hunger to force Hadleigh Parkes into coughing up possession with Auckland attacking well.
TRY CANTERBURY! The home side is straight back into the swing of things, Crotty making the break off a set piece, before offloading to MacNicoll who goes close. From the next ruck, George Whitelock picks and goes to go over.
Hickey gets us back underway, will Auckland be able to contain the home side this half?
TRY CANTERBURY! Nice 8-9 move from the base of the scrum, Heinz goes blind before shipping the ball inside to the supporting Manu to score. Bleyendahl cant convert the difficult conversion, his forst miss of the day.