It's all over at Eden Park and the home side run out for a comfortable 39 points to 19 victory over their rivals, Canterbury. When the visitors scored 3 tries without reply you thought that maybe the defending champions had a come back in their back pocket. Unfortunately for them it was no to be. Auckland refused to crumble and for 65 minutes of the match they were by far the superior team. They now lie second in the table just behind table toppers, Wellington, the team they face next week in the most crucial of encounters. As for Canterbury, they will be bitterly disappointed with their performance today. For a team of their calibre it was a quite a poor display and it now reduces their chances of a home semi final significantly. That's all from us here this evening but please tune in again soon for some more live rugby coverage!

72 minutes gone and things have dried up somewhat on the scoring front. The introduction of multiple subs looks to have disturbed the flow play here in Eden Park. No real chance for Canterbury to close the gap.

TRY AUCKLAND. The hosts strike back! What a try from George Moala, the young winger does exceptionally well to find his way across the try line, beating 3 or 4 defenders in the process. Credit must also go to the whole team though as there were some great phases of play in the build up to that try. 39-19

TRY CANTERBURY. Its Rob Thompson again in the corner after another fantastic spell of play from the away side! Great finish from Thompson and what an impact the sub has made. Mo'unga unable to add 2 more. A much healthier looking score board now for Canterbury! 32-19

TRY CANTERBURY. That's 2 trys now in a row for Canterbury, one each side of the break. The newly introduced Rob Thompson scores in the corner.

Simon Hickey gets us back underway

Half time at Eden Park and Canterbury give themselves a smidgen of hope with a try just before half time. It was all Auckland in the first half with a 4 try haul, dominating every facet of the game. Their offence was simply superb! Do the defending champions have any response in the second half? Stay tuned to find out.

TRY CANTERBURY. FInally the visitors get some points on the board! A scrum 7 metres from the Auckland line gifts Canterbury a great attacking opportunity which they grab with both hands. The ball is spinned wide to Osborne who does well to finish in the corner. Richie Mo'unga gets his first points with a well struck conversion. 32-7 just before half time.

TRY AUCKLAND. That's a bonus point try for Auckland and it's not even half time!. Kara Pryror spins off the back of the maul to cross the white wash for his team's 4th try of the game. Hickey adds 2 more. 32-0

Hickey unlucky not to add a second try to his tally after a beautiful kick forward saw the speedy fly-half out pace Milford Keresoma to the ball. The TMO however deems it a knock on over the line.25-0