In a rivalry that dates back to the origins of rugby in Aotearoa, the Auckland Gulls faced off against Canterbury at Eden Park in the National Provincial Premiership (NPC), brought to you by Bunnings Warehouse.

The match was a closely contested battle that went down to the wire, with Canterbury emerging victorious by a narrow margin of 27-21. 

Despite not scoring a single penalty, Auckland fought hard, but Canterbury's five penalties by first-five eight James White proved the difference.

Auckland's forwards dominated early on, pushing Canterbury back to their try line through powerful scrums and line-out mauls. 

However, Canterbury managed to take the lead in the first 35 minutes thanks to two penalties from White. 

Auckland responded with a try from rugby legend Christian Leali’ifano, set up by a linebreak from the formidable winger Lolagi Visinia, and successfully converted by Xavi Taele.

Just before halftime, Canterbury struck back with a try from Jone Rona (conversion White), leaving the halftime score at Auckland 7 - 11 Canterbury.

The second half saw Canterbury quickly extend their lead with a penalty in the 43rd minute. 

Auckland then regained momentum with a rolling maul, allowing Kemara Hauiti-Parapara to offload Nigel Ah Wong on the wing for a try. 

Taele's impressive sideline conversion sent the crowd, still buzzing from the Auckland Secondary Schools 1B and 1A finals, into a frenzy.

Ah Wong made his presence felt not only by scoring but also by delivering big hits on Canterbury players throughout the match. 

Later in the half, Canterbury's Daniel Lienert-Brown managed a rare try, which was converted by White.

Auckland fought back with some slick passing, culminating in Tito-Harris breaking through tackles and offloading to Hauiti-Kemapara for his first try in the Blue and White Hoops, converted again by Taele.

Despite Auckland's late surge and relentless pressure in Canterbury's 22-meter line, they fell just short, with the final score reading Auckland 21 - 27 Canterbury.

Auckland
Tries: C.Leali’ifano, N.Ah Wong & Hauiti-Kemapara.
Conversions: X.Taele (3)

Canterbury 
Tries: J.Rova & D.Lienert-Brown
Conversions: J.White
Penalties: J.White (5)
 
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Article added: Saturday 24 August 2024